Paddleducks
Paddler Information => Preserved Paddle Ships => Topic started by: michael on October 16, 2006, 06:16:24 PM
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Hey had a awesome BBQ trip on Ranger last night, na na na na na nah!!
We went up to East Boat Ramp and returned, letting off a flare to mark one week and one day since the sailpast!!
Hero went up on the slip Sunday afternoon, where she is having her hull sanded, painted and caulked.
PS Henry Charles slipped into wetdock Sunday night aswell since Hero took its mooring, just Ranger and James Maiden left below the wharf, everyone else in wet dock!!
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Just coz you live closer to Echuca than me....I would've come if I could!
So Hero didn't snap in half...that's a good sign...I know they were worried.
So there's a lot of building going on is there in echuca.
Was Hero towed to the slip or did she paddle?
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Jeez, there is a heap of paddler related stuff goin down in Echuca, and that BBQ sounds like so much fun, well, it woulda been awesome!!! Has the Hero got its paddles or whats going there!!! And where is the 'wetdock'??? Well hope ya had a great time!!!
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Arrrrrgggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! It did it again... Sorry everyone... but does anyone know what could be wrong, Henri told me all my emails are arriving twice and it just did it again... without me telling it too!!! Any ideas of whats wrong guys!!!???
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that last one only came once! Wet dock is that 'pond' in front of the wharf where they have done the pile driving, what used to be the rest of the original wharf. Onion Patch is that section between the wharf and where we had the barge tied up last weekend.
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Argh now I've caught ya disease! Hero was drifted down to the slip, her wheels are on, and they put her floats on when she gfot up the slip, takes two people to lift them! She draws alot of water already- 3ft, but still needs the water in the boiler, freash water tanks and septics filled, wood stowed. Originally she drew 2.5ft. The owner has just got carried away, the wheels are bigger, aswell as the boiler, cabins are longer and I think the engines are bigger, don't think there anymore powerfull tho, they would be if she was lighter.
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geez 3ft is a bit to draw isnt it?? Bloody hell, the owners certainly did go a bit overboard!!! And yes the disease of double sending is a bitch aint it!! i dunno what it is though..
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You can delete your posts that you may post 'double'...do this yourself...last time we tried to get some stuff deleted we lost APAM...so try it yourself and help clean up the problem that double posting is created.
You may have to enter edit mode or it could be a small cross.
As a forum owner myself I know these things
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PS Alexander Arbuthnot went up on the slip last night, and comes back down wednesday. She is getting her hull caulked and maybe painted, the bottom is in a sad state but the port authority are to tight to replace a few planks.
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How long should it be on the slip for? And a few planks can hardly cost that much money!! But at least she's getting a good look over, and might lose her lean!
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thats why we have sikaflex..... :shhh ha ha ha and the etona it hasn't moved or has it......
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OMG I must sound so stupid :oops: , Sikaflex?? And I dont think that the Etona has moved, it doesnt look like it, not since October this year. Good point, OR HAS IT?? :evil: :twisted:
When should the Etona be going up on the slipway? I heard that it isn't that far away from completion, but from looking at it it doesn't look to good, there is bits and pieces missing from everywhere! The owner seemed to think that there wasnt to far to go on her.
Is Gary using the Hero for private use only, or is he going to try and get his money back by doing trips or overnighters etc.. It could get a great business around Echuca (hopefully)?? I haven't been on board since it was in the wet dock area, and a lot has happened since then!
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Well usually they'r up for a week, usually on a good day you can replace 3planks a day. A plank usually cost $1000, thats for the labour, timber, oakum, tar, paint etc.
Hero will be steaming early next year. You never really know when she will be going but I think she's still got some more work to do ie. all the plumbing to the boiler and engines.
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What is Sikaflex?
You guys must remember that this is a global forum, not just an antipodean one
Â
Alistair Deayton
Paisley
Scotland
----- Original Message -----
From: paddlesteamerman1 (preserved@paddleducks.co.uk)
To: preserved@paddleducks.co.uk (preserved@paddleducks.co.uk)
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 7:49 AM
Subject: RE: Echuca news
OMG I must sound so stupid (http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/images/smiles/icon_redface.gif) , Sikaflex?? And I dont think that the Etona has moved, it doesnt look like it, not since October this year. Good point, OR HAS IT?? (http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif) (http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif)
Cheers,
James McDougall
(PS Sarah-Jane[Construction Thread])
-------------------- m2f --------------------
Exported by Paddleducks Mail System.
http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9651#9651 (http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9651#9651)
-------------------- m2f --------------------
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www.sika.com.au/cmi/marine_products.htm
(and lots of other sites through google)
Marine bonding materials; I interpret this as the hi-tech replacement for oakum as caulking.
Sika products seem to emanate from USA:
http://www.sikaindustry.com/
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Yes Roderick your right
When I was doing a small stint of boat building quite often sika was used to do a repair on clinker hull or carvel hull.
it set's under water,so for those quick repairs that boat owners do when they only have a day out of the water sikaflex was pumped into the gaps and painted then re launched.
it's obvious not the best traditional method but it works.......
sikaflex is basicaly a high grade silcone but it has better flexabilty need for wood .and as i said it goes off underwater.
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WOW!! The Hero looks fabulous with its paddles, and even just having the paddle box planks makes it look a lot better!! It shouldnt be to far away from completion now!!
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Well Alexander Arbuthnot went back in the river today and Hero went back up, as she needs measurements n drawings done for the Marine board..... obviously part of the requirements of being a commercial steamer.
A.A steamed back to the wharf tonight and was to moor in front of PS Adelaide, but low water prevented that and we tied her up at the end of the wharf behind PS Pevensey. Photo shows her trying to reverse in front of Adelaide, you can see the wheels churning up mud, and her freshly painted black bottom, and the weather, dark, stormy, wet, windy and cold.
And also AA returning to the wharf and Hero on slip
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Hi PD's & thanks Michael... your posting & :kewl of our AA are great... I saw her a few years ago, but did not get the privilege of going onboard....any further snaps of the AA you have to compliment Seans postings will be appreciated,,,,, especially for all those other PD's that live in FROG Hollow type Lands :hehe :music :hehe :nah - Derek :beer
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Brilliant Photos of the AA, she is magnificent isn't she!!! And it could have at least poured down rain if the skies were that stormy looking!!!! It didnt rain anywhere much though..
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Well P.V Lady Rae departed Echuca last saturday bound for the lower murray in SA. She has so far got to Torrumbarry where she is stuck with not enough water on the downstream side of the lock. It is rumored there will be a flush early Febuary which it might catch to promising waters at Mildura.
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Wow she hasn't capsized yet...that to me is amazing! Too bad she's still beach house colours!
If the flush comes through will there be hope for enough water for the run Michael and will the Echuca fleet be able to meet the other fleet?
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There should be a flush in Feburary, Ranger may also be taking the same rise through to Mildura.
Barmah trip news: PV Babbler won't be participating as it is currently cruising in SA
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It will be interesting to see if the flush will be enough.....we will see I do have doubts...!
hopefully I am proved wrong... :D
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Just on the other topic - is anyone going to the Cargo Shed Relaunching Event in Echuca this coming Monday.. It would be good thing to meet up... So if you are let me and everyone else know and maybe we could meet up quickly or something!!
Just a thought
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Yes there's been a bit of interesting things going on in Echuca. With the re-opening of the cargo shed with its new tv and information on the ports boats and the transport's history. Also tourists now enter through the Strathmerton railway station, which has been fitted out with the old style fittings.
We have been organising a paddlesteamer trip to Barmah for the first week of 2007, at the moment we only have 2-3 vessels participating, so we will probebly have another one later in the year after the 2007 trip if the Echuca vessels can not participate.
Peter McLeod's boat is coming along well, he has been glazing all the windows and she also has her outer coat on so she's coming up a treat. I have been giving him idea's for an air-conditioning sysytem for the vessel.
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the intresting thing about these pictures is both boats in the pictures have been built by peter...!
peter has built his fair share of murry paddlers.
got some good advice of him last steam ralley in june06
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Gee, that boat seems to be going up quickly.. Which boats are participating in the little trip.. 4/1/07-7/1/07..???
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Barmah trip has been postpond due to idiots on speed boats and the hot summer weather. We are having a car trip to Canberra to attend the summer nats!
If Echuca boats can't participate in the 2007 trip we will do a trip to Tocumwal in March, with the hope of lots of rain in Feburay.
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the hope of rain has been there for an age.. I seem to be getting more and more pesimistic about rain.. Unfortunately I cant see rain anywhere near
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Too busy with paddle boat's to worry about the summer nats... :D
We have always wanted to take our GTS Monaros up there....maybe one day...haha there've been in storage for 5 yrs so whats another cpl.
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I was engineer on Emmylou last night for a 3hr evening cruise. Alot of no hopers on the river, houseboats were seen stuck on sandbars with tinnies trying to push them off, there was also a hire boat the previous night cruising around the wharf and got stuck on the silt in front of wet dock for 5mins or soo, was a good laugh.
In the attach photo you'll see the tinnier under the wharf and Billy Tea driven up the side of the bank so Luke could paint the chin after coming in contact with a steel cable earlier in the year!
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As Roderick mention to me I would post a messgae tonight on his boat.
As Rod will say he has been in Echuca this week and I went and saw him this evening at Deep Creek Marina, pictured below is his boat with the PV Florence Annie in the background which is currently For Sale
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I launched at Echuca East ramp on Fri.5.1, then cruised to Barmah on Saturday, and back to Echuca on Sunday for a crew changeover.
On Monday I headed downriver. All paddlesteamers were cruising, as there was a national scout jamboree at nearby Elmore, and busloads were coming to Echuca each day.
While waiting to collect my brother and nieces, I had a long chat with owner/builder Peter aboard F05, covering a lot of boat-design topics, including gearing and float widths.
Below Echuca, I saw Colonial Lass, Barmah and Run Riot (a modern houseboat with paddles, and with a water slide on the roof).
At Deep Creek Marina I saw PV Florence Annie, looking forlorn.
Michael met us to return my brother to the car in Echuca.
On Tuesday I cruised to Torumbarry Weir and return, and saw Lady Rae and a houseboat stranded there. I could have got Jessie II across the sill, but had no need to .
