PS Ruby restoration [Australia]

[andy]

Hi,

no pics of the engines?

Andy

[Roderick Smith]

A photo of the boiler and engine of PS Ruby is in the second post in this thread.
A photo of the boiler and engine of PS Melbourne is somewhere: you would have to use the search feature.
I haven't photographed the boiler or engine of PS James Maiden, or at least not at the Wentworth event.  I did have in inspection at Echuca a couple of years ago, and may have taken a photo then.
AFAIK I haven't photographed any diesel engine in a paddleboat.
I should have photos of boilers/engines in PS Marion, PS Canberra, PS Ranger, PS Enterprise (Michael's photo) and PS Industry somewhere, possibly even of PS Cumberoona and PS Cato.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

I have seven photos left, so I will post them as a four and a three.

While I was cruising to Mildura and return, four boats went downriver to Frenchman's Creek (the takeoff channel for Murray water being stored in Lake Victoria for eventual use in Adelaide): Settler, William Albert, Miralie and Shiralee. Miralie also paddled 5 km down the creek This was possible because the wooden bridge about 1 km from the Murray had been removed.  Settler continued to lock 9.  Later William Albert paddled up Darling River to Avoca Station.

Today:
A rare side-wheel pontoon houseboat.
PV AEV899N heading up river (a bit blurred, so I have shrunk it smaller)
Two of SWPV Risbey heading up river.  As on my upriver photos, to show the scenery, I haven't cropped.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

My final three from the fleet event celebrating the 150th anniversary of Wentworth.
This also marked the end of my 2008-09 season, which started in September for the centenary of PS Oscar W, and continued through a range of events and independent cruising.  Photos from most/all have been placed in various threads.

In my ownership, Jessie II has voyaged a significant portion of Murray River.  The full length from Albury to the mouth is 2185 km.  I have cruised:
0 (mouth) - 4 (Goolwa)
71 (Wellington) - 888 (Mildura)
1118 (Euston) - 1166 (Belsar)
1629 (Torrumbarry) - 1773 (Barmah)
1878 (Tocumwal) - 1987 (Yarrawonga)
4 + 817 + 48 + 144 + 109 = 1122

Jessie II is now with PV Sundowner for winter (see photos at www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3324.30).  I expect to commence the new season in October, in conjunction with Echuca's heritage festival.

Today's photos:
Another stern-wheel pontoon houseboat.  It is slipped, so you can see the rudders.
Touring in tandem, and camping in company.  This exemplifies the camaraderie of paddleboat owners.
PS Evangeline, at what I assume is its normal mooring (Victorian bank).

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

For celebrations of the centenary of Merbein, on Sat.22.8, Mildura-area paddleboat owners are running a fleet event to Chaffey Landing (near Mildara winery, at one end of the town).  PS Ruby will be steaming from Wentworth, 40 km by water.  I don't know the times yet, but they must be juggled around the available hours of opening of Abbotsford Bridge, an hour upstream of Wentworth.  There is a ~7.00 slot, and a 14.30 one: I am not sure about 9.30.  Several crew will be coming long distances (eg from Adelaide), so a Friday afternoon start is unlikely.
My guess is a first-light or even dark departure from Wentworth to make the Sat. morning opening, to reach Merbein by late morning.  The return on Sunday could be leisurely, for the 14.30 opening.

I have events in Melbourne on Thursday night and all day Sunday.  I can't possibly take my own boat, and even driving to be present for the Saturday bridge opening is an extravagance.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor