Paddle Steamer Alexander Arbuthnot - 10HP

A special section just for steam engines and boilers, as without these you may as well fit a sail.
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cyberbadger
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Paddle Steamer Alexander Arbuthnot - 10HP

Post by cyberbadger » Wed Feb 02, 2022 11:24 pm

I had thought before, why not take a steam traction engine, and throw it on a boat?

I just found an example of exactly this!

A "Portable" steam engine is a precursor to the Steam Traction engine. Because they weren't self propelled, horses usually towed them to work locations.

They took a 10 hp Ruston and Hornsby Portable Steam Engine and threw it onto a barge! :D 8-)

Published by youtube user "Peter Little" on Aug 4, 2019
Murray River Paddle Steamers
A recent trip on the PS Alexander Arbuthnot from Port Echuca along the Murray River. The PS Alexander Arbuthnot was built as a barge in 1916 and converted to a paddle steamer in 1923. She is powered by a 10 hp Ruston and Hornsby Steam Engine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gyT8okcBq0

Not that's 10 HP! Look at the boat move....

-CB
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barts
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Re: Paddle Steamer Alexander Arbuthnot - 10HP

Post by barts » Wed Feb 02, 2022 11:42 pm

I've heard of the expression 'a bit agricultural' when it comes to pragmatic boat design, and this is an excellent example of just that :).

Nice video - thanks!

- Bart
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Bart Smaalders http://smaalders.net/barts Lopez Island, WA
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