I retrieved my boat at Deep Creek today, then visited PV Cameron of Lochiel at its worksite near Echuca, and a lengthy conversation with its owner and builder. I had also visited Etona's owner. Hull, boiler and engine work have been completed. It is now in better mechanical order than when it was built, over 100 years ago.
Meanwhile, the final go or no decision for the long awaiting Ruby & Canally centenary cruise will be made in March. This has been a drought year; the river is down. The fleet would be unlikely to get more than 60 km above Mildura. However, Paddleduckers who have booked to come to Australia (on my recommendation) will still find plenty of interest.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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PS James Maiden went up the slip Friday where it has bee caulked and having new paddleboxes made. She has been leaking very badly with the bilge pump going off every 20mins! Her boiler is coming out again to be worked on after its inspection last week.
PS Etona's boiler still needs to be tubed and will be a while before she is steaming.
PS Perricoota and Ranger are currently up for sale
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This weekend in Echuca is the Yearly Riverboats Jazz Food and Wine Festival. Last night we had the riverboat ramble with Paddle Steamers Emmylou, Canberra, Pevensey and PV Pride of the Murray cruising for 3hours. Emmylou had a dinner cruise while the other 3vessels had finger food, drinks and live Jazz bands playing onboard.
Was a good night, I was engineer Emmylou and with Darren onboard needed a good head of steam, photo below is when she was opened right up and was sending waves up through the sponson decks to the suprise of the diners eating above!
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Peter McLeod put his diesel engine into his boat and connected her up over the weekend.
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Hi Michael
Any idea what sort of draft his boat will be when finished..?
It would have to be the largest privately owned vessel in Echuca when finished i would think.... :wink:
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From what i could see today i'm guessing she's 2ft under at the moment and will be probebly 2 n half ft when fitted out. Yeah she is very large, don't won't to get in her way when she's going, especially with no reverse! Will be interesting to see her speed.
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Is he going to put reverse in her at all?? How can she stop with no reverse??
Oh, not quite Echuca news.. but PV Coonawarra is up for sale as well.. could be good if you have a spare (large amount of cash).. and PV Mosquito sunk at her moorings (but was quickly raised again)
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Yeah the yabbies pulled her oakum out, she only went down in 2ft of water.
McLeods never had reverse on any of his boats! He reckons just turn her into the bank if need or the engine has reverse aswell.
He has spent the last couple of weeks building her wheels, just needs floats and she'll be away! Although the river is down and the silt has emerged in front of wet dock so she won't be going anywhere fast unless we all get down there with our shovels, because Billy Tea wants to get out too!
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Peter McLeod has put his floats on his wheels and has had the engine ticking over, apparently she try's to take off on 30psi!
Tonight Adam Fitton and I spent a few hours fixing up the slipway, replacing bolts in the track and digging all the silt off the tracks which in places was over 1ft deep!
We pull PS Ranger up tomorrow night and replace a plank aswell as give the hull coat of paint and harden up the hull above the waterline.
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Busy weekend in Echuca.
Saturday afternoon: arrived at 4.00pm where Ranger was tied up at slip, unloaded timber out of hull.
5.00pm we ran the buggeys down the slip a couple of times to remove the mud off the tracks, Ranger was brought up at 6.30pm where we removed the plank.
Sunday: 6.00am we pressure blasted the hull and measure up the new plank. We then painted the cream topsides of the hull while the timber plank was being steamed, after lunch we took the plank out and after alot of mucking about we put the first 3bolts in at the front and bent the plank around, where we put the next bolt in after the next till it was in nice and snug.
Monday: 7.00am up and painted one paddlewheel, while Adam and Allan started caulking the hull.
1.30pm girlfriend rocks up, painted the rubbing batons and the other paddlewheel.
Tomorrow: back to work for me. The hull gets tar and final coat of paint around new plank, then back into the river Wednesday morning.
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From the first picture, it looks like the Eclipse has been moved & turned around. Is something happening with her?
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Ranger went back into the river this morning(wednesday), with no leaks around the new plank.
She goes back up to the wharf tomorrow night.
Also attached McLeods wheels
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Last night saw another successful Sailpast. Even tho there weren't as many vessels but there was a large crowd turnout for the boats and fireworks. Commercial boats(PS Adelaide, Canberra, Alexander Arbuthnot, Emmylou,PV Pride of the Murray and MV MaryAnn) waited at Moama wharf, where PV Pride of the Murray ammused passengers by doing circlework, then departed downstream past the wharf letting off flares and rounding up at Vic boat ramp while other vessels (PS Pevensey, Perricoota and Barmah departed upstream and moored near the Iron bridge while the first lot of vessels tied up at the wharf where the crowd watch the fireworks, one of the best ones I'v seen.
Vessels that didn't partake in the saipast were: PS F05, Adventurous, Henry Charles and Billy Tea- stranded in wet dock, PS Ranger- just came off the slip, PS Etona and James Maiden- boilers in pieces, PV Amelia Jane, and Barge D:26- PS Adelaide carrying passengers.
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I saw in The Old Machinery Magazine that PS Henry Charles is for sale now.. any offer above $100k... it sounds a fair and reasonable price for the boat though...
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Just a quick note that PS F05 was officially names PS.................................................... Brittania yesterday, will do a article on her next week as I'm currently in Melbourne
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Oh... Brittania... well.. not what I expected.. but still a very nice name.. Was there a little "party" or "gathering" or was it just announced??
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Talking about names of boats..
I went to the website
http://www.nangilocps.vic.edu.au/PaddleBoatNews.html
And it states that there is a boat called "Maid of Loch Eille".. I was looking through one of my new books.. and there is a boat called "Cameron of Loch Eille (spelling???).. both being built at Echuca East.. Does anyone know if these are the same boat????
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yeah same boat we call it PV Cameron for shorter
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Thanks Michael...
Oh.. and Echuca is famous again.. the AA the Pevensey and (Ive forgotten his name [he is skipper of the PS Pevensey reguarly.. John?? I should remember I did work experience with him :shock: ]) are featuring in the "Telstras Next G Network"
.... Ive been everywhere man!....
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Graham! And theres a ad in the paper too
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Graham!!! I knew I knew it... thanks Michael!!!
Yes, I saw the ad in the paper a few days ago in the Herald Sun.. as well as on TV..
My Comment
"OMG.. I know that person" - it was fun knowing someone on tv :o !!
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The day is getting very close, yesterday PS Hero had its fire lit in the boiler, once it beganm making steam it started escaping through the 'man hole' so the fire was put out, She maybe steamed up tomorrow so they can tick the engines over, no steering chain ran yet so it can't cruise yet.
Note the large pressure gauge, its HUGE.
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Wow!! The engine looks brilliant.. I havent seen her since it was just the boiler fitted, even then, it was dusty and grimy... but now all polished up.. very nice!!..
Has the outer appearance of the boat changed much lately??
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Hi PD's....Michael....PS Hero......Parsons quotes...'built by Linkletter 1874....two cylinder.. Atlas Engine Works Melbourne'
Beautiful restoration :no1 ....but what is the content in the second .jpg........I can see.....
1) the cylinder & associated connections
2) is it the lubricator with sight glass in the vertical plane :?: ...volume seems small
3) what is brass sphere & coiled copper tube :?:
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The brass sphere and copper tube is the lubricator for the cylinder not used on all steamers but I know Pevensey and Adelaide have them.
James: don't know how long 'lately' is but here's her this afternoon... is that smoke I see coming out of the funnel!!
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All I can say is WOW!!! The Hero looks amazing, and very much different to the last time I saw her..
I havent gotten this clear yet... Is the Hero going to be used for only private cruising, or will there be some commercial cruises about???
I have had contradicting opinions on this topic.. its confusing me
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Beautiful restoration :no1 ....
It's not a restoration Derek, it's a replication. Both boiler and engines are newly built. And the rivets on the boiler aren't real...it's all welded together now. Built modernly to look old.
Safety valve is cast from another of the Echuca engines though....but again, it's replicated not authentic.
That's pretty dark smoke Michael...should we be keepign quiet about it?
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And at long last I will get to see her myself..
I am going to Echuca this weekend to do some work at the Port, should be a lot of fun.
If anyone wants a few photos, just let me know.
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I have returned from a weekend at Echuca, and the river was terribly low. In fact I was on the PS Pevensey and Graham couldnt turn her to go downstream, so we just went upstream.
I spent the Sunday working the steam display at the Sawmill, and also went kayaking for a few hours.
The Pride was on a two week annual 'maintenance' cruise and was just cruising up and down the river. I didnt see her once.
Was a great weekend again, will be up for the Steam Rally.
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The Pride is out of town as they are working on her hole in the side of her hull, she was supposed to be on the slip, you probebly know why she was up there tho....
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Yes, but it took me a couple of hours to realise that the Pride was out of town!
I will be going up for the June Long Weekend for the Steam Rally, and will be working for the Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Queens Birthday Holiday) and the Tuesday (No school :D ). If anyone was going up, it would be a fantastic place and time to catch up a bit, and get some snaps!
I am staying, again, in the convenient location of the Steam Packet Inn, so it is only a hop, step and jump to the Port for work.
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The day has finally came, PS Hero made her first trip under her own steam today, travelling down to 5mile and return. I was unable to attend but she apparently has some speed about her and the trip went smoothely, however all morning I was teased by hearing her whistle echoing throughout the town. Hopefully she will be doing trips Steam Rally weekend.
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I hope she is doing trips on the steam rally weekend.. i really want to see her going.. wow.. i wouldnt be able to take hearing the whistle, knowing she was steaming around.. it would drive me insane. I had word of mouth that she was meant to be a speedy boat, but was unsure on the speed.
I cant wait to see her !
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does anyone know if the henry charles is still for sale?
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:?: :) invitation :birthday 8) :post :D :news :lol: :great :bravo Toolleen :beer Echuca :party Pevensey :respect :gift :luck 17.40 :hammer :beer :beer in the mud :vacat :beer :beer :kewl :beer dinner :gather :beer :beer onto the bank :beer parents :bow :birthday :luck Canberra :towel :towel Mary Ann :towel :boom :beer Michael
:gift :trophy :clap2 :clap :bravo :terrific :yeah :beer :beer :beer grandfather :kewl Mel :coffee 20.45 :towel
:birthday
Roderick
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Today we took PS Canberra down to National Channel and she will continue onto Torrumbarry Weir tomorrow to run trips thru the lock over the weekend before heading back to Echuca Monday carrying passengers from Torrumbarry to Deep Creek Marina.
