Metric units


Lightning

Status: Undergoing restoration

Owner: Jim Huntley

Website: http://www.youtube.com/steamandthings

Area: UK-South West


Hull

Open Launch. Construction: GRP.
Hull model: Frolic 18 designed by Rupert Latham
Built 1982 by Steam & Electric Launch Co. at Wroxham
LOA: 18' 0", LWL: 16' 6", Beam: 6' 0",
Straight stem, counter stern, white, varnished teak deck, tiller steering.

Boiler

2-drum WT Built 1984 by Brian Smith
Fuel: Coal, Pressure: 125 psi, Grate area: 100 sqft, Heating area: 16 sqft, Output: 80 lbs/hr,
0 tubes.
2' high, 29 x ½" od copper tubes, drums 6" dia x 18" long, hand fp, superheater, injector, hotwell, ½ cwt bunker, bilge ejector. Later replaced with an Illingworth VWT boiler, although not believed to have been used in this configuration. Currently being replaced with a vertical firetube boiler. Details to follow.

Engine

Compound. 2" + 3" X 2"
Built 1984 by Brian Smith at Kintbury
Designed by: Ron Thorougood
sv valve. SLRG valve gear.
On 6 turned columns, reduction geared feed and air pumps, keel cond. Currently being replaced with a Taylor single ex SL Melita. Details to follow.

Propeller

3 blades, 16" X 15"

History

New hull fitted out and plant installed by first owner Brian Smith, first steamed 1985. Acquired 1997 by John MacMillan and used in Scotland. Acquired by Mark Fensome. Purchased by the present owner in a derelict state on 27/10/24.


Last Modified: 2025.01.01.


(Anne Massey) Thames Regatta, 1998

Photos


(Norman Clasper) Forth and Clyde 2005


When viewed by present owner prior to purchase. 20/10/24


Restoration begins. 27/10/24


New engine for SL Lightning, a Taylor single, ex SL Melita. Being test fitted with gear driven boiler feed and air pump set up.