The Steamboating Forum

What's next Pete; curtains for the cabin?

Hi Folks

Thanks for all the supportive comments.

Yes, Mike, curtains for the cabin are on the 'to do' list along with the wash hand basin unit which will tuck into the right hand forward corner of the cabin. I also need to find/fabricate a proper latch for the cabin doors. I am currently using a window latch which was to hand when needed, but cannot be opened from the inside!

Got home from Coniston and found that the bung was still in my pocket. Hope Greg can get hold of a champagne cork or similar for the test launch!

Regards

Pete

The more I look the more detail shows up ! Incredable work. Did you do the caning on the salon seat back? Den

That is a very clever setup Pete. I've often wondered if it would be feasible to do something like that on a launch. Beautiful.

Hi Den and friends

The seat back frame in the photos is actually not the one that I was intending to use. I made a rectangular mahogany frame, drilled and chanelled it and began weaving the cane back. It is not difficult in theory, and the instructions in the Ladies' Handicraft Guide of the 1920s that I kept propped open to hand, had about four different patterns from which to choose. The only special tool needed was a straightened wire coathanger to 'open' a space for the reed. I also used a big packet of wooden golf tees to act as wedges. Obviously, as the pattern builds the weave gets tighter and tighter.

However, by the time I had three quareters completed the job, I was given a seat back from a steam canoe. It was way too large but had a nice curved shape which everybody agreed was nicer than my rectangular shape. So, I cut it down, repaired the damage and that is what you see in the photos. The cane is 'fake' in that it is a pre manufactured sheet that is trimmed to fit However, the overall effect if excellent.

Regards

Pete

Dear Friends

It is probably time for another update, so here are some photos. The "good news" [Edit - not sure where the wacky link came from] is that Frances Ann floats the right way up and reasonably trimmed fore and aft. Today we moved her from the public jetty at Coniston Water where she had been put directly after test launching to the rear of the SL Gondola jetty. The weather was only light rain and a strong breeze so there are some stills and a tiny bit of video...


Moored on the Public Jetty


Moving from the jetty to the beach


On the beach waiting for a calm water space on the jetty to remove the cabin


Quick profile before removing the cabin

Click this to animate! (I have not discovered how you folks embed videos...)

Resting quietly behind SL Gondola's jetty

Greg has fitted and leak tested the condenser tubes and is now ready to get to work on the rest of the 'plumbing' subject to time and weather.

Regards

Pete

Subject to water conditions I should think. A tad 'brisk' that, for working on!

Can't be long now Pete, before your coaling the bunkers.

CONGRATULATIONS Pete! It's worth it.

Ron

Congrats Pete! What a glorious achievement!

Pete,

I much enjoyed your article in the latest Steamboating Magazine.

Quite the quest you've had!