Old order, new thing - by H Campbell McMurray

[Paulrjordan]

I mentioned previously that when I was in the UK recently I visited a
very accomplished model steam engine builder by the name of John Watts
in Hove, E. Sussex. You may recall that this lively octengenarian has
built a large steam powered model of the sidewheel tug "Chietain".

While I was there, John lent me a little book called "Old Order, New
Thing" by H. Campbell McMurray and published by the National Maritime
museum (Greenwich)in 1972. It's an excellent little book for anyone
interested in the workings and mechanics of "Reliant/Old Trafford" and
indeed any British side paddle steam tug. Included are some excellent
drawings of her engines and feathering paddlewheels. It also provides
a rather good account of the Manchester Ship Canal.

A copy is currently available from All At Sea Books, PO Box 385,
(www.allatseabooks.com)web address, Spit Junction, NSW, Australia,
2088. Phone: 61 2 9969 2100. Fax: 61 2 9969 9335. Email:
boronia@bigpond.net.au
It is priced at Aus$35.00 which may sound a little steep, but the book
is quite rare.

I took some photocopies of diagrams showing "Reliant's" paddle wheels
which I shall post up along with line drawings of her as our tribute
to this lovely paddle tug takes shape.

PJ