Engine pics added to GE site, question...

[Christian]

Hello all,

Just to let you know that we have pictures of both the paddle engine (JSR
model) and the screw engine (plan: view from above) added to our site.

http://www.russellwild.co.uk/greateastern/facts.html

..............

Yesterday I received five GE photos from the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.
Not 100% as sharp as I had hope for but any new Great Eastern photo is most
welcome. :-)

The address is:

Peabody Essex Museum
East India Square
Salem, MA 01970
USA

BTW. does anyone have an idea about the cargo doors in Great Eastern's hull?
Were they single doors or double - gate type - doors? I ask because they are
fairly large and would swing very wide open if they were only single doors.
I can't figure it out by looking at photos.

Thanks for any answer

Best

Christian

[Dallinson]

Christian
Great photos and descriptions of the engines. Much appreciated by a marine
engineer.

Regarding the question of cargo doors in the ships sides.
It is also most likely that were single doors. It is hard enough to get a
single door to seal all the way round, let alone a joint down the middle of
double doors. It is also easier to clamp a single door shut from the inside
than a double, which would require a big beam(s) to be put in place across
it, after closing.

I can only tell you that on more modern ships they always open inwards. If
they opened outwards they would be very difficult to operate and maintain.
Opening inwards the rubber seals can easily be repaired as required and the
joint area greased each time before closing again. There are large clamps on
the inside to hold it closed. This arrangement also means that the hinges
were protected and maintainable, on the inside of the hull.
Bearing in mind the high level of innovation and technical expertise used in
the design/construction, it is my guess that they were single doors opening
inwards. I MUST STRESS, JUST MY GUESS.
All the very best and keep up the good work on a your brilliant site.
Best regards
David