Pickle
Status: Active use
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
Single. 2.5" X 2.5"Built 2008 by unknown at unknown
Designed by: Cyril Taylor
Slide valve. SLRG valve gear.
Power: 1 HP
Four column vertical single cylinder engines. Geared reduction driven feed and air pumps. Fitted with exhaust feed water heater and option of keel condensing or puffin operation. Originally fitted with a Ron Thorougood designed compound built by Brian Smith in 1984. Replaced as part of 2025 restoration.
Propeller
3 blades, 16" X 15"
History
Known as Lightning, 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. Restoration began 20/03/25 and was re-launched as Pickle on 18/07/25 at the Bristol Harbour Festival.
Last Modified: 2025.07.22.
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Pickle on the Bristol Feeder Canal 20/07/25.
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