Secret Room 2 ....... "Nazi Bunker"
Discussion
A few more pictures....
Dave trying to film today.
The hat he's wearing is actually quite cool, its a hard-hat disguised as a baseball cap.
He shot some with the bulb, and some with "night vision". Afterwards he went home to edit the footage, but no word from him yet.
Updates on what we've decided to do next later.
Dave trying to film today.
The hat he's wearing is actually quite cool, its a hard-hat disguised as a baseball cap.
He shot some with the bulb, and some with "night vision". Afterwards he went home to edit the footage, but no word from him yet.
Updates on what we've decided to do next later.
Word has arrived from Dave....
first footage of the tunnel entrance now on youtube..
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_JixNMedjhU
;)
first footage of the tunnel entrance now on youtube..
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_JixNMedjhU
;)
Evening everyone!
Just a few details to update. I mentioned earlier that I'd been talking to the diggermen today. It seems that I've reached the precipice insofar as continuing this quest goes....
Let me explain...
In order to reach the tunnel entrance, I need to either move or pulverise the boulder (marked B above).
I'm told that to purchase a boulder like it would be very expensive. That together with a wave of nostalgia is suggesting I should try and keep it. However, to move it safely, I'm told I realistically need a bigger digger. Unfortunately, the one i've got is about the biggest one that I can fit in the entrance to my house and up the driveway!
Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of excavating the area marked red on the diagram, and rolling the boulder there. The diggermen said that because the area marked blue is essentially loose rocks, any excavation of the red area may well cause the whole of the blue area to collapse
In fact, they advised that digging down to the floor level of tunnel may precipitate the same result
What we've decided is to try one last time to move the boulder. If we can't it'll probably have to be "minimised".
We'll then clear gently to allow enough room for someone to go inside the tunnel entrance and do a recce. If it is structurally sound and large enough to make it a worthwhile space, then we'll weigh up what to do about access and any shoring up issues.
However, perhaps the biggest blow to the project is that Dave won't be able to make it tomorrow, and has in fact excused himself for several days
Some might think it is because Dave, a notoriously modest guy, has decided to shun his unexpectant thrust into the limelight with his pole and light. The reality is that he is off on a quick pre-arranged holiday 
Not to worry, there will be others in attendance with heavy plant.
Just a few details to update. I mentioned earlier that I'd been talking to the diggermen today. It seems that I've reached the precipice insofar as continuing this quest goes....
Let me explain...
In order to reach the tunnel entrance, I need to either move or pulverise the boulder (marked B above).
I'm told that to purchase a boulder like it would be very expensive. That together with a wave of nostalgia is suggesting I should try and keep it. However, to move it safely, I'm told I realistically need a bigger digger. Unfortunately, the one i've got is about the biggest one that I can fit in the entrance to my house and up the driveway!
Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of excavating the area marked red on the diagram, and rolling the boulder there. The diggermen said that because the area marked blue is essentially loose rocks, any excavation of the red area may well cause the whole of the blue area to collapse
In fact, they advised that digging down to the floor level of tunnel may precipitate the same result
What we've decided is to try one last time to move the boulder. If we can't it'll probably have to be "minimised".
We'll then clear gently to allow enough room for someone to go inside the tunnel entrance and do a recce. If it is structurally sound and large enough to make it a worthwhile space, then we'll weigh up what to do about access and any shoring up issues.
However, perhaps the biggest blow to the project is that Dave won't be able to make it tomorrow, and has in fact excused himself for several days
Some might think it is because Dave, a notoriously modest guy, has decided to shun his unexpectant thrust into the limelight with his pole and light. The reality is that he is off on a quick pre-arranged holiday Not to worry, there will be others in attendance with heavy plant.
Edited by CY88 on Saturday 7th June 22:45
Stout said:
I'm not a terribly big fan of Mazdas myself
CY88, would a local library perhaps hold old maps from those times, it might give an insight into what was built on the ground previously.
Hi Stout. Welcome to PH. Believe me I've done a lot of research before hand - i assume you saw the wartime aerials? - they were fairly difficult to obtain. I've been told lots of stories about the history of the house, including that it was a canteen for various nearby troop billets during the war. CY88, would a local library perhaps hold old maps from those times, it might give an insight into what was built on the ground previously.
In answer to what someone on your site posted, the height and width of the tunnel appears perfectly adequate to drive a van into. I don't know how long it is and what happens out of sight?
I apologise for not answering everyone who's directed questions - its actually quite difficult to keep up.
Just been outside and the weather is perfect for it. 
Things are going to start happening soon, and once the air is alive with the sound of diesel engines, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to have a chance to update.
Dave is demanding regular calls to his mobile as well!
I need to focus now
Things are going to start happening soon, and once the air is alive with the sound of diesel engines, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to have a chance to update.
Dave is demanding regular calls to his mobile as well!
I need to focus now
Many of you will be wondering over the plight of our rotund friend, the Boulder. I'm afraid the news is not good. After much umming and arhhing, we decided that the "Ball of Doom" would be broken up and removed. If anyone is interested I have the bits, some still relatively huge, others very very tiny .
There was a brief moment once the "mini-hammer" had been attached to the digger arm, and we found that the air pressure was not working, that we almost thought we heard a sigh of relief from the big old rock, but once the valves were opened, there was no turning back. Like a dentist attacking plaque, diggerman turned up the music, aimed, and got to work....
I actually took a video of the "primary cut", so you can see the wrath of the mini-hammer in action, but that will have to wait.
The tractor earns its keep...