Crew included Captain and Engineer, but most of the trip I was steering while the 15yo engineer enthusiast stoked the boiler, probebly the first tine Canberra has been operated by a crew all under the age of 21!
PS Britannia has also been out for a cruise for a couple of hours. no major problems, owner seemed very happy.
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Oh, well I picked the wrong weekend to go to the lock. I was there a couple of weeks ago, and I wish I was going to be there this one as well!!
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Have PV Lady Rae and the stranded houseboat got down through the lock?
When I was at Euston on Sat.14.7, a rise was expected in 7 or 10 days, sufficient to allow PV Kookaburra to cruise through to Wentworth.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Last time I was at Torrumbarry Lock I had a look downstream of the lock and there seemed to be a giant concrete slab completely exposed by the low water levels. Has the level gone up enough to let the Canberra and others through??
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I have just phoned the office.
Yesterday's voyage (with Michael steering) was to take 8.00-18.00 for the 82 km. However, it left late, and terminated at National Channel, completing the final 2 h on Saturday, and then commencing the first cruise late.
The short cruises are going down through the lock.
Sat.21.7: 10.00 & 14.00, 1.5 h.
Sun.22.7: 10.00, 12.30 & 14.30, 1.5 h
Monday grand voyage: 8.00 ex the office in Echuca, by bus to Torumbarry.
~9.00 cast off, to Deep Creek Marina, bus back to Echuca.
It may be possible for true enthusiasts to continue into Echuca, but arrival couldn't be any earlier than 19.00.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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I rode on the 12.30 trip through the lock on Sunday onboard Canberra. Torrumbarry is alot more exciting to Mildura as Mildura only drops 1-2m, Torrumbarry drops 5m. We then cruised downstream 2-3km before turning around and going back up again.
Roderick was there to ride the 2.30pm trip and then the voyage home today(Monday)
The river dropped 8cm Saturday night so Canberra only had 1ft or so of water between her hull and the concrete slab below the lock!
Lady Rae has got through the lock, don't know its where abouts tho.
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Hi Michael,
I came across your posts on the PS Adelaide in another thread from earlier in the year, and was wondering if you could post some more Engine Room pics as the ones that I took last October didn't turn out very well.
Thanks,
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I left home (Melbourne) at 10.30 on Sun.22.7, had a quick lunch at one of the four pubs in Rochester, and arrived at Torrumbarry just too late to get a good photo of the second cruise of the day coming up through the lock. By the time I had run to a vantage point, it was steaming out. Michael & Mel were aboard.
The third cruise had a smaller complement (~25 passengers), including one of the owners. Below the lock, the boat cruised for 4 km.
The trips had been advertised in the local newspaper (Riverine Herald, published in Echuca); most of the passengers were local (Echuca, Torrumbarry, Lockington, Cohuna).
These programs run at short notice. The water had been suitable a week earlier, but the operating program was already committed.
There have been only two similar deployments previously: 2003 & 2004.
Somewhere I wrote up the Source to Sea fleet, in 2001, which had to commence in Mildura because of insufficient water upriver. A substitute fleet did run from Echuca to Torumbarry, and PS Emmylou was dropped in the lock, but then raised again.
Mon.23.7 was the magic day: the upriver voyage. The night had been chilly, but the van transfer from Echuca to Torrumbarry was warm.
There were about 12 passengers, plus three crew. We left on time at 9.00, as the sun was breaking though cloud. The river was ours, with sun on revived vegetation from recent rain. In the lower stages the boat was making about 10 km/h; as the day progressed and it was more in the current than the pool, this dropped to 8 km/h. Most of the passengers alighted at Deep Creek Marina, where the stop was about 12.30-13.15. First the boat stopped at the pumpout pontoon on the riverbank for the passengers to alight (and to pump out the sullage tank), then it entered the marina to dock at the launching ramp to load some extra wood from the owner's utility truck. Another passenger boarded. The arrival at Echuca was around 19.15, the last couple of hours having been in darkness with the twin headlamps lighting the banks.
Canberra is rather an unsung hero in Murray River history: since being built (1912), it has always been operational: as a fishing vessel, then as a tourist boat at Mildura from the mid 1940s, then as a tourist boat at Echuca from the mid 1960s. The current fitout features polished pine lining boards, and appropriate antique fittings.
The owners and crew are very enthusiastic, and are quite happy to quote for novel charters, including extended-range operation.
Photos have now been posted, in a PS Canberra thread in this forum.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Some photos of around the port today 12 August 207
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Hi Michael,
Good pics, - I check the 'echucamoama.com' website as often as possibe as they usually post a new river image daily.
It looks as if the Adelaide hasn't been used much lately ! - is that right ?
By the way, do you have any engine room & sailpast/fireworks photos to upload ?
Also, any news on the Hero ?
I found an interesting set of historic photos recently, - 'pictureaustralia' website, simply type in 'River Steamer(s)', - many of the photos are in black & white, the modern-day ones are colour, and most of them I have not even seen in books, - well worth a look !
Cheers,
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Some morew shots from around Echuca today. Found out the name of the steamer at the Abbatoirs, PS Ivy May, but its had its wheel removed and decking placed over, boiler and engine are still in it.
Also went to Stewarts bridge/s river was low enough I could nearly walk across, alot of rubbish down there, and if we ever get a flood, thats whats going to be in it! Also went through Tocumwal this mornning, river very low there and shallow, didn't get out for a better look tho.
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Hi Michael,
The river looks a bit low !!! - what happened to the usual Aug/Sep flush-out this year.
I checked the Echuca/Moama site tonight and noticed that there's a lot of slime on the surface also, don't think it was there last week.
Strange how the Sternwheel from the Ivy-May has been removed and that the stern has been decked in, maybe the owner will add on side-wheels instead.
Do you happen to know if the Cameron of Lochiel has been launched yet ?
Well, I was hoping to come down for Steam Fest again this year, but it doesn't look like I'm going to make it - just not enough time !
Not much happening up here in Brisvegas at the moment ! - the Steam Tug Forceful is still waiting for her turn in the dry dock, - QLD Maritime Museum funds are low and it doesn't look like anything will be happening in the near future.
The Kookaburra River Queens have been sold again - the company that owned them recently went into liquidation, the new owners have been using the River Queen 1 a fair bit lately, mainly on week night dinner cruises and private functions.
The MV Brisbane Paddlewheeler (with a fake sternwheel), has changed hands again also, now owned by BrisVegas Cruises and has been freshened up and given a new diesel engine for it's 30th birthday.
I sometimes wonder what I'm doing up here in Brissie, every time I see a Eucalypt or a Peppercorn Tree or even hear a Corella squawking, I think of Echuca - I can see myself coming back for good some day !
Hopefully that flush will come down shortly, by the way, are there any boats on the slip at the moment ?
Thanks for keeping us posted !
Cheers,
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Hey Leith, no boats on the slip, there was a houseboat up last week tho.
nothing has happened to Cameron for most of this year, so don't know when something will, I drive past her everyday to and from work.
Went down to wetdock tonight, Adventurous nose is sitting up on the mud and there is alot of 'duck weed' coming down the river, even filled up wet dock.
It was rumoured that there was't to be a Heritage Festival this year, but apparently there will be, haven't heard dates, But Bunyip will be in the sailpast towed by SL Breezy.
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Had a great time out on the Murray yesterday, beautiful weather, and no speed boats! Launched at picnic point boat ramp, very low river, had to push off the trailer a little. Raised steam, loaded and puffed on upstream. Canoed this stretch back in 2003 on normal river, and I was shocked to see what we were paddling over. The river was about 2m lower and there was thousands of snags, some just under the water. We nudge a couple during the day, got stuck on a sandbar at Campbells landing, then came to a dead end at Pelican Point, with snags along the stretch of deep water and half a foot of water over the sandbar. A fishing tinnie made it through but we turned around as we drew 1.5ft. Passed the boat ramp and couldn't even get to Tarragon Lodge as we were blocked again by snags and sand bars, by then it was 3pm we we went back to the boat ramp and came out. Boiler is fitted with a steam pot so we had steamed dim sims for lunch!
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Hey Michael,
I'm starting to wonder when the Spring Flush will arrive, I knew that the river was low, but to hear that it was 2m lower than in 2003 is a bit of a worry !
In early October last year, I didn't go up as far as Picnic Point, but around Rices Creek Junction and the Barmah end of the Lakes, the levels looked fairly healthy.
Did you happen to see the PV Betsy ? she is supposed to be moored somewhere around Picnic Point.
How far would it be by road from the Barmah township to the Picnic Point Boat Ramp ? - I'm guessing maybe 25 - 30 klms.
Good luck with the Bunyip !!!
Cheers
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PS Canberra got up on the slip yesterday afternoon, hull pressured washed and today started painting her rubbing batons and doing some caulking, surveyor coming to inspect her Thursday, if all passes she'l go in by friday, hopefully the river doesn't drop anymore or she may need to be pulled off!
Didn't see Betsy, didn't get to far downstream of picnic point
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Canberra went back into the water yesterday afternoon (Thursday 20th) begins cruising again tomorrow.
Heritage Festival October 6th & 7th 2007, hope to see someone there!
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Despite rumblings within the organisation, and low water, there is a Heritage Festival this year, over Sat.6 & Sun.7.10.
The program is at www.portofechuca.org.au, with all of the favourite ingredients.
I don't know who the celebrity will be for the bridge of steam.
Some boats will be stranded in the wet dock, unable to participate.
I am unlikely to be there, as only a couple of days later I am off for a week of boating in the SA stretch (Blanchetown to Overland Corner & return).
Michael should be crewing a steam launch this year ('Breezy', which featured in its own thread a couple of weeks ago, cruising from Picnic Point).
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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During the Heritage Steam Festival, my sister and dad took a lunch cruise on the PS Emmylou and as they were passing the slipway area, they took a photo of the 'skeleton' that lies in the water just below the slipway and listening to the commentary from the captain he said it was the wreck of the Cheifton. Is that true? or have some names been mixed up?
