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In this TradBoat
Source Page we are building resources for all those interested in Clyde Puffers
and VICs. We welcome
additions to the page from groups and restoration societies, and we are always
pleased to hear of these vessels. We are also interested in including
resources for model makers, and photographs suitable for detailing.
Don McDonald looks at the history of the
Clyde Puffer, and includes many period photographs - excellent for model
makers looking for authentic detailing.
"
The Clyde Puffer"
"The
Light in the Glens"
Another excellent book on the Clyde
Puffer. Early chapters concentrate on the technical developments which go
hand in hand with the development of the Scottish canals, for many of these
vessels had to pass through them in normal trading.
For other books and plans click here or
scroll down
Clyde Puffers & VICs currently afloat
This is preliminary list of vessels afloat, a number of which are available for day sailings or longer holiday charters. Web site addresses are shown where known.
"Basuto" Puffer built 1902 by W Jacks & Co. of Port Dundas. 63ft (20.10m)
Now at Ellesmereport Boat Museum. South Pier Road Ellesmereport, Cheshire
(This vessel is on the National Register of Historic Vessels list, scroll down for details of the NRHV, Ed.)
"Pibroch"
Nigel Robson of Edinburg came across Pibroch on a recent visit to Western Ireland and has kindly sent us these excellent photographs (click on the the thumbnails for a larger view in each case.)
We believe this to be the second Pibroch commissioned by the White Horse Distillery. (The first , built in 1932 had the funnel forward of the wheelhouse) She is moored alongside as you will see from the photographs
VIC "Spartan" Scottish Maritime Museum
Web: www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org
Spartan is normally at the Irvine site (Harbourside, Irvine Tel: 01294 278283)
May be away on tour at times.
(This vessel is also on the NRHV list, Ed.)
Vic 24 "Advance Built 1942 R Dunston.
We understand this vessel still exists and is on the NRHV list but is laid-up.
Vic 32. Built 1943 Dunston's Shipyard, Thorne
Usually available for steam-boating holidays, VIC 32 is now (Sept 04) out of service whilst awaiting the fitting of a new boiler. The work and necessary fundraising is likely to take two years. The Puffer Preservation Trust have set up a web site that gives more details at www.savethepuffer.co.uk
Vic 56 Built 1945, 85'0 (26.15m) by J Pollock & Son & Co, Faversham.
VIC 56 is in excellent working order as a coal fired steamboat and maintained by a small group of volunteers. There are public open days a few times a year. Excellent site listing all the VICs built, plus historic photos of VIC 9, VIC 56, and VIC 57 plus a separate series of current photographs of VIC 56. Notes about open days,copy of the original builder's general arrangement plan, etc.
Web: www.vic56.co.uk
Photo: James Packer
Click on the photograph for a larger version
Vic 72 "Eilean Eisdeal" Built 1944 at Brams Dry Dock, in Hull.
Now at Inverary Maritime Museum.
Useful current photographs on the Museum site of VIC 72 and in her working days. Scheduled trips.
(This vessel is also on the NRHV list.)
Web: www.skwebpages.com/arctic/puffer.html
Arctic Penguin Maritime Museum Web: www.skwebpages.com/arctic
VIC 96 Built 1945 by Pollock & Son & Co Ltd. Faversham.
This vessel was at the Maryport Steamship Museum, Maryport, Cumbria, now closed. She has been sold and whilst still in Maryport (Sept 04 ) will be moving shortly. Our photograph is a detail from the photo on the Maryport Steamship Museum website, with kind permission. Click on the photograph for a slightly larger view.
"Incholm" Clyde Puffer. Kingston Mouldings."Trilight" Clyde Puffer. 1/72 Deans Marine.
Web: www.deansmarine.co.uk
Books, Plans, Drawings, Articles and Advice for Model Makers
"Steam Coasters & Short Sea Traders", great technical drawings etc, click here
"Sealight" Drawings 1/4 = 1'. Brown Son & Ferguson www.skipper.co.uk
Model Building:
"Moonlight" Interesting site illustrating the building of a 1:24 scale model of "Moonlight" with an account of the original research. This model won a Silver Medal at the 61st Model Engineering Exhibition.
Web: www.north-cheshire-marine.org.uk
Clyde Puffer Memories. 30 minute video. Video History Scotland.
Web: www.videohistoryscotland.freeserve.co.uk
National Register for Historic Vessels Web: www.nhsc.org.uk
Lists and illustrates a number of Clyde Puffers including VIC 24, Vic 32 and provides suitable links where these are known. (This is a resource which you should try for interesting historic vessels. The site has an excellent search facility and we recommend it for any vessel search. Ed)
TradBoat
© Charles Smith Publications
Last updated
15 Jun 2007
