Paddle Steamer Bristol Queen

>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=zhGUi0mG5sw

Paddle Steamer Bristol Queen was built by Charles Hill and Sons of Bristol. At 961 Gross registered Tonnes, she was the largest Paddle Steamer to grace the Bristol Channel. She measured at 244.7 ft x 31.2 ft and her boiler was oil fired from the outset which required her to have two funnels. • Bristol Queen was fitted with a Triple Expansion Steam Engine, 2,700 indicated horse power (2,014kW) built by Rankin Blackmore, Eagle Foundry, Greenock in1946. Cylinders, 27″, 42″ and 66″, Length of Stroke 66 . Engine number 517. • Bristol Queen was launched with a bottle Bristol Cream Sherry (which failed to break at the first attempt), on 4 April 1946 by Lady Mayoress of Bristol J Owen. She undertook sea trials on the 7th September 1946 where she achieved a maximum speed of 19.4 knots.Her Maiden Voyage was from Bristol to Ilfracombe on Saturday 14th September 1946. • In this short clip from 1964, TV reporter Terry Fleet joins Bristol Queen for a short cruise and reports on his journey from Cardiff to Weston-super-Mare. • During the brief crossing, there is a short interview with the Managing Director of P A Campbell Limited, Mr Sidney Clifton Smith Cox (minus his famous Trilby hat he was so often seen wearing). He gives a brief history of the company and its plans for the future. • As we see the Bristol Queen sweep into the landing stage at Cardiff, we can spot the small rowing boat collecting the canting rope used to assist with Bristol Queens departure. • A good crowd waits to board and the ship’s crew take the opportunity to top up on the catering stores. • We then see Bristol Queen, under the Command of Captain Jack George, cant the ship round and head out of Cardiff Bay. With a generous crowd onboard the steamer heads for Weston-super-Mare. • We are treated to superb views of Bristol Queens Triple Expansion Steam Reciprocating Engine, under the charge of Chief Engineer Reg Neath and are given an excellent view of her mighty paddle wheels churning up the Bristol Channel. • As well as views of the steamer at sea, we are given a brief glimpse of Bristol Queens silver service dining saloon and forward cafeteria/bar. • Bristol Queen was the last ship in service to have been built for Bristol Channel work. • During the “Lean Years”, Bristol Queen was laid up at the end of the 1958 season and did not resume active service until the 1961 season. • This was a period of financial reconstruction for P A Campbell Limited, who were going through the most turbulent period in their long history. • On the 26th August 1967, while departing Barry, Bristol Queen suffered catastrophic damage to her starboard paddle wheel. She limped back to Cardiff under her own power but at a much restricted speed. • Sadly, she was immediately withdrawn from operational service and was never to carry passengers again. • As it dawned that Bristol Queen had no operational future, there was speculation about her future as a preserved static exhibit, possible in the city of her building, Bristol. • Unfortunately Bristol Queen was not saved. The era of preservation had not yet arrived and so she was sold to Belgian ship breakers. • Paddle Steamer Bristol Queen departed Cardiff and the Bristol Channel for the last time on the 21st March 1968, for Willebroek in Holland under the tow of German Tug Fairplay XI. • Why not join the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society today-new members are always welcome. • For full details visit https://www.paddlesteamers.org/join/

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