.There was a brief moment once the "mini-hammer" had been attached to the digger arm, and we found that the air pressure was not working, that we almost thought we heard a sigh of relief from the big old rock, but once the valves were opened, there was no turning back. Like a dentist attacking plaque, diggerman turned up the music, aimed, and got to work....
I actually took a video of the "primary cut", so you can see the wrath of the mini-hammer in action, but that will have to wait.
The tractor earns its keep...
With the mini-hammer retired, diggerman got back to work...
Dave phoned at this point from the airport to ask about the Boulder. Rather than spoil his holiday, I lied that it was tucked up safe near the lawn and that would be there for him on his return.
Richard spotting for today.
Pete the tractorman standing well back
A moment after this picture, Richard shouts at diggerman to stop....
He's noticed a cavity opening up somewhere we weren't expecting.....
In front of the tunnel entrance, under where the Boulder was keeping sentinel, we encounter a second obstacle!!!!!!!
Richard tentatively investigates
It appears that the path of the digger is now blocked by a second new undergrown chamber, this time full of what appears to be water. A grapefruit sized boulder topples into the hole with a worryingly deep "Plop".
We set about debating what we've stumbled on now!
Dave phoned at this point from the airport to ask about the Boulder. Rather than spoil his holiday, I lied that it was tucked up safe near the lawn and that would be there for him on his return.
Richard spotting for today.
Pete the tractorman standing well back
A moment after this picture, Richard shouts at diggerman to stop....
He's noticed a cavity opening up somewhere we weren't expecting.....
In front of the tunnel entrance, under where the Boulder was keeping sentinel, we encounter a second obstacle!!!!!!!
Richard tentatively investigates
It appears that the path of the digger is now blocked by a second new undergrown chamber, this time full of what appears to be water. A grapefruit sized boulder topples into the hole with a worryingly deep "Plop".
We set about debating what we've stumbled on now!
At this point I must admit I was slightly downheartened. Having destroyed the boulder in order to crack on, the thought of having broken into an old septic tank or the drains was sickening.
However, after prodding around inside the not-so-smelly-at-all water with a long stick, we found that the chamber was only about 4ft square. Looking at the old photos, and knowing where the house drains were, we decided that what we had inadvertently broken into was most probably a water tank for the tunnel, which would have allowed a tap to be located at the entrance - well, sounded sensible to us. Diggerman said "lets cover it up and press on" and we agreed, noted where to avoid any digging for the rest of the day.
The whole of the area around the entrance is full of broken rocks that had fallen from the quarry overhead. Diggermen drove in to push a few to the back
Now we can start going down
However, after prodding around inside the not-so-smelly-at-all water with a long stick, we found that the chamber was only about 4ft square. Looking at the old photos, and knowing where the house drains were, we decided that what we had inadvertently broken into was most probably a water tank for the tunnel, which would have allowed a tap to be located at the entrance - well, sounded sensible to us. Diggerman said "lets cover it up and press on" and we agreed, noted where to avoid any digging for the rest of the day.
The whole of the area around the entrance is full of broken rocks that had fallen from the quarry overhead. Diggermen drove in to push a few to the back
Now we can start going down
Edited by CY88 on Sunday 8th June 15:15
okay... about to upload one quickly...because its all happening
we had such big plans for when we finally had enough room to get in....
some of its on video....
but ultimately it all boiled down to who was in the right place at the right time... namely who was nearest the door
forget masks and whips!
Richard and Pete just happened to be nearest............ and we couldn't hold them back
we had such big plans for when we finally had enough room to get in....
some of its on video....
but ultimately it all boiled down to who was in the right place at the right time... namely who was nearest the door
forget masks and whips!
Richard and Pete just happened to be nearest............ and we couldn't hold them back
Hi folks. Back at the keyboard. Just spent some time tidying up and trying to fence off the entrance for safety. We had to dig a good 10 foot deep hole, and the surrounding rock is very loose. I hope it doesn't rain. Also a few people came round to have a look.
Right, where do I start. The tunnel (because that's what we now know it is) is definitely real. No photoshopping here
ETA: that's Mrs88 having a look
It's over 8 feet in diameter, and around 60 odd feet long. Its completely underground, apart from the opening we dug. No there wasn't any vintage mercedes or luftwaffe uniforms.
There were paint pots
(well, tar pots infact). No carpet though! There was genuine german WW2 barb wire (as someone spotted). There was also various stuff we couldn't recognise. We haven't taken anything out, or gone through it with a fine tooth comb.
There wasn't any gold bars visible to the naked eye , but then I put this into perspective by reminding myself that there is a 60 tunnel under the garden!
Oh, and did I mention there appears to be a false floor in part of it?
Pictures uploading....
Right, where do I start. The tunnel (because that's what we now know it is) is definitely real. No photoshopping here
ETA: that's Mrs88 having a look
It's over 8 feet in diameter, and around 60 odd feet long. Its completely underground, apart from the opening we dug. No there wasn't any vintage mercedes or luftwaffe uniforms
. There were paint pots
(well, tar pots infact). No carpet though! There was genuine german WW2 barb wire (as someone spotted). There was also various stuff we couldn't recognise. We haven't taken anything out, or gone through it with a fine tooth comb. There wasn't any gold bars visible to the naked eye
, but then I put this into perspective by reminding myself that there is a 60 tunnel under the garden! Oh, and did I mention there appears to be a false floor in part of it?
Pictures uploading....
Edited by CY88 on Sunday 8th June 22:20
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