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Its Scottish Chief, an old wooden barge, think it was a wool barge, maybe wrong tho.
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Brilliant.. thanks Michael for that info.. I will pass it on :)
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Also, I just remembered...
At the BBQ on the Pevensey for the Heritage Steam Festival (last Sunday) I was talking in a group with Keith Bailley (CEO Campaspe Shire) and there is now thought of PS Gem coming to Echuca as the Port's fourth boat. Dont quote on this, but I am fairly sure that they were going to get the call from Swan Hill sometime in October.
Would be lovely though!
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Gees I don't know if that will happen, many groups have tried to take Gem away from Swan Hill but the council won't let her go, they'll need a flood to get her to Echuca!
A new paddler hull was launched yesterday(Saturday 13th) on Moama slipway, was constructed near Bendigo. Will attach photo's in the next couple of days if all go to plan
Also PS Oscar W will not be going to Echuca for her 100th Birthday due to unpredictable river levels. If there is enough water she will go to Mildura, then the crew will drive to Echuca for celebations.
Check www.oscar-w.info/ for regular updates
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I didnt know they had had previous offers for the Gem and they turned them down, and if they did decide to move it i think they would have to wait for a while then. I have only ever seen it once and cant remember where it was (in the Pioneer Settlement).
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Ok lots of news happening in Echuca the last few days. PV Toolarloo I think thats its name was launched Friday (just a hull) and it is tied up at Moama Slipway. Not sure what they go is with it.
Luke came down Sunday and yesterday steamed up Billy Tea. The river is still very low with very little water over the silt at the mouth, keen as he was he used a stump, block and tackle, paddleshaft and rope and winched Billy Tea almost out the wet dock, only getting stuck a metre from the river, with the wheels still thrashing it filled the dock up and she floated out a little more, until Peter McLeod came with PV Pride of the Murray and pulled her right out into the river. Next boat: PS Adventurous was then attached to Prides roped and was also pulled out of wetdock, both vessels tied upstream at the onion patch.
Then we towed Adventurous with the Billy Tea to Browns Slipway, over 2hrs downstream, arriving at 9.15pm. Tieing Adventurous up at the mouth of the slipway, then returning to Echuca in Billy Tea arriving back at 11.30pm.
Have heaps of photo's of the events but computer still wont resize my shots, so I might get Roderick to have a go.
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Wow.. busy weekend.. Sounded like a great weekend to be there though.. plenty going on..
I use paint to resize by opening the image then "Control + W" and then putting in the horizontal and vertical boxes "20%"..
It usually works for me
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From a March 2006 e-mail message:
* I called and had a look at 'Tooraloora' at Strathfieldsaye...Engine and drive gear was fitted and they were working on the sponson decks...not that there was anybody there when I called.
I have resized Michael's four photos, and attached them to this posting.
It was good seeing the photos of PS Minimus; I had the opportunity to chat with the owner at a rally earlier in the year, probably Wentworth.
Thursday edit: I misread Michael's post. The towing photos were taken on Mon.15.10, not Sun.14. I am editing the captions, but not the file names.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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How big is the Tooraloora? It doesnt look very big in this picture...
I like the pictures of the Pride pulling the Billy Tea out of wet dock, but I am sure that it and the Adventurous would be the only two to get out.
Is the Adventurous going to be back in working order at any stage?
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She's about 60ft long, going to be 2levels, diesel engine, and apparently has good use of space.
The slipway winch is out of action, once its fixed she will go back up and have its sponson decks fitted.
When the owners have a quiet moment at work they will pull Adventurous out and take it to their 'block' in moama, and rebuild her: rebuild hull, cabin and decks, take boiler out and get repaired. So hopefully she'll be looking nice cruising in a couple of years time.
Apparently the wetdock is going to get dredged again in the coming month/s
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Wow, a lot bigger than my initial thought.
I would like to see the Adventurous cruising, I have never seen it other than stationery near the wharf.
What do they use to dredge the wetdock? do they bring in a floating dredge or a landbased one?
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PV Tooraloora went up on the slip end of last week to have its sponson frames fitted back on. It has its engine/ gearbox and shafts all fitted in the hull, aswell as the paddleshafts made which will be fitted once the sponson decks are on. Which will probebly start later this week as the builder is currently driving his steam truck home from Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally.
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G'Day,
The old wrecked Barge near the Slipway is that the of the Impulse C. 1885, it's definitely not the Scottish Chief, and I've never even heard of the Chieftain.
The old Barge Tam O'Shanter lies in a deep hole up near one of the Riverside Caravan Parks in Moama.
The Impulse Barge was last owned by Evans Bros. Sawmills and often towed by the PS Edwards, but the Edwards sunk in November 1958 and the Mill burnt down the following year, so the barges were left behind to rot away !
The Barge Clyde C. 1884 was apparently lying at what is now 'The Riverboat Dock' up until the 1970's and it was an obstruction for the Pride of the Murray, I heard somewhere that the Clyde was blown up by the Marine Board to free up valuable mooring space.
The Clyde would have had to have been either blown up or broken up sometime in the mid-late 1970's. There are some small sections of planking with bits of her frames still attatched to them on display on the Wharf, the rest of it is probably long gone though.
Cheers,
Leith Hall
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The Whaler barge is visible beside the slipway, Impulse is over the levey bank and just visible, mostly underground. Tam O'Shanter stem post is visible on low river, apparently there's another wreck underneath her.
Clyde was blown up in the late 1980's in front of Pride's currnet mooring.
PS Adventurous is out of the water and has had it cabin removed, engine taken out and sent to Melbourne to be repaired, all drive shafts, wheel etc have been removed, hull cut in half and another 6m added. 3mm sides. The bottom is 'rooted' so I presume the steel lying beside will replace the whole bottom, looks to be 5-6mm thick, alot better for hitting underwater snags.
Also on the way to a job in the middle of no where I found PV Wanganui, listed in Peter Plowmans latest book, but very little history. Someone is using it as a home.
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So what is this fragment from? It is on the NSW bank just downstream from the slipway. Taken 10/07.
Stephen.
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Hi,
If the wreck is just a few yards down from the Moama Slipway and on the same side of the river, then it's what's left of the Impulse Barge C. 1885, it was abandoned and left to rot away back in the late 1950's.
The Wreck of the PS Freetrader C. 1872 is located just a short distance downstream on the Victorian side, her remains lie in a deep hole below where the PV Gemma used to be moored before she was damaged and taken out of the river.
Cheers,
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Thanks for the up-date Michael
The owners of the Adventurous certainly haven't mucked around, the boat was only taken out of the river a short while ago.
How come her bottom is so deteriorated, she is really not that old.
I think she was built during 1993/94 and launched in 1995.
By the way, where abouts did you find the Wanganui, I have only seen this boat in Peter Plowman's Book, and I think the photo in his book was taken back in the late 1980's, the boat doesn't look to have changed much except for being taken out of the river.
The Wanganui may have been built around the mid 1980's, she was based initially at Barmah and then downstream at Barham/Koondrook, before returning to the Barmah district.
I was talking with Peter Plowman last year and he said that he had seen the Wanganui in 2005 at Deep Creek Marina, (on dry land and possibly being refurbished ?), - but it doesn't look like much has happened to it !
Apparenlty the P.V. Bull Frog is another boat that is currently out of the river, she is also pictured in the Plowman Book and used to be moored somewhere around Barmah, Last year, Eleanor told me that the Bull Frog was sitting on private property at Undera.
By the way what's the latest on the Gemma ?
Noticed you had some much needed rain on Saturday arvo !
Cheers,
-
For the benefit of overseas readers, the photo by Stephen was showing the skeleton of a typical Murray River cod, after a riverbank barbecue by a successful fisherman and 99 friends. It had been spitroasted on a bed of rivergum coals for 3 days.
Regards
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Hi,
If the wreck is just a few yards down from the Moama Slipway and on the same side of the river, then it's what's left of the Impulse Barge C. 1885, it was abandoned and left to rot away back in the late 1950's.
The Wreck of the PS Freetrader C. 1872 is located just a short distance downstream on the Victorian side, her remains lie in a deep hole below where the PV Gemma used to be moored before she was damaged and taken out of the river.
Cheers,
Thanks for that, Leith (but I like Roderick's explanation better!!).
Stephen.
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Was crewing the PS Pevensey last night and on the return trip we raced PS Emmylou and Canberra. Pevensey was throwing the sparks out the funnel as we had her flat chat, was a great sight by all the guest, but too for ever to clean all the soot off the roof and decks after everyone had left!
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For all you PS Adelaide fans especially Sean, I don't know what you did but she is getting 'converted' back to her 'original' colour of white(mushmellow) and brown trim. So hopefully she'l be done by the time she goes out next weekend for Australia Day.
PS Billy Tea has been sold, so Luke is currently pulling her engine out, as it wasn't part of the sale. Have attached a few other photo's for you all. Also James Maiden, she had a bingle a few weeks ago and she's been getting fixed up too.
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Hi PD's & thanks Michael....the recent .jpgs are great
In 'adventureostLength2.jpg' ....we see a digital lazer ...'theod_el_ite' type thingee>>>>>> for the hull steel framework
I hope it didn't get wet in the rain squall or may be :ohno & :crash
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Fantastic news about the colour change! I'm looking forward to seeing her back the old way.
Gee Billy Tea selling- everything seems to be changing hands up in Echuca lately.
Sean
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Wow, it is great news to hear ( and see ) that the PS Adelaide is being returned to original colours, I am looking forward to getting up to Echuca again very soon to see her
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Hey David, I won't be working on the boats that day, but no doubt they can ask the crew for any help or directions, they are usually pretty good to help out.
PS Hero was out cruising last Saturday 2/2/08, here's some shots
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Nice shots Michael, Hero seems to have a bit of darker smoke coming out there in the second shot- I trust no one reported her :P
Both my Mum and I commented that she looks very similar to Pevensey in the second shot- it must be the size of the boat, it's not easy to notice the curve in the wheelhouse. But of course it's easy to tell the two apart with the boxes, colours and name plate.
She looks good going.
How does she look from the side?
Got any shots like that?
