The following report can be downloaded here.
The following report aims to update everyone on the progress of restoration of the Medway Queen. Since the ‘Keel Unveiling Ceremony’ back in the early part of the summer work has steadily progressed on the hull within the confines of David Abels’ fabrication shed. Unfortunately the dry dock is still occupied by another craft which is expected to be floated out by the end of September allowing the first module of the Medway Queen’s hull to be laid down in early October.
Various projects are being undertaken simultaneously and the progress of these are as follows:
Hull
The work that has been carried out on hull has been notable in development with more pieces of steel being added to the hull sections all the time. The module that is currently under construction is the forward section from the bow to the engine room bulkhead which will also contain the forward passenger staircase. Reverse frames and side stringers have now been added to this unit (which consists of frames 49 to 62) and now a noticeable hull shape is forming.
Engine Refurbishment
Work on the engine is not being covered by the lottery grant but is under a separate contract with David Abels directly. This work is being financed by the society’s own funds and donations through the ‘Engine Appeal’. This work is required to be completed alongside the hull has many of larger components need to installed as the hull is erected. Work has begun on the condenser with work still to be started on the tubing and end plates. The cylinder block is expected to be refurbished (assuming funding is available), pressure tested and rebored by the end of 2009. The block is effectively stripped down with the removal of the high pressure and low pressure valves earlier in the summer. Work on the A frames is also required but after the condenser is complete as this needs to put into place before the A frames can located into the hull.
Hull Plate Rivets
Rivets are still a big discussion but that is expected considering this is the first ship of this size to be riveted in this country for over 50 years. Pressure tests have been carried out on pan head riveted joints and countersunk riveted joints are expected soon to demonstrate the final look.
New plant room, boiler room and fuel tanks.
In agreement with the Heritage Lottery Fund two compartments of the Medway Queen will be designated as non-heritage. These are the boiler room (occupied by the boiler) and a plant room which is anticipated to hold diesel generators, a sewage plant system and a fire suppression system.
The society is still in discussions with the consultants (Frazer-Nash) and David Abels over the specification for a boiler with the Heritage Lottery Fund agreeing changes to an oil fired system rather than the original 1924 coal fired system. Fuel tanks will not be of a riveted type due to legislation governing this type of vessel.
The plant room will contain plant and machinery required to bring Medway Queen to a standard required for the 21st century in the way of diesel generators to provide electricity and other services such heating and onboard toilet systems. Although not part of the original ship’s design the plant room will involve and additional bulkhead at frame 18 in the lower half of the aft lower saloon area. It will also provide an additional watertight compartment as deduced from a previous review of floodable lengths on the vessel. It is still in the planning stage but a very necessary addition to the vessel for whatever future use she may have.
Paddle Wheels
The paddle wheels were recorded and dismantled before being sent down to Bristol where further work is required before they can be used. As of yet work is mainly progressing on the hull and engine before work starts on the paddles.
Rudders and Thrusters
It has been proposed to the restore both the steam driven rudder and the hand-operated bow rudder to operational condition. To date the bow rudder has been dismantled at the Bristol yard which has revealed a plate former to which the large wooden baulks has been attached.
There are, however, concerns about whether the Medway Queen will have the ability to manoeuvre successfully in a modern crowded waterway (such as the Pool of London). It has therefore been proposed to fit the Medway Queen with two side thrusters.
The Bridge
The carpenters are now working on their next project and that is the reconstruction of the bridge. Wood has been ordered and subsequently arrived ready for cutting with the base layout already at Damhead.
Paddle Boxes and Fiddley
Exposure to the elements at Chatham Historic Dockyard has paid its toll on the paddle boxes and work will be carried out over the winter to ensure these are in a respectable state for next year’s visitors to the dockyard as well as being prepared for returning to the hull in Bristol at some later date. The funnel and fidley are more than likely to receive a fresh coat of paint at the same time during the few months that the dockyard is closed in the early part of 2010.
The Webcam and website
A webcam has now been installed at the shipyard and will be available on our website (www.medwayqueen.co.uk) as soon as there is something to see in the dock. The website is being updated as and when updated information become available. The shipyard blog should also come more alive once the hull starts to take shape in the drydock.
THE FUTURE
The Medway Queen Preservation Society is still trying to find a suitable berth for the Medway Queen to return to although Damhead Creek will continue to be available. The availability of berths is limited particularly for the size of our ship.
It is still our aim to have a fully operational paddle steamer once the restoration is complete. Unfortunately it is unlikely that she will run in regular passenger service again unless an exemption is granted by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. So the future use of the Medway Queen is as a vessel moored alongside offering hospitality services and museum space. There is a possibility of occasional steamed trips between Medway Towns for a very limited number of people but not for definite. Even an rare trip to Dunkirk may be possible with a skeleton crew onboard as a visiting veteran of Dunkirk. The main priority though is to get the Medway Queen rebuilt to a operational standard and returned to Medway as soon as possible.
The society is also currently working on alliances with European projects in Belgium, France and Holland with the aim of securing European funding to help towards phase 2 of the project (the fitting out stage). We are also working with Appledore shipyard and local universities on small projects to get young people involved as part of our remit for lottery funding.
There are still many obstacles to tackle and as always funds to raise but the next few months should see increased activity both in Bristol and Medway. Funding is the key to success of a complete restoration so we encourage everyone to help in whatever way they can in order for the Medway Queen Preservation Society to reach their aim of getting our little paddle steamer steaming again.
Updated progress reports will follow on a monthly basis through the website and with ‘Full Ahead’ when published.
Best regards
Tim Corthorn (on behalf of the MQPS)
MQPS Webmaster
http://www.medwayqueen.co.uk