TSS Earnslaw visit

Not quite the Iron Duke but a steam powered ship none the less. If you are in Queenstown New Zealand it is well worth taking a cruise. I visited because it has all the character, noise and movement of the Dreadnought era.

Originally built to move livestock to remote farms by water Ernslaw has been renovated for passengers with two legs and fat wallets. You can learn more of her history here: wiki link.

The heat the funnel gives out inside the ship is surprising. The sound of the screws pushing the ship along at speed reminds me of Das Boot audio. Best of all, the engine room is open for passengers to watch the five man crew work the engines. Nothing beats the smell of oil, steam and coal.

The view from the ship is ok too.

For the ship painters out there this deck is not holystoned. I get questions about deck wood colour a lot.

I chose to capture much of this experience for you in video because it is the movement and sound of steam power that makes it so different to any other boat ride.

Moving the coal in the bunker towards the engine room.

The above is the view you get from the passenger deck. You can however get into the engine room and stand above it even while the ship is in motion.

Hope you enjoyed seeing just a little piece of the fun. Even in summer it was very cold on the deck. I recommend a good jacket and jeans. Even if the locals are in ‘Jandals” cheers all, Ben.

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