One turning a bend one day would be interesting.
Sean
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Ok Sean, just for you....
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Thankyou Michael!
;D
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Thanks Michael, she looks great, except for the slightly industrial looking railing on the lower deck, the upper deck railing is looking good and fits in perfectly.
Great to see her under steam/underway etc. !!!
I'm assuming you guys knows what happened to the Canberra's Funnel, but just incase you don't, it was broken in two when it hit an overhanging branch just downstream from Perfume Point (the Pump-Out Station), and there was more trouble on the way when one of the skippers ran her too close to the wreck of the 'Scottish Chief' Barge, and damaged one of the wheels, I can't be specific on the damage, but about 4 floats had to be replaced.
I found out that the 'Billy Tea' has sold to a lady in Bendigo, and that the little 2 n.h.p. Steam Engine in her wasn't part of the deal, so that's why Luke took it out.
Apparently, the 'Emmylou' is in the middle of a weekend trip up to Barmah, and the 'Pride' is being used for viewing the Southern 80 Waterski Race, which Iv'e tried looking for on TV, but it may only be the main Sunday race that is televised.
I got home from work early on Friday and logged on to the Web Cam ! - looks like the Northern End of the Wharf will be worked on first, but I could be wrong !
The D26 Barge is now moored along 'Shinbone Alley' (about halfway between the Wharf and the Bridge)
and the 'Adelaide' was out on the river and towed the 'Pevensey' to a spot justream from the Wet Dock, they were moored there for a while rafted off one another, whilst a crane very gradually came on the scene and lifted what looked like wool bales from the aft deck of the 'Pev'.
Afterwards, the Adelaide towed the Pevensey back to the Wharf, - she is currently rafted off the Pevensey, which is moored slightly south or upriver from her previous mooring, leaving more vacant space at the northern end of the Wharf.
Michael - Do you know if the dredging has been done yet ?
Cheers,
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How long has D:26 been without logs for now?
Makes it hard to explain an outrigger barge without them. But It's about time they replaced them.
She's a nice ride when you're just being pulled along.
I don't suppose it means there's a planned trip up to Barmah with the Adelaide for a few new logs?
Anyone got details?
Sean
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Sean, Actually I didn't even notice that the logs were missing !
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Mmm so it would be interesting to find out what's going on.
Was just talking to my Mum about the fact that along with the new people at the Port there seems to also be a lot of new ideas. A lot seems to be happening now at the Port, things moving, being restored, new things being instigated. It should hopefully be a very good thing.
Sean
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Here's D:26 without logs- I think I may have posted a with logs pic somewhere in the APAM- I think I wrote an article on her.
Back when I had time *sigh*
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Yeah Michael mentioned a few new people at the Port, - that's often a good thing.
Apparently Frank Ryan has left and has been replaced by a lady from QLD called Kelly Sampson, Mesh is still working there along with a girl called Annita, - I've never heard of her so she must have been appointed sometime in the last year or so.
Do you happen to know if Rhiannon Mahony is still working there ?
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Gee Sean the 2 capstans look a bit crooked don't they - any ideas what happened there ?
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Rhiannon Mahony has left the Port of Echuca and is now in Melbourne IIRC, but Anita has been there ever since I first went up in June 2006 and maybe a bit before that. I think she has been around for a little bit, because I remember Rhiannon speaking about her to me at one stage early on in the piece.
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I know the front Capstan was broken- actually I witnessed awhile ago some people spinning around on it, one fell off and knocked himself out, they had to get an ambulance down there. The rear one works as far as I'm aware, it's probably an old age thing though, might need a bit of TLC. As far as I'm aware the whole barge needs tlc, the nice paint job is just that- a paint job, no repairs.
Sean
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Adelaide and D:26 have been moved so work can be done to the walkway done to Adelaides mooring. D:26 has had its logs removed as half of them were broken and were dangling in the river.
Pevensey was towed up there aswell so it could have its new ash pan placed onboard, and it was fitted today.
Work is being done to the retaining walls below the 'smokeo shed' (where A.A wood is dumped), not seen from the web cam. Then once that is done work will happen on the existing south section of the wharf where pilons will be replaced, no wharf extensions etc, way too expensive, costs nearly 3/4 million dollars just to fix up the existing parts.
Sean there's a rumour D:26 to get towed to Barham to get logs, don't get your hopes up tho!!
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A glimpse of the outrigger system on barge D26 can be seen in the thread
Echuca heritage festival, 7 & 8.10 [Australia] , also in this Preserved Paddle Ships forum.
Here is a better view, taken on Sat.7.10.06 at the heritage festival. Riverman Sean is wading via D26 to board PS Ranger.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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That was the first time I've stepped in that water- very muddy.
Then I jumped onto Ranger, went for a drive and worried James on the Adelaide.
I loooove the rumour Michael- you thinking of taking part?
Maybe they'll have a film crew on board again.
Sean
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Sean, it looks like the logs were taken off the D26 late last week, the is an article in Monday's Riv. Herald, and in the photo, the logs are still on board, it says that the photo was taken on the Wednesday.
Today the A.A. has moored just in behind the Pevensey, the Adelaide is still rafted off the Pev.
M.V. Mary Ann is currently on the Slipway.
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Echuca wharf will be closed to all visitors and port authority from Wednesday 5th March - Tuesday 11th March while work is done to it.
Port boats will be out of action unless there has been school bookings or weddings where they will loaded at the onion patch. Otherwise boats will be tied up away from the wharf and the rosterd crew will do maintenance including Painting PS Adelaide, working on the steam display and cleaning Pevenseys bildge!! Very yuck!
There will be a sailpast and fireworks Easter Sunday night
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Wow can anyone work out a previous event where such a large scale working bee has ever happened at the Port?
Sean
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Well after a week away in Melbourne i finally got down the port to see what was happening, as most may find the webcam isn't working, argh!
PS James Maiden had just towed Etona to the onion patch behind Pevensey as there is some religion thing happening there tomorrow, so Rob was finally cleaning her up, a little!
PS Adelaide has had some painting done, not as much as I'd expected, mostly the sunken cabin had a undercoat, I hope Pev's bildges are sparkling clean!
As you can see the wharf platform is totally gone and I'm not sure what pilons will be replaced, the wharf will re-open and paddlesteamer trips begin tomorrow 12th.
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Thanks for the update Michael !
Yeah, I noticed the webcam was out of action, then it was re-connected, now it's off again.
There sure are some changes happening at the moment, with the Wharf being partially re-built etc. - though even at the current rate, I can't see it being finished by the end of May.
I'd like to make the trip down for Steam Fest in October, but still not sure on whether I'll be able to make it.
Cheers,
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I have just cruised Jessie II from Deep Creek (1660 km) nearly to Cape Horn Winery (1736 km) and return, aborting a planned Barmah journey when we got stuck in 30 cm depth with no time to search for a channel.
Sightings:
Sat.29.3: PV Sundowner at Michael's marina in Merrigum. PV Cameron of Lochiel still at the engineering yard on the Echuca fringe. PV Florence Annie on the hard at Deep Creek Marina. (See extra note).
Sun.30.3:
PV Colonial Lass near 1674 km. It looks top heavy, but doesn't have outrigger floats, and hasn't fallen over yet.
PS Barmah, now with the shortened name mounted prominently on the paddleboxes, between the Campaspe junction and the port of Echuca.
All the Echuca boats: Michael or Leith can list the positions. I was too busy steering in congested water to take notes.
The slip had a barge (which isn't D26).
Etona is on the Victorian bank.
The wet dock held PS/V Britannia (dual powered), PS Henry Charles, possibly more but I couldn't see, and didn't have even 30 cm of water to sneak in and look.
Nothing between there and Cape Horn.
Work was in progress on rebuilding the upriver end of the historic wharf.
Mon.31.3. The new owner of Florence Annie was aboard and invited me to inspect his work and discuss his plans (he had come round to inspect my boat, recognising it at a distance as a Tennessee).
The hull was holed when the river dropped, and the 12 t boat settled onto a stump. That didn't cause a significant leak: the bilge pump could cope, and the boat paddled from Perricoota Homestead to Deep Creek for slipping.
The new owner plans to live aboard, at a mooring near Waikerie (SA).
He realises that it may take many months to voyage all the way through.
I was surprised how spacious the interior is.
The hull below the main deck provides about 1.2 m clearance for the diesel engine, and nearly full headroom for the lower forecabin, which the new owner will use as his main bedroom. The wheelhouse above the forecabin is sufficiently spacious to be a day lounge / dining saloon too.
Behind this, on the main deck: a galley kitchen with full size stove/oven, and room opposite for a full size fridge and a pot-belly stove.
Next: a toilet opposite a shower.
Next: the main bedroom, which will be used as a music studio by the new owner.
He is recladding the deckhouses and roof with hardiflex (a cement-sheet product); the framing is good.
Tuesday update: judging from the photos which my deckie was taking with my camera, working upriver:
Below the commercial wharves: PV Amelia Jane.
On the slip: a barge
Commercial wharves: PS Emmylou, PS Canberra, PV Pride of the Murray in some order (but we crossed all three out on the water), also MV Mary Ann.
Between the commercial wharves and the historic wharf: PS Hero, PS Perricoota, PS James Maiden, PS Ranger, PS Etona, PS Alexander Arbuthnot.
At the historic wharf: PS Pevensey.
Wet dock: PS/PV Britannia, PS Henry Charles, possibly P Billy Tea (no propulsion), possibly SWPS Adventurous: these two weren't seen.
Onion Patch, above the wet dock: PS Adelaide, barge D26.
Have an April Fool joke: PS Britannia has sunk to the bottom. [Also have the punchline: conceivably it is sitting on the bottom with perhaps 40 cm, maybe less, water just now].
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Here's Florence Annie at Deep Creek, note the brown sky, had gale force winds whipping up the bare land.
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Hi Michael,
Yeah, I heard about the wild weather on Wednesday, hope everything is OK !
The 'Florence Annie' moving on to S.A. seems to be in-line with the current trend doesn't it...
There's a whole heap of boats from the VIC./N.S.W. Section that have moved down to S.A.
For example;
P.V. Matilda - Red Cliffs / Mildura to Tailem Bend ?
