Cygnet

Status: Future Museum Exhibit

Owner: Tamesis Trust

Website: http://www.tamesis.org.uk/

Area: UK-Thames

Hull

Open Launch. Construction: Riveted steel.
Built 1870 by J.I. Thornycroft & Co. Ltd. at Chiswick
LOA: 29' 10", LWL: 29' 0", Beam: 5' 10", Draft: 1' 3",
No.9. Slightly raked stem, transom stern, Bessemer (blued) steel, front wheel steering with a chain/cable connection to the tiller, Dark Blue hull

Boiler

Locomotive type Built 1870 by J.I. Thornycroft & Co.
Fuel: Coal, Pressure: 76 psi,
hand pump, injector,
Side-fired, 4' long, hand fp, bilge ejector, early patent Gresham injector

Engine

Propeller

2 blades,
Prop aft of Rudder. Originally fitted with 3 bladed propeller, replaced c1968 by Michael Turk due to damage.

History

Early Thornycroft steam river launch, stored in roof of Thornycroft Boatyard, Hampton 1920-1968, then acquired by Michael Turk. Displayed on loan to National Motor Boat Museum, Wat Tyler Park, Basildon until 2009. Subsequently sold at auction, purchased for safe keeping and for future Museum display for the benefit of the public.

(Lyn Smith)