Chorley 'U-Boat' opens to visitors
1:09pm Monday 23rd May 2011 in News
TOURISM BOOST- the canal U-Boat
Chorley’s canal “U-Boat” is set to become a tourist attraction after its owners opened it up to visitors.
The U-8047 trust are mooring the boat close to Botany Bay.
A trial public viewing period from noon-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays has seen around 100 visit each weekend.
The U-Boats’s owner Capt. Richard Williams, said: “We will be continuing to open throughout the summer.
“Admission for children is free whilst adults have the option to pay £1 donation if they like.
“Later in the year we hope to be able to take free school trips on board and provide four-person chargeable adventure tours to cover the costs of the project.”
The craft comes complete with a turret, periscope, torpedo bay and ‘stealth’ paintwork.
The converted narrowboat, which contrary to its external appearance, cannot submerge, is kitted out with hi-tech, futuristic set props produced by a company who have worked on Doctor Who, the Star Wars films, Tomb Raider and the last two Bond films.
The sub is kitted out inside with airlock doors, a periscope and 360 degree video monitors which enable it to be steered from the inside.
There are also authentic sonar and radar systems, infra -red emergency lighting and storage for dummy torpedoes in the sleeping quarters.
Its registration number, emblazoned on the turret is U-8047, which appears to read U-BOAT.
uboater says...
7:48pm Mon 23 May 11