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windships
New member
Username: windships
Post Number: 1
Registered: 08-2021
| | Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 09:05 pm: | 
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Seeking data about these c. 1894
Purportedly built at Alton, Illinois.
One was used to power a gas launch which served as a tug, moving a scow/barge-like ferry across the Illinois River between Pike and Scott Counties. The launch was named "THELE" after the powerplant.
You can see the "roof/awning" of the launch on the port side of the ferry itself. It looks a lot like the launches built by the Racine Boat Mfg company.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated THANKS |
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2650
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 20, 2021 - 03:32 pm: |
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This may be what was called a "gas boat".
This style was common in/on the inland rivers of the US way back when. They usually used a large double flywheel farm type stationary hit and miss gas engine with a way of moving a big wheel that was on the end of the propeller shaft from the inside of the flywheel rim to the flywheel rim on the opposite side to achieve forward and reverse.
I have seen info on these somewhere on the net but where is escaping me right now.
Hope this helps
Ernie |
richarddurgee
Senior Member
Username: richarddurgee
Post Number: 4182
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 20, 2021 - 08:42 pm: |
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*
My data base lists an F.J. Thiele as an engine maker in Alton,Illinois. Source Blue Book of American Shipping 1913 page 292. no other info.
* |
windships
New member
Username: windships
Post Number: 2
Registered: 08-2021
| | Posted on Monday, September 06, 2021 - 12:24 pm: |
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Ernie and Richard
My sincere, and belated apologies! Incorrectly I guess, I thought replies like yours would automatically be sent to me via email. It was only because someone else saw my post and emailed me that I learned of your replies.
Thanks for taking time to share your info with me. I will chase the reference that Richard provides above.
All best in your own projects,
Randy Biddle
[email protected] |
