First World War 'dope shop', Stow Maries Aerodrome, Cold Norton (EHER 81730)

A three-bay building connected to the south end of the workshop (EHER 81729) by a small link block. It appears to have functioned as the 'dope shop'; dope was a nitrate cellulose coating used on the canvas aircraft wings and fuselages to tighten the fabric and render it splashproof. Quite how the building was used is uncertain: clearly it was not possible to take complete aircraft inside it. A small outshot projects at the north end of the west elevation and contains a brick-case boiler, but it is not known whether the boiler was used in the preparation of the dope or as a central heating boiler for the dope shop and workshop combined.

1997. RCHME field survey. This three-bay building forms an annexe to the large workshop (EHER 81729) adjoining to the north and appears to have functioned as the 'dope shop'. Dope was based on nitrate cellulose and was applied to the canvas covering of aircraft wings and fuselages, and likewise to any repairs of the fabric which became necessary. Dope tightened the fabric and rendered it splashproof before a finishing coat of varnish was applied. Quite how the building was used is uncertain: clearly it was not possible to take complete aircraft inside it. The main part of the building, which is gabled north/south, measures 10.31 by 6.37 metres on plan and consists of a single room. A small link block connects with the workshops. A small outshot (2.7 x 2.4 metres) projects at the north end of the west elevation. Formerly with a slate roof, of which a few fragments remain, the outshot contains a brick-cased boiler to which access was gained from the west by double iron doors, cast with the maker's name (rusted and illegible). There are long ventilation slots low down in the north and south walls and a low doorway in the north wall gives access to the east side of the boiler. An iron flue, now partially collapsed, rises from the boiler. Dope was highly inflammable, which may explain the position of the boiler. It is not known whether the boiler was used in the preparation of the dope or as a central heating boiler for the dope shop and workshop combined. At the time of survey the building was in use for the storage of molassed sugar beet, which may have obscured surviving details of internal arrangements. In the centre of the south wall there is a low blocked opening associated with an internal channel, now filled in with concrete. On the external gable the opening is associated with what looks like the base of a large stack, but may perhaps have been the base for a water tank. The roof structure resembles that of the workshop (EHER 81729). The trusses consist of a tie beam, principal rafters, raked queen struts, an iron king-rod or suspension rod and passing braces rising to the principals from brick corbels on the internal brick piers. The tie beams are scarfed at mid-span and strengthened by a straining piece between the queen struts. The queen struts and passing braces consist of paired plank-section timbers; the former are nailed over the tie beams and principals while the latter are bolted. The passing braces are in addition secured by iron ties at the foot, while the principals are stirruped at the foot and have a bolted yoke at the apex. Asbestos sheets nailed to the underside of the roof boarding may be an original feature designed to minimise the risk of fire, but the present roof covering of corrugated asbestos is probably secondary, given the fragments of Welsh slate associated with the boiler house. <1> April 2012. Grade II* listed. Plan: A three bay rectangular structure. Exterior: This small building, linked to the workshop, was probably used for the storage of dope, a compound based on nitrate cellulose applied to the canvas covering of aircraft wings and fuselages, tightening the fabric and rendering it splash-proof. It, too, has been restored by encasement. There is a door in the south elevation with a rebuilt chimney to its left. Interior: Not inspected. <2> The building is depicted on the 3rd edition OS map. <2>