How I remember the old chip heater. The mornings were always freezing of course and the wait for the hot water to arrive was made worse by the chill. I always felt sorry for the cows during those winter months as our hands must have felt like ice blocks on their nether regions. The chip heater was supposed to be lit prior to milking, but Murphy's law often prevailed. Thanks god the stove was always simmering away. I can still taste the burnt toast that hung off the long wire fork over the fire.
Gadge, I have had some in depth discussions with a friend who is a retired master plumber, about how to rig up hot water to this AGA, but I think the trouble to do so would outweigh any benefits - & you are completely correct, vermiculite is to be the insulating material with a ceramic blanket over the top and the sides that will be exposed in the rebuild. The diatomaceous earth has been added to the various gardens and back lawn (which has suffered somewhat in our summer heat) as it has been removed from the cooker. It's amazing how much moisture that stuff holds onto
John A
