The picture above shows a shining new Dubbs Cracking Plant. Now a rusted unused hulk of iron, pipe and lagging with only memories of the good times left, it was last in service as 6 & 9 Topping. It is here that I served most of my LRO (Learner Refinery Operator) training back in the early/mid-sixties. Met lots of nice people and gained a number of super experiences. I remember the Wilson Schneider adjustable speed charge pumps, and the morning that the overhead box condenser sprang a leak and the straight-run gasoline floating on the top of the cooling water flashed across from the heaters.......ever seen a guy running with his bike on his shoulder because the back wheel was locked.......before the big early morning bang this gauger was one of those "take a step now and take one later" types....two speeds......dead stop and reverse.....the fire sure got him going though!!! No one was hurt thank goodness and we got it all put out in about half an hour with no major damage.

Down to Forest Reserve where this lovely wooden derrick once stood. At the time its great height and elegant lines must have invoked pride in all who worked there. Now it can be shrugged-off as being backward and nowhere near as efficient and portable as the new aircraft tubular steel derricks presently in use. Typical of the changes in our life, no time to stop and smell the flowers now...everything light, fast and efficient, and continuously improving. Back then speed was less of an issue, and pride in what you did was more important than rushing around looking good.

My guess is that this is No. 2 Topping, standing close to where I worked in power Station "A" in what was known as the North Area. Also now a rusty unused hulk like the Dubbs, waiting for the breaker's hammer and cutting torch it stands lonely only able to contemplate better times. We used to share a bunker fuel oil supply with them and supplied them steam and compressed air in return. Note the little conical hat on the top of the stack (steel chimney) to stop rain from getting down inside.....haven't used those for many many years.

Thanks again to Richard Dolman for these lovely pics of the 30s and 40s.