Is anyone in the forum in possession of "The Empire Ships" by Mitchell & Sawyer (1990), and if so, would it be possible to transcribe the text or take a photo of the page reg. british-built Ferro-Concrete Barges (FCB) ?

It could possibly be page 365, which is listed as "Concrete Ships", although these are barges.

The google preview lists this text:

"Except for bow and stern shapes, the concrete slabs were of standard shape and size, 7 ft X 3 ft X ... Wates Ltd., Barrow-in-Furness, were major builders of these prefabricated barges; others were produced by Grays Ferrocrete Company,"

I hope that a larger excerpt has the information I'm trying to determine - Which different types of ferro barges were constructed during WWII.

I have currently identified three different types:

Stem-headed type - for use on inland canals (Mostly Manchester Ship Canal). Mostly manufactored by Wates in Barrow-on-Furness, Square Strakes. I believe these to have been named FCB <number>. At least 241 produced.

Swim-headed type - for more troubled waters. Manufactured in Hull or London, Diagonal Strakes. I believe these to have been named FB <number>. At least 230 produced.

PB200 (Petrol Barge, 200 tons) - This seems to have been stem-headed types with a lid on them, and many have been rebuilt as houseboats. Square Strakes. Possibly 181 produced, unsure where, likely Barrow.

But there is very little hard information about the background and construction of these, as ubiquitous as they are around estuaries in Britain.

I'm very grateful for all comments and further information on these!

Br.
Erlend Bonderud