S.W.P.V. Gypsy Ellen - Barmah to Nor-West Bend / Cadell - sometime in 2004
P.V. Lady Rae - Heathcote to Echuca to Murray Bridge
S.W.P.V. Waradgery - (Possibly still at Colignan, but to be moved down to Murray Bridge)
P.V. Black Shag - Murray Downs Marina to S.A. - (NOT SURE WHERE EXACTLY)
S.W.P.V. Tamara Rae - Wemen to Moorook
P.V. Ronald Henry - Bruce's Bend near Mildura to Lyrup
Andrew Cook's Sternwheeler - Swan Hill/Murray Downs to Mildura to Cadell
It might eventually even things up a bit as I did a rough calculation and counted about 100 or so boats from Albury to Wentworth inclusive and only about 52 or 53 in the S.A. Section.
I splitted the VIC./N.S.W. Section up and counted;
5 or 6 from Albury to Undera (where the 'Bull Frog' sits.)
30 in the Echuca / Moama District (including the Hulls of the 'Australien' & 'Edwards'.)
16 from the Thule - Wakool - Barham / Koondrook - Swan Hill / Murray Downs - Dingwall - Ultima &
Robinvale / Euston areas.
And a record breaking 52 or 53 boats from Colignan to Wentworth inclusive, some of which haven't even been launched yet.
Roderick, the boats in the Wet Dock behind the 'Britannia' & 'Henry Charles' are the 'Billy Tea' still without an engine and the 'Tooraloora', still very much under construction and of course the 'B22' Barge - largely exposed and sitting on the left hand side.
I think the 'Adventurous' is still on the owners property being re-built, - I haven't heard otherwise !
Did you happen to see the 'Ivy May', moored up near the Abbatoirs ? - she's the newish one that had her Sternwheel removed sometime last year.
Cheers,
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The flight to SA is unsurprising. The water is more reliable, and there are no snags.
In the 1960s, the Mildura reach had more boats than the Echuca one.
Today, the whole stretch controlled by NSW is not to have snags removed, and not to have bars dredged; there are also problems obtaining moorings. Keeping a boat in the Echuca reach gives access to only 110 km of reliable cruising. Going below Torrumbarry or above Barmah Lake requires good water flows, and a hull which doesn't mind bashing a few snags.
Tamara Rae may yet come home to Wemen: I believe that it is moored with the owner's relatives.
I didn't recognise Ivy May without a sternwheel, and didn't take a photo.
At the abbatoirs, there were about 12 pontoon houseboats in a row, moored bow in to the bank.
My deckie didn't take a photo either. His camera was damaged when it fell from the kitchen bench after the boat was rocked by a particularly vicious waterski boat at close range.
Enclosed: Echuca early on Mon.31.3.08 morning, with ducks paddling alongside Jessie II, Adelaide being steamed, and workers at the wharf reconstruction site visible.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Good Photo Roderick ! - Is that a Pelican in the background near the Wharf ?
Yes, your'e definitely right about the limited river levels, snags and general navigation hazards in the VIC./N.S.W. Section and also that the Barmah Lakes - Torrumbarry Weir Section being generally 'cut-off' from long distance cruising.
Actually, it's funny that you mentioned that the Mildura section was home to more boats than the Echuca section, because this is still the case !
I counted them up and I found that between Echuca East & Perricoota Homestead/Station there are approx. 30 boats at the moment, compared with approx. 50 boats on the Colignan - Wentworth section.
They are as follows;
Echuca East:
P.V. Cameron of Lochiel (Still not yet launched)
P.S. Ivy-May (Stern Wheel removed last year) - this one was moored near the Abbatoirs.
Wet Dock:
P.S./P.V. Britannia
P.S. Henry Charles
P.S. Billy Tea
P.V. Tooraloora
Port of Echuca Wharf:
P.S. Pevensey
P.S. Adelaide
P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot
Private Moorings:
P.S. Etona
P.S. Ranger
P.S. James Maiden
P.S. Perricoota
Log Slip Landing:
P.S. Hero
Riverboat Dock:
P.V. Pride of the Murray - Berth 1
P.S. Canberra - Berth 2
M.V. Mary Ann - Berth 3
P.S. Emmylou - Berth 4
Moama Slip Way:
P.S./P.V. Eclipse (Unfinished Project - Hull & Paddle Boxes)
Private Houseboat Moorings (Rotton Row):
P.V. Amelia Jane
P.S. Barmah - Downstream on the N.S.W. Side and just off Maiden Smith Drive, Moama
P.V. Florence Annie - Deep Creek Marina
P.V. Colonial Lass - VIC. Side - at the end of Point Road, Wharparilla
P.V. Wanganui - (Sitting up on 44 gallon drums on Perricoota Station - used as a house)
P.V. Run Riot - Moored near Perricoota Homestead, just upstream from National Channel
S.W.P.S. Adventurous - Currently being re-built on the owners property just downstream from Moama
P.V. Gemma - Sitting in Bruce Gow's backyard on the edge of Moama
P.V. Babbler - Stored on a Boat Trailer on the owners property, (apparently near Moama)
P.S. Australien - on Private Property at the end of Matheson Road, just south of Echuca
P.S. Edwards - on Private Property on Menzies Road also on the south side of town, but on the eastern side of the Campaspe.
And finally, Michaels's latest project - the P.V. Sundowner, and we all know where she is.
I will post the Colignan - Wentworth Paddle Boats later (probably in the APAM Forum), but I will check Frank Tucker's Website first, as some of them get moved around quite a lot, and there's at least 10 or 12 that probably haven't even been launched yet.
Cheers,
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Gemma is actually in Melbourne and Babbler is in S.A.
Saturday saw the Marridge to Gary Byfords daughter to a local fella. The wedding was held on board the Hero, while guest viewed from Hero's lower deck, workplatform, Adelaide and Pevensey above the onion patch, before a 3-4hr cruise including a 'race' between Hero and Adelaide! Followed by the reception at Oscar W's resturant. It was great to see all three boats out together.
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So the question on everyone's lips now is: who won Adelaide or Hero?
I think we've all been wondering for a very long time.
Beautiful shots Michael. Hero really scrubs up nicely there. Adelaide too. Even D26 is looking good.
Must have been a great day
Sean
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Wow... great pics Michael,
Well, as far as the race is concerned, I think we could safely say that the 'Adelaide' would have won, as she's smaller and a lot lighter !
Does anyone know the approx. horse power and displacement of the 'Hero' ? - I'm guessing 28 n.h.p. and 120-130 tons, but I could be wrong.
By comparison:
'Pevensey' - 20 n.h.p. / 136 tons
'Adelaide' - 36 n.h.p. / 56 tons
'Alexander Arbuthnot' - 10 n.h.p. / 46 tons
Michael, it looks like the river level is a little higher ! - is that right ?
By the way, has Bruce sold the 'Gemma' ? - you mentioned that she's been moved down to Melbourne !
As for the 'Babbler', has she been sold also, or is she just on an extended S.A. trip ?
Cheers,
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The way I see it Gemma's morring was sold and she went with it! Not sure what the go it with her, will try and find out. Ivy May is out of the river, she has been for awhile.
PV Babbler was sold to 'Rat' Russel Anderson, who previously owned the Gypsey Ellen, she is currrently in SA, around waikerie, I think. But he's hoping to get her back to Echuca soon.
Attached are some photo's of PS Hero when I was out on PS Adelaide for its 'Heritage Cruise'! Hero cruised alongside us for most of the time. And yes there was a couple of races, embarrasingly Adelaide came 2nd as the engineer wouldn't go over 50psi!! Makes me eager to get my steam ticket!
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Hi PD's........& yes ....thanks Michael....great snaps....regards Derek
...the lighting on Hero :crash....does she have steam to generator? or diesel to generator?...or just battery power? or a combination of the latter two?
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Hi Derek, she has two large Diesel generators in her forward hold, in sound proof boxes. I think Gary was looking at evening put a battery pack in thru inverters.
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Echuca wharf will be closed from tomorrow Monday 16th and will reopen on Saturday 28th June. The closure will allow the remain part of the wharf have some of the pilons fixed which are broken, or rotted where they go into the ground. the 28th will include an official open of the refurbished section of the wharf.
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From this morning's newspaper (Mon.16.6.08 Melbourne 'Herald Sun'):
The executive director of Heritage Victoria has advertised his intention to add Echuca wharf (40-60 Murray Esplanade, Echuca) to Victorian Heritage Register, as a heritage place (category archaeological place). I am surprised that it has been included earlier, but better now than never. AFAIK inclusion in this register confers no financial benefits, or even heritage protection. It simply provides recognition. For many other inclusions, it brings an unknown location or object to public attention.
See www.heritage.vic.gov.au.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Okay I haven't updated much so here we go:
PS Ranger has been on the slip for two weeks having 7 planks and a floor beam replaced, she is back in the water but still moored at the slip as she is leaking, so may have to go back up for a day or so.
PV Billy Tea had a diesel engine installed last night, its out of a japanese car or something as it has auto gearbox mounted on the side (what you dind in front drive cars).
PV Ivy May is being converted to a sidewheeler and a diesel fitted.
PV Florence Annie has paddled into Echuca, not sure what he is doing with her up here, waiting for a higher river to go down river i presume.
I found PV Gemma, being done up in the backyard of somebodys place in Moama, still keeping the same configuration.
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Has Florence Annie changed owners or is she still for sale?
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The dates for the 2008 Heritage Festival do not appear on the website.
I have just had confirmation from the port: Sat.4 & Sun.5.10, clashing with the celebrations in Goolwa for Oscar W's centenary and obtaining of survey for passenger cruising.
I don't know what this year's special features will be at Echuca, or which private-owner paddleboats will be participating.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Saturday 4.10
The festival was quite a good one, though not as good as last years if I remember correctly.
PS Pevensey was doing its usual cruising, along with PS Emmylou and PS Canberra for the day.
6pm saw the boarding of the PS Alexander Arbuthnot and PS Adelaide for the 2 hour cruise, sailpast and fireworks feature. I was on the PS Adelaide, then crossed over to the PS Alexander Arbuthnot to catch up with the crew who I havent seen for a while. PS Adelaide crewed by Jarrod (and I think Frank ... from Mildura), Barry (deckie) and Alan (engineer) + plus a teenage guy, I dont know his name. PS Alexander was captained by Mal Smythe, engineered by Mal White and Deckie was Tony. I dont know who the Pevensey was crewed by, except I caught up with Aaron (who was Pevensey's engineer that night) and I am sure I saw Michael on her decks as the Adelaide left the wharf at 6pm.
