Dear all,
I have been asked, on behalf of the MQPS Committee, to update everyone on what will be happening to the MEDWAY QUEEN now that the contract for a new hull has been signed.
Although the contract was signed on Friday 3rd October 2008 the actual physical construction will not commence until Spring 2009. Before then David Abels (Abels Shipbuilders, Bristol) still has to complete construction of two vessels already in mid-construction in the Albion Drydock where Medway Queen’s hull will be reconstructed. This does not mean that the MQ project is on hold as there is a lot of preparatory work, talks and discussion still to be completed before the first steel is cut and riveted together.
The main part of this preparatory work is the preparation of a full set of working drawings from which every part of the hull will be constructed. The original 1924 ship’s plans will be forming the basis of the working drawings but the original set do not suffice for a builder to build everything accurately in a 21st Century shipyard.
Once these plans and drawings are finalised and approved, by the Heritage Lottery Fund the steel can be ordered and cutting can begin. The riveting of the steel sections will then shortly follow.
It must be noted that the Heritage Lottery Fund’s grant of £1.86million is only for the reconstruction of the hull. It does not include the refurbishment of the engines; paddle wheels or ‘fitting out’ of the ship. However, work is being carried out on the engines and paddle wheels simultaneously with the work on the hull but continued fund raising will be required to ensure they are finished and put back with the ship as soon as possible.
The fitting out process will include the replacement of furnishings, fittings, portholes, deck furniture, safety equipment, bollards etc and work is still continuing on cleaning these items up ready for going back onboard the Medway Queen. Whether this will be carried out in Bristol or once the Medway Queen is back on the River Medway is still to be confirmed.
A lot of work is still required if we want our Queen back to the way she was.
Regards.
Tim, (Webmaster)