Messrs A. & J. Inglis, shipbuilders and engineers, of Pointhouse,
Glasgow, have recently built a somewhat unique and certainly
interesting steamer, for the conveyance of passengers between Port an
Basque, in Newfoundland, and Sydney, Cape Breton, in connection with
the Newfoundland and Canadian systems of railways. The distance from
port to port is about one hundred miles, and the vessel has been
designed to make the run in six hours. Messrs. Reid, of Newfoundland,
who have founded the line of steamers to perform this service,
intrusted to Messrs. Inglis the task of producing a vessel in all
respects suitable for the work to be accomplished. The steamer
"Bruce," the pioneer steamer, an illustration of which we are enabled
to produce, is the result. The navigation of the waters in which this
vessel will be employed is attended with some difficulties. Not only
are storms of frequent occurrence, but in the months of winter and
spring large quantities of drift ice are commonly encountered.
To obtain the necessary speed and carry all that was required on a
suitable draught of water, it was essential that the "Bruce" should be
built of steel, but in view of the severe structural and local
stresses to which she must inevitably be subjected when at sea, it was
necessary to afford adequate stiffening and means for preventing
penetration or abrasion by ice. Hence the frames are more closely
spaced than is usual in vessels of her size, numerous web frames
associated with arched supports at the main deck and adjacent to the
waterline are fitted throughout her entire length, and a belt of
3-inch greenheart planking, with a steel sheathing over it at the fore
part of the vessel, is further provided. Indeed, throughout the
vessel, every precaution has been taken with a view to insure her
efficiency and safety when running swiftly from port to port, while at
the same time the materials employed have been most wisely,
judiciously and economically distributed.
[Illustration: THE NEWFOUNDLAND AND NOVA SCOTIA PASSENGER STEAMER "BRUCE."]
The dimensions of the "Bruce" are 230 feet long, 32 feet 6 inches
broad, and 22 feet deep, her gross tonnage being 1250 tons. She has
been built with very fine lines, a considerable rise of floor, and
with a graceful outline, which gives her the appearance of a large
yacht. Our illustration shows the "Bruce" when running at a speed of
upward of 15 knots on the measured mile at Wemyss Bay. Not only has
the structure of the vessel been skillfully designed, but her internal
fittings are admirably arranged. It is really most interesting to note
with what ingenuity passenger accommodation of a somewhat extensive
character has been provided in so small a vessel. The "Bruce" has
berths for seventy first-class and one hundred second class
passengers, and the accommodation is of a very luxurious kind. The
berths are between the awning and main decks, where there is also a
special apartment set apart for ladies, and at the fore end for the
officers' quarters. Besides these a large and handsome dining saloon
is situated on the main deck, richly upholstered and fitted with
unique little window recesses, which besides adding to the appearance
of the apartment, furnishes additional dining accommodation. It is
done up in dark mahogany panels, fringed with gold. The chairs are
upholstered in blue morocco, and the floor is laid with a Turkey
carpet. All the other rooms are in dark polished oak. A large smoking
room is also provided on the main deck.
The "Bruce" is further fitted with a complete installation of electric
lighting, together with an electric search light; has Lord Kelvin's
deep sea sounding apparatus and compasses, also Caldwell's steam
steering gear and winches, Weir's evaporators and pumps. Alley and
McLellan's feed water filters, and Howden's forced draught. She is
steam heated throughout, and in every detail of the sanitary
arrangements the health and comfort of the passengers have been
attended to. Six lifeboats, having accommodation for 250 people, are
hung in davits. When fully laden she carries 350 tons of cargo in her
holds and 250 tons of coal in her bunkers.
The contract speed for the "Bruce" was 15 knots--and to obtain this
Messrs. Inglis fitted her with triple-expansion engines, which we
shall illustrate in another impression, having cylinders 26 inches, 42
inches and 65 inches in diameter, with a 42 inch stroke. Steam is
supplied from four boilers loaded to a pressure of 160 pounds per
square inch. When on the measured mile a mean speed of about 15¼ knots
was obtained with an indicated horse power of 2200, the engines
running at 90 revolutions per minute.
The vessel has arrived safely at Newfoundland, having performed the
voyage at a mean speed of very little under 15 knots, a most
satisfactory performance. She has been running some little time on her
route and been giving most satisfactory results.--We are indebted to
London Engineer for the cut and description.
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