?PS Hero seemed to travelling around quite a bit throughout the day (private cruising - yes/no?) and then that night (vision from PS Adelaide up to PS Hero was limited) there was a water skiing event behind the PS Hero. It had a large light rig erected on the lower aft deck.
Sailpast Vessels:
PS Pevensey
PS Adelaide
PS Alexander Arbuthnot
PS Emmylou
PS Canberra
PV Pride of the Murray
MV Mary Ann
PS Hero
PS Ranger
PS Perricoota
PS Billy Tea
PV Amelia Jane
I think that is all of the ones that participated in the evening sailpast.
There were the usual collection of vintage cars and trucks, along with vintage petrol engines and one operating steam traction engine (driven by Jarrod) and a CASE semi-portable steam engine (not fired).
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Hi PD's ....& thanks James for the :kewlpics...looks like everyone was having a good time ......but for the life of me.... :shoot...I cannot figure out the 'AA flare from Adelaide' .jpg........Derek
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Hey PD's,
Derek, "AA"= Antiaircraft. PS Man is telling us that a foreign entity was invading and we're seeing the muzzleflash of the AA guns in defence of the homeland.
Randy
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OK.... :sorry...I see it all now...just needed to rotate the image 90 degrees clockwise......Derek
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Im glad you turned it around
I must of forgotten when loading them all last night, I was in a bad mood with the computer 'cos it wasn't cooperating with me.
Thanks
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Hi PD's .... & a question from Leith that I had missed .....
'does anyone know the approx. horse power and displacement of the 'Hero' ? - I'm guessing 28 n.h.p. and 120-130 tons, but I could be wrong'.
Leith....according to Parsons....Hero [Official Number 71798] as built [September 1874] was 137 gross & 108 net tons with a twin cylinder 28 hp steam engine from the Atlas Engine Works in Melbourne....
Not to bad when you consider she is approx 134 years [YOUNG]..... :birth...Hero............. :towel......Derek
PS......I understand James.... :breakcomp...they can be very unfriendly box's of electrons at times...... :nahnah
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Well, that was a while ago Derek, I always knew the original specs of the 'Hero', but wasn't sure on her latest specs, as the Steam Engine & Boiler are both Replicas of the Original Machinery, judging by what I have heard they were made to fairly exact specs, so I'm assuming approx. 28 n.h.p. would be about right, not sure about the Bore and Stroke measurements though.
I have heard just recently that she now weighs in at 100 tons, actually a little less than I was thinking, but she really sits quite low in the water, even lower than the 'Adelaide'.
Cheers,
Leith
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I'm not exactly sure on Hero's exact HP as everything was sized up when she was built, except the hull!! Thats why she now draws 4ft and nearly 5ft when loaded with passengers! You can check out her new website www.hero.net.au
This year's Heritage Festival wasn't the best one, for me! The sailpast is usually the highlight for me, I was deckhand on the Pevensey. And Barge master on the D:26 on the Sunday. I also had Bunyip there and cruised up to the Goulburn Junction Monday morning, she is still tied up next to PV Tooraloora so I can use it after work.
PS Hero went out to set a world record of the most wakboarders towed behind a paddlesteamer. During Saturday we cruised down to Campaspe Junction and did a couple of practice runs. (thats me dring in James photo 'Hero from Pev'). She started with 15 wakeboarders but only 8 manage to last the whole trip. World record? I'm not sure Apparently PV Rothbury has towed way more, however she is diesel.
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Hi PD's & sorry Leith...........according to their WEB site.....the original machinery was :hammer refurbished .....beautiful snap below from Michael via http://www.hero.net.au/ of the Atlas .... :no1b engine .....Derek
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In an early part of the site, it is announced that there is overnight accommodation for six couples in three double bedrooms: a subtle way of announcing a menage a quatre?
Later in the site, the figure is revised to three couples.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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How I wish that were true Derek, unfortunately it worked out cheaper and easier to build a replica of the original, those of us that spend a fair bit of time in Echuca know these sorts of things. I have seen the Website and well - they stretched the truth a little.
Gary Byford would have the Original Machinery in a shed somewhere on his property, much of which was beyond redemption :(
He salvaged the Machinery in July 1986 and moved it to his Strathmerton Property, meaning that for approx. 29 years it was basically either below the water line or just above it and exposed to all the elements.
Michael has given a wrap up of the progress of the restoration/re-building of the Hero in much earlier postings from Oct/Nov 2006.
I think the Safety Valves were cast from another Local Steam Engine, don't know which one though.
Oh, and the Boiler has been welded together, there are no rivets or stays in it.
Cheers,
Leith
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Some more pictures from the 2008 Heritage Festival,
now the computer is cooperating with me,
hopefully these are okay :)
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Hi PD's ....& thanks for the clarification Leith.........here is the BLURB fro the Hero WEB site......
Is the Hero really steam powered? - Yes, the original steam engines and boiler have been re built to exact specifications.
So whats a few words in an English spoken Court of Law :gathering.... :hehe.....however I am very pleased the owners at least made the decision to revert back to steam over diesel
& just the .jpg of the boiler is beautiful......Derek
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So where were Atlas & Co based. Was it a UK or Australian-built engine?
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Hi Alistair,
Atlas Engineering Works were based here in Australia, actually in Melbourne to be specific, at one stage the company was owned by Scott & Young and was known by this name for many years.
Atlas & Co. also built the machinery for some other boats that have long since dissapeared such as the 'Elizabeth'.
Many of the engines over approx. 25 n.h.p. were built here in Oz, but there are not many left these days.
The 'Hero', 'Adelaide', 'Industry', are the only existing boats out here that have Australian-made machinery.
The 'Cumberoona' at Albury, NSW is the other exception she was only built in the 1980's, but AFAIK still has 2 Buffalo Pitts Steam Engines built in Buffalo, NY, USA in the early 1900's.
The 'Gem', located at the entrance to the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement also had locally built machinery, but it was all removed decades ago, now only the Paddle Wheels remain.
All the other steamers have British built machinery, mainly Marshall & Sons. Robey & Co. Ruston Proctor, Beverley Iron Works, Richard R. Hornsby, Ransome Simms & Jeffries & Brown & May.
Talk to you soon,
Regards,
Leith
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Okay... Not sure that this is the right thread, but I found the following news report from July this year online;
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/14/2302533.htm
Does anyone know anything about this? Is the AVOCA for sale? Was there interest from Echuca? I haven't been able to find anything else which confirms this.
It'd be interesting if true. There'd be issues with getting her there, where she would operate from, etc...
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Don't know anything about Avoca coming to Echuca, I did hear MRPS were interested in purchasing it as it was up for sale.
I do know the Success is most likely coming to Echuca in the near future for restoration, being donated to the Echuca Council by River and Riverboat Preservation Society.
I think its a half million dollar job, so hopefully the money comes through and it doesn't end up sitting in Echuca like it is in Mildura.
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With the river slowly rising at Echuca, PS Britannia has managed to get in and out of Wet dock. We went out for a run to Echuca East Boat ramp and return Monday afternoon, and all went very nice. Engine very quiet and also the chain drive. Just a few leaks fron the paddleboxes into the kitchen!
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PS Britannia departed Echuca 6am this morning, planning on getting through Torrumbarry Lock this afternoon and head on downstream!
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Just a short trip? Or have they decided to see where they end up?
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The river dropped, so there stuck at Torrumbarry Weir
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Had a nice view from Moama beach, see my album or please explain how to put photos here
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Awesome page everyone, I love it. Keep up the info, doesnt get much better then this!
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Two boats set out from the Echuca area in Feb.09 to reach an April event in Murray Bridge (SA): NHMA's national machinery exhibition.
As at the start of March, despite all of the doom & gloom low water levels on which newspapers dwell, they had got through the tricky NSW sections and reached Mildura. The boats are PS James Maiden and PV Florence Annie, voyaging in tandem.
They are now into guaranteed navigation, but won't reach Murray Bridge: lock 1 is closed for maintenance.
PS Marion is cruising (with passengers) from Mannum on Wed.1.4 to position for the event, and will run cruises there. It heads upriver again on Mon.6.4.
I will be there with Jessie II. After a lot of replanning, I will launch above Mannum, and cruise for 5 h to get there. I will return on Monday, chasing Marion.
See: www.nationalrally2009.com.au
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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The James Maiden seemed to be quite ugly last time i saw it. hope it isnt now! The River at echuca is slowly falling after the spring flushout. Echuca is going to see quite a lot of tourists these school holidays. I think that the 'echuca way of life' as i call it. is the best y=thing in the whole world, i wish i could live up there for ever, but im stuck next to the stupid sea! hope all's well there!
Clark XD
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And finally, Michaels's latest project - the P.V. Sundowner, and we all know where she is.
[/quote]
Where is she????
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went to the easter sailpast, fireworks didn't seem right at the end, i think something went wrong.
the boats that were in it were-
Henry Charles,
Perricoota,
Ranger,
Emmylou,
Pevensey,
Adelaide,
Hero,
Canberra,
Pride of The Murray
Barmah,
Amelia Jane
and the Mary Ann
Great to see the Henry Charles running, whistle sounds a bit like the canberra
The Adelaide used its awesome whistle, it should use it all the time,
Does anyone know why the Alexander Arbuthnot was not in it?? i cant find out from anyone
Thanks
Clark :)
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Thanks for the Echuca parade report: there are nine steamers in that list of 12 participants.
I had to stay home and work on two issues all Easter, to compensate for week on SA water.
I don't recall ever having seen Barmah in steam; it would have been good to be present.
Were the fireworks Saturday night?
It could be that AA is under maintenance, or it could be that the port ran out of crew.
To answer the question from the preceding post:
'And finally, Michaels's latest project - PV Sundowner, and we all know where she is.
Where is she?'.
At this location: www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3324.15
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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The Barmah's whistle is awful, it sounds like there is something trying to escape but cant, not loud at all. And the port could not find anyone to run the AA so looks like they need a few more people.
