Chapter 5 Phase 3
Digging the tunnel
The vertical down shaft followed by a horizontal tube tunnel allows the defenders to construct a noose arm lock on point (see ch16-noose arm lock on). At this point you will begin digging the tunnel proper. You'll require a long pointed rod , a small shovel, a brick hammer,a spirit level,a club hammer and possibly a few smaller buckets. Entrenching tools may seem ideal as they have a screw lock mechanism allowing the user to change from shovel to pick. They are however not highly recommended as the majority of them don't last very long. Either the screw mechanism gets cluttered with dirt or it breaks after only a few days use. The steel rod and brick hammer are much cheaper more robust alternatives.
Like Marmite and coach travel you either love digging or you hate it. Some people hate the monotony of hammering away at an earth wall for hours on end. There are others who see digging as an escape from lifes complications and find the sheer simplicity of digging almost therapeutic. While a brick hammer can be used on all types of soil. A heavier club hammer with a long or short bolster is useful on clay and harder soil. Clay forms into layers removing the bottom layer will cause the upper layer to fall in. Create a deep ledge on the tunnel face with the hammer and bolster below the clay you wish removed then cut another ledge a foot or so above it. The clay should then fall out in large lumps.
When digging allow at least 5 feet from the entrance of the tunnel before considering placing a door this is to accommodate the legs of a person positioned in the arm noose lock on . To protect this persons legs the first five feet should also be shored (see below)
Using both arms the steel rod can prove useful for thrusting at rock or soil that proves difficult or time consuming to move with the brick hammer. As well as sharpening the end it might be an idea to wrap masking tape around the rod to provide grip. Before you begin digging its important you make sure someone is aware you're going underground. They should come and exchange friendly verbal abuse with you half an hour maximum intervals to see if you are all right. Never let a fellow protester do any digging alone who's extremely intoxicated on drink or drugs. For the sake of one fool everyone will worry needlessly.
Phase 2 Shoring the down shaft
Phase 5 Constructing and erecting shoeing
e-mail the author with your comments