Update: Medway Queen

[lenknight]

The dismantling of the Medway Queen was completed on the 8th October 2006, now the renovation of some parts begin, no mean task, quite time consuming for the members, that are past their prime. At present the saved decking is being overhauled.
On the hull rebuild, three shipyards are interested at present, Pendennis, A&P and Appledore, these have been approached for costing, which must be approved by the HLF, pending our receiving of the grant.
Len Knight  :lol:

[Channel]

Thanks for the update,

Hope Appledore or Pendennis get the job . . .

Chris

[Brian]

Here are some questions.
 
Who will have the main part in deciding which shipbuilder is to be selected for the reconstruction the hull of the PS Medway Queen?

As her hull was most likely to have been originally of rivetted construction, will authenticity guaranteed / maintained by having her new shell plating also rivetted?

However it is recognised that her hull may well be now be welded construction, for  -
(1) there may not be many craftsman who are able to do the rivetted construction of ships' hulls, and
(2) the plate edges will only need "edge preparation" for welding, whereas for rivetting construction all "faying surfaces" will need drilling/punching"; so rivetting may be a more costly construction method.
.

[lenknight]

Hello Brian
The re build of the hull of the paddle steamer Medway Queen is going to be a partnership between the interested parties, i.e. HLF and MQPS.
It is a matter of being cost effective, within the bounds of requirements.  But I believe the committee pick the shipyard at the end of the day.
The vessel must comply within a designated period of time, that is agreed, in this case the early 1950’s.
Albeit, it is recognised that the method of the original construction is the criteria, there are exceptions to the rule (as ever) many improvements have occurred between 1924 and 1950.
The hull was riveted, but at times a compromise is accepted in as much as cost, and availability of expertises. (appearance of being riveted)
As you say the cost between welding and riveting is considerable and must be looked at realistically.
Bearing in mind today’s rules and regulations must apply, in relation to the ships age and registration.
Hopefully, we will know by the end of December 2006, the outcome of our efforts, the acceptance and the go ahead for the rebuild of the hull of the Medway Queen.
Len Knight webmaster MQPS :lol: