Category: Classic motor vessels

Tug Touchstone

Gerry next to Touchstone's propellerOne of the more unusual MSBA members is the group of enthusiasts who look after the veteran tug Touchstone, which recently had a refit. Pictured is Gerry, one of the tug’s regular crew, next to Touchstone’s huge propeller.

Launched at Wivenhoe in 1963, until the early 1980s she was mainly employed towing petrol lighters from Thameshaven to Aylesford on the River Medway. At this time the tug was operated with a crew of four or five, plus up to four lightermen.

The tug’s main engine is a compressed air start Lister Blackstone diesel of eight cylinders and 500 hp capacity. The hydraulic gearbox drives a 2 metre diameter 4 bladed propeller. Her tonnage is 68 tons gross and a deadweight of 110 tons.

For more photos and news, see Touchstone’s Facebook page.

Dunkirk Little Ships come to Chatham, 24-26 May 2014

Association of Dunkirk Little ShipsThe 2014 Commemorative Cruise will see the Little Ships visiting Chatham on the River Medway. Over 20 Little Ships are expected to attend from the Medway, Thames, South and East Coast.

Little Ships will be mooring on the Home & Communities agency (HCA) pontoon which is located in Basin 1 by the HMS Chatham Bridge, access to the pontoon will be through MDL Chatham Maritime Marina lock on River Medway.

For more information see http://www.adls.org.uk/t1/content/commemorative-cruise-2014-chatham-kent

Medway Queen has arrived

Film by OCR Studios

Medway Queen under tow off Herne Bay
Medway Queen under tow off Herne Bay. Photo Dick Holness, www.eastcoastpilot.com

Source Kentish Times

The Medway Queen, which was rebuilt in Bristol with a new riveted hull just like the original, berthed at Gillingham Pier on 19 November with a welcome from crowds of cheering onlookers. It is hoped that the “Heroine of Dunkirk” will soon be able to act as a floating museum and venue for events. One day she may even venture out under her own steam. Those who have given their time and money to revive the old girl can only hope!

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Excitement reaches fever pitch for Medway Queen’s homecoming

We understand that the tug Christine is waiting in Bristol to tow the venerable paddle steamer home to the Medway. However the port authority there is waiting for a 48 hour clear weather window before giving permission for the tow to take place. [Update 5 Nov: tug and tow still in Avonmouth Docks waiting for better weather]

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Medway Queen Re-dedication

TMedway Queen Preservation Societyhe hull of paddle steamer Medway Queen is nearing completion in the Albion Dockyard, Bristol. A re-dedication ceremony will be held at the dockyard on Saturday 27 July.

The ship will not leave the dry dock immediately. When the weather conditions are right and the tug is available the ship will be moved back to Gillingham without further ceremony. The MQPS website (www.medwayqueen.co.uk) has a page dedicated to the “tow home” and details will be posted there as they become clear.

The fitting out phase will then commence in earnest. The society’s Gillingham Pier workshops will be open to the public on all 4 days of the Heritage Open Days weekend of 12-15 September.