A Trip on the Thames

MTA · A Trip on the Thames

For my Dad's 60th (yes, he is that old...) we organised a trip on a steam launch over a short stretch of the Thames.

We went from Marlow, sailing away from London to do an about turn at a Lock then return.

The boat was made in 1883 and is named 'Alaska'. The engine is a Seaking with twin double-acting cylinders, it was very quite when running which surprised me a little!

It wasn't very stable, there were 35 people on board and if there was too much weight on one side it would list!

I just thought you might like to see some pics:

I had to feel sorry for the guy who was firing, to get in and out he had to put his foot on one of the cylinders then try to find a step

And getting out he almost always went overboard!

The engine was being fired on little cylinders of compacted wood (think big food pellets!), with 1.8 tonnes of the stuff costing £200

The engine was only running on 30psi, which I thought was quite impressive.

However, sitting in my chair which can lean backwards and forwards I'm starting to feel the rolling motion again

For more info, visit these websites:

http://www.thames-steamers.co.uk/

http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/Alaska.html

rangerssteamtoys

Very cool, Steam boats are not plentiful where I live. When I say a steam engine they think a locomotive.

johnreid

Cool, and pass on belated Birthday wishes to him also.

James

Wow, what a great present!

Looks grand mate!

Minor1PJG

Looks like you missed a chance to wear your top hat and tails on that boat !!

Many Happy Returns to MTA Sr.

MTA

igy569

Excellent! I say steam engine, and I get the same reaction as Ranger, they think I am talking about trains.

Happy belated and all. Good way to spend a day!!

CCairns

Very interesting, and thanks for posting the photos Si.

For my father's 65th birthday I organised a day out on the PS Waverley doon the Clyde, including bringing one of my brothers & his wife up from Plymouth which my father was unaware of until he met them on the Waverley.

Sandman

Great stuff Si.

bessytractor

excellent stuff, very interesting for me as I work on the Thames (assistant lock keeper).

The dutch barge in the 4th picture moors in the same Marina my Grandad keeps his boat.

I travelled a short way on Alaska, she is a beautiful old thing! Dead quiet and very smooth running, and with a brilliant hooter!

Dauntless

wow!! Simon that looks great!

better than the Diesels I've been on when holidaying on the Norfolk Broads!

great stuff

Paul

Atticman

Thanks for posting Si, lovely present as well.

The steam gondola on Lake Coniston is similarly steam , but smaller and likewise, the engine is soooooo quiet.