Comet replica

[Al Goold]

I can't remember, was it someone in here who was interested in the replica
of the Comet? I took some phot's of her today which can be uploaded if it
was.

Slainte

Al

[Dallinson]

Al.
Always interested in the very first paddler that worked for its living.
I churned out a few written words the other day, but some pictures would be
even better.
Look forward to them.
David

[Paulrjordan]

I second that, David, and I would love to see images of the vessel.
So, Al, please upload some of your pics because "Comet" is such an
integral part of paddler history. If you are have any difficulty
reducing the file sizes of the images, please let me know and I'll
show you where there is an excellent image compression program free on
the net. I look forward to seeing them.

Regards

PJ
Victoria, BC Canada

[Al Goold]

5 pics now added to an album. Sorry about the fence that surrounds
it, but not a lot I can do about that. Hopefully the angles aere
sufficient. Anyone wanting the full size pic (appx 900k) contact me
direct and I'll mail seperately

[Paulrjordan]

Al.. thank you for the photos you uploaded which give a very good idea
of the replica.

However, my two images of "Comet" (contemporary engravings of the
period) depict a vessel with a much "fatter" funnel and rather more
visible boiler. Can you explain a little more about the replica? Is
it steam powered as the original etc?

Be interested to learn more about this.

PJ

By the way, thanks for your ICQ message, Al...and look forward to
chatting about "Clyde Paddlers" with you.
Anyone else on ICQ?..my number, again 334648...give me shout..Eddy is
also on there and we talk regularly.

[Al Goold]

A pleasure I was out for a run with the new digi camera and remembered
I'd said I'd take a picture or 2.

>Can you explain a little more about the replica? Is
>it steam powered as the original etc?

The picture on my web site is from the early 60's when she was in Glasgow. I
actually remember being on her around that time (but can't remember if she
was in the water or on display somewhere). I think the replica was steam
powered, but has now been on static display in Port Glasgow for something
like 20 odd years. I don't know a great deal more. I would assume that the
engines have now been removed, but cannot honestly say.

>By the way, thanks for your ICQ message, Al...and look forward to
>chatting about "Clyde Paddlers" with you.

I'll no doubt see you on there sometime

Al
(icq # 56017439)

[Alistair Deayton]

Yes, but it only sailed for a few weeks in 1962 at the 150th anniversary of
the original. The hull was built in a yard at Buckie, on the Moray Firth,
and the engine by Lithgows at Greenock, I seem to remember that this was by
the apprentices,

Alistair Deayton

[Paulrjordan]

Thanks for that, Alistair:

I have obtained a picture of the model of Comet at the Science museum
in London where her original steam engine is preserved. Quoting from
a related article, I found this reference interesting:

" Like the CHARLOTTE DUNDAS her boiler was offset on the starboard
side and was set in brickwork as were the cooking stoves in medieaval
sailing ships. The engine and it's flywheel were on the port side."

The article continues:

" On her trials she did about 20 miles in 3 1/2 hours, driven by a
vertical single cylnder engine, with a 12 1/2 in. dia. cylinder and 16
in. stroke. The flywheel was 6 ft. in diameter and at first two sets
of paddles were driven by spur gearing. Later single paddlewheels
were fitted because the wash from the first interfered with the proper
working of the second. With the single wheel she could travel at
about 7 knots in good conditions. Like many a toy engine, she had a
slip eccentric reverse gear"

Incidentally, I have three references on Comet which each quote a
different length ranging from 43 feet to 51 feet. Nevertheless, I
think she'd make a rather fine operating model in her "as built"
configuration with those quad wheels and exposed gearing. Thanks to
all for input on "Comet", udoubtedly the world's original tandem wheel
paddler!
PJ