Topic starter
29/11/2012 9:06 am
American Cruise Lines has announced that they've acquired the calliope from the Str. Washington to put it on the Queen of the Mississippi. So eventually the boat get's a real steam calliope.
River Cruise News » Blog Archive » Str. Washington’s calliope for the Queen of the Mississippi
ACL says there will be a steam generator/boiler to power the calliope and that they're presently talking to pianists/calliopists especially about the requirements for playing this instrument. The calliope is supposed to be restored and probably altered to make it easier to play.
I personally like the idea very much to have a historic, real steam calliope on board the Queen of the Mississippi 🙂
29/11/2012 2:12 pm
Interesting news.. but I wonder when they will make the paddlewheel functional !!
29/11/2012 5:18 pm
*RE: Data on Str. WASHINGTON'S calliope*
Hi, Franz & Steve:
The above news interesting to say the least, and I'm glad ACL moved ahead on acquiring the WASHINGTON'S calliope. A little steam is better than no steam all, I guess.
Well over a year ago, ACL offices somehow got my name thinking I had or owned the above mentioned vintage calliope. I was north at my summer home, but had the specs on the instrument I'd seen in Steamship Historical Society of America's quarterly 'PowerShips' that had appeared in several issues. In turn I contacted ACL's office secretary to reply with what I knew, but with the disclaimer I did not own the instrument.
The ad ran as follows: 'AVAILABLE--Rare, original Nichol steam calliope.'
"Served aboard the Mississippi sternwheeler WASHINGTON. Played by Leslie Swanson in 1928, and continued until she was decommissioned. This instrument is a rare and unique antique and is avaialble with a 15 HP Bryant propane boiler, 50 gallon propane bottle, pressure regulator, flexible piping, books (5" X 8" paper back) by Swanson about calliopes and several hundred calliope recordings. $105,000. buyer collects. Contact Murphy, FAX 305-666-0501 Book & CD available, $50, pp."
No doubt clearance/approval given by the vested authorities permitting the steam boiler to now be installed on the boat. Wonders never cease. Well, what do I know?
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinati
29/11/2012 9:07 pm
Here's a link to the picture of the ad mentioned above: http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/3892-calliope-market.html
29/11/2012 11:14 pm
What is the big whistle in the middle for ?
30/11/2012 3:15 am
Matthew, if I am not mistaken, this instrument has been altered from an original 28-note instrument to a 32 note instrument. The 4 whistles you see there sort of "in the middle" were added (I'm assuming) at the center of the horseshoe. Travis is your man on this...he knows the history of this instrument; Judy may as well.
10/12/2012 2:16 pm
Steam Whistle
Anybody think they will put a Steam Whistle on QOTM ?
11/12/2012 4:07 am
*RE: Steam whistle on QOTM*
Hi, Matt & steamboating colleagues:
Interesting proposal to "...put a steam whistle on QOTH" but, from what I hear, don't count on it. Frankly, I'm surprised the vested Coast Guard authorities, and others, allowing the newly acquired calliope to be hooked up with the propane boiler etc. A steam whistle, of any dimensions, would require a much larger boiler with related bric a' brack, certification et. al. Could possibly also involve an engineer with knowledge of steam etc. Who knows? I have a source with the company and will tentatively attempt to put out a feeler on the question. Well, what do I know?
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.
11/12/2012 6:03 pm
Check with the Steam Whistle Yahoo group--there are ways to make a very loud