SL Walkin' Belle is For Sale
Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 12:07 pm
SBA colleague Howard Bentham wishes to sell his walking beam engine launch. I know that this form of engine is of interest to many Members of this forum and, given the state of the exchange rate of the GB Pound with the US dollar and Euro, importing the launch from the UK would not be prohibitively expensive. The price is really too low for such a launch in my opinion. For any US buyer Liverpool to Wilmington and Southampton to New Jersey are possible RORO routes. For friends in the EU life is very simple with easy Channel Crossings. Howard is currently investigating shipping costs to the US in case anybody is interested. The details of the launch are given below:
"The late David King, of Suffield, Norfolk, was a much respected and internationally known 'man of steam' whose distinctive products included launch boilers and sets of castings for single cylinder launch engines, complete 10.25" gauge steam locomotives, possibly more than one steam car and a number of interesting paddle launches.
He built at least two unique stern wheelers and this side wheel steamer, all with machinery inspired by traditional American practice. 'Walkin' Belle', built 1994-97, has a 'walking beam' engine fitted into an aluminium hull and was last steamed by current owner Howard Bentham in March 2015.
Hull: an ex-MoD 1950s riveted aluminium unit, 176" long, 66" beam. It has twin rudders, wheel steering and removable paddle boxes and paddles, which stow in the hull for towing.
Boiler: is a coal-fired, finned-drum horizontal boiler 10" diameter by 20" long. It runs at 80 psi. David developed these finned boilers after many years of producing his well-known 'Newton Coil' type. They are effective steam raisers and he used one in his Austin 7-based steam car.
Auxiliaries: There is an injector, a 10 watt steam generator and a steam kettle.
Engine: a non-condensing double beam built to David King's own design and running at approx. 45 rpm.
Trailer etc.: She is on a 'Freewheel UK' twin axle galvanised trailer and is being sold with an extensive collection of tools specific to her engine, a log of every occasion when steamed, a full length canvas cover, life jackets etc.; and there are two old style video tapes of its construction.
The original owner reported that the cost of the engine alone was in excess of £20,000.
Howard says: "I acquired 'Walkin' Belle' from the Wallace family. I recommissioned her and used her extensively on the River Weaver, until the launch site in Northwich closed".
"Since 2015 she has been laid up under cover with an electric heater in the firebox. She's not beautiful nor fast, but she is enormous fun, and unique. The engine, with its beams, connecting rods and shaft is a mechanical delight. I have greatly enjoyed owning and using 'Walkin' Belle', but now no longer have the time to give her the exercise and attention she deserves".
Price: Sensible Offers over £3,500 considered.
Contact: Howard Bentham. (Antrobus, Cheshire)
If you are interested please send a PM to Pete Cuthbert (PeteThePen1) and I will put you in contact with Howard.