Apparently Ivy May (or Ivy Way, sign might have been flipped around) was in Echuca over the easter weekend, didnt see it personally but my friend took some pics of it, it looks like a shed on a boat.
Clark
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Sundowner is about 50km away from the river in a paddock!
I was on Perricoota for the sailpast, I don't think they had enough crew to run the AA.
IVY May was moored above Hero's mooring during the sailpast, didn't go in parade, bit slow!
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omg i didnt see the Ivy May, next year i am so going on a boat instead of sitting on the bank
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One method of being aboard a boat is not to describe the whistle as 'horrible', or the superstructure as 'like a shed'.
Boats are like women: never criticise another man's wife, or his boat.
It was interesting that Mary Ann was in the parade: not paddle. My own boat is inelegible on the count.
IIRC the only parade which I have attended was aboard PS Canberra, with Michael steering, including his first round up on a boat of that size. He was able to do it simply by turning the wheel; the river was suficiently wide. A common Echuca technique now is to stick the bow (for a downstream turn) or stern (for an upstream turn) into the bank, and let the current bring the other end around. I have admired Pevensey skippers doing that near Echuca, but the best example was aboard a smaller paddlesteamer, in the narrows section above Barmah.
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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I've been on the Pevensey when it's done the "stick the end in the bank" turns and thought it was a neat trick. Nudging the bank with the bow is straightforward but I've always wondered about rudder damage when doing it with the stern.
Stephen.
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I have seen the marks from the boats doing that in the silt infront of the wetdock recently, Clark :o
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Anyone going down on Queens B-day weekend?
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soz anyone know whats gown down on queens b-day weekend
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soz anyone know whats gown down on queens b-day weekend
I am planing on cleaning the BBQ, and checking some of the camping equipment. My son and I had been going to go camping but he now has to work. The Queen's Birthday is this weekend here.
Canada
According to the present (1952) legislation governing Victoria Day, originally the birthday of Queen Victoria (born 24 May, 1819) and now a holiday in her memory, Canada celebrates the day on the Monday on or before 24 May. However, it is not widely known that the official birthday of the reigning Queen, Elizabeth II (born 21 April, 1926), is also, not by legislation but by proclamation (permanent in 1957), celebrated on the same Monday on or before 24 May. The two holidays are in law entirely distinct except for being appointed to be observed on the same day. The Queen's official birthday is marked by the firing of an artillery salute in the national and provincial capitals of Canada and the flying of the Union Flag on buildings of the national government if there is a second pole already available. For Canadians in the warmest regions, Victoria Day is sometimes considered the beginning of summer, when theme parks and outdoor pools are opened, and other summer activities begin.
There is usually some fireworks displays on monday night.
Regards,
Gerald.
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I won't be in Echuca: I will still be in South Africa.
So far the whole holiday has been railway.
I got a glimpse of a paddleboat at Knysna, and three photos.
I will return to Upington to research the sternwheeler photo which I saw 10 years ago.
I will visit V&A in Cape Town, but that is mainly tug, not paddle.
Recall, at the end of June: the big event will be in Wentworth.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Hi Michael, Roderick & other new members !
Haven't posted anything for ages, but have been relatively and also still limited internet access, I have been doing lots of research lately and hope to get back to Echuca later in the year, I was planning a trip for late April, but I had to put that on hold.
Michael, the Sundowner is really coming along nicely - keep up the good work !
It's also good to see a bit of new interest in the site.
Will do another post soon when I have a bit more time.
Regards,
Leith Hall
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The Success has arrived in Echuca... Wouldn't mind seeing some more detailed shots. If anyone there could help out, I'd be very appreciative.
Mac
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The Success has arrived in Echuca... Wouldn't mind seeing some more detailed shots. If anyone there could help out, I'd be very appreciative.
Mac
Yes, I went up there on the weekend and noticed that. My family and I had dinner with an employe of the port and they told us that the Success was purchased for $10. A mere formality to ensure it was properly handed over. Also PS Adelaide cannot run due to legal red tape put in place by the operators of the Emmylou etc.
Clark
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From Michael via www.nangilocps.vic.edu.au/PaddleBoatNews9Sept09.html
Hero, Pevensey, Adelaide, Canberra and Emmylou have all had boiler inspections recently; all passed.
Pevensey is supposed to be up on the slip having hull inspection and maintenance, but the shire and slip owner aren't getting along too well, so she can't get up, Adelaide was supposed to have gone up earlier this year.
PV Amelia Jane is currrently up on the slip.
I suspect that Adelaide can't convey passengers until it has had its survey slipping. Some of the SA boats must have been granted extensions when water levels prevented them from reaching a slip, but they are the big metal-hull ones.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Mac
This hyperlink is from the ABC's wesite and provides additional photos plus audio interview with 3 Mildura locals who were initialli involve with bring the Success to Mildura for retoration.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2009/08/20/2661667.htm
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That is worth listening to. I have met three of the four speakers, and was a member of the group during the period when it was becoming increasingly obvious that the project was beyond the resources.
Not mentioned in the interview: it was this group and these people who created the replica PS Mary Ann and lookalike PS Lady Augusta for the 2003 fleet voyage marking the 150th anniversary of the original Randell and Cadell voyages, in 1853.
The first speaker owns PV Matthew James; the second runs PV Impulse and PV Mosquito, and has the hull from PV Wanera.
Also in the region PV/PS Canally, under restoration at Robinvale/Euston. That hull was a project tacked by shipwright Adam from Echuca, whose name wasn't mentioned in the interview.
There are several postings about all of these boats in Paddleducks already: use the search function to find them.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Success in Port log yard
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Pevensey, finally on the slip.
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With a week of high river... a rise of about 5-6ft, which is higher than summer levels, actually hasn't been like this since Sept 2003, for the 150th trip.
PS Britannia and Ivy May were out cruising, PB Pride of the Murray is on the slip being caulked.
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Giant leap in water level right now. Have a look!
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It might be hard for those of you far from Australia to understand why we get so emotional about our river. It is a fickle mistress, but when the times are good, they are good. After years of drought, we have at last had a 'traditional' winter. The river is up: I could now cruise up the Goulburn, except that the water is so high I couldn't get under the bridges.
In the spirit, PS Hero has just taken a load of passengers to Torumbarry, and gone through the lock, the largest vessel to do so since at least 2003, possibly longer. It is spending a week in the vicinity, then returning to Echuca.
The locks are river landmarks: there is a huge sense of achievement when reaching one. They do test skippering skills. I have just been in communication with several owners of steam launches, present at Wentworth in July. For many, it was the first time in their boating life for passing though a lock: the sense of achievement showed in their writing.
We have also had a late dump of snow in the alps, helping my skiing hobby, and auguring well for good boating into January. This is the year to tackle the notorious reaches.
The enclosed jpg has come from Michael, from a Wed.1.9 newspaper.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Heres a few more shots from around the area.
PS Ranger had a large tree stump land on it after the river rose and made the bank unstable, only damaged the cabin wall, but she is now on slip getting hull work, she went up after PS Emmylou who went up backwards to have its rudder replaced as the river is too high, nose was still in the water.
PV Struggler, Tooraloora, Britannia and Billy Tea at the southern end of the wharf.
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From www.portofechuca.org.au
Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 October 2010
Heritage Steam Festival
Enjoy a magical weekend of family fun at the bustling Port of Echuca.
Both days offer free entertainment for people of all ages, celebrating the rich traditions and heritage that our area genuinely demonstrates. Exhibits on display will include steam engines, horse-drawn carriages, paddlesteamers, vintage cars and tractors.
The highlight includes a Sailpast and Fireworks show on Echuca Wharf on the Saturday night. The evening showcases our region's impressive fleet of paddlesteamers as they steam the river together. Tickets can be purchased for this event from Port of Echuca Gift Shop.
I am planning to launch Jessie II at Echuca East on Saturday; watch everything from a mooring or ashore, then cruise to & from Picnic Point over Sun.-Tues. Is any one else planning to be there?
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Is this correct? The Wreck of the PS Freetrader C. 1872 is located just a short distance downstream from the Moama Slipway on the Victorian side, her remains lie in a deep hole below where the PV Gemma used to be moored before she was damaged and taken out of the river.
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There was the remains of hull showing near the slipway in July when the water level was down. Forgot to ask what it was when we took the canoe back.
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Apparently but under alot of mud, aswell as any other wreck that remains in Echuca.
The photo's of the wreck near the slipway is the Scottish Chief Barge
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Thanks for that, Michael & Barry
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After the conclusion of Wentworth Junction Rally (July 10), the new large cruising launch from Goolwa (MV Emu, see http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5263.msg27618#msg27618) was continuing upriver. The owner of PV Miralie ran in tandem. Somewhere in Paddleducks I have a photo of Miralie at Swan Hill, its highest point reached during the 2003 Randell & Cadell 150th anniversary. By the end of October, the two boats were at Koondrook/Barham: the water was too high to get under the bridge, but there was a problem with the lifting mechanism, and it couldn't be raised. They did get past, and were at Torrumbarry on Thurs.4.11, to reach Echuca for the weekend. I haven't hear what the next plan is, but continuing to Yarrawonga (where a weir blocks navigation) would be achievable.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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News relayed via Michael: as at Friday night, the two boats were still in tandem, had cleared Tocumwal bridges, and were 72 km from Yarrawonga. They should be at Yarrawonga tonight (Sat.13.11). Emu qualifies for a fairly rare certificate: the boat has traversed the full Goolwa - Yarrawonga voyage (and in a single voyage; most people jigsaw over multiple shorter voyages).
Spirit of the Coorong has done not only that, but the Coorong below Goolwa, and the Murray from Yarrawonga to Albury.
I plan to achieve that too with Jessie II, and then sneak above Albury, hopefully to Hume Weir (a low bridge is more of a problem than water depth).
Hume Weir is now full again; I could cruise a long way up the main Murray arm, and up the Mitta Mitta arm. That was never paddlesteamer territory.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Here is Miralie and Emu tied up in the WetDock on the return trip home. They made it to Yarrawonga, but decided to turn back and head for home, waiting at Echuca for the river to drop so they can fit underneath some bridges that don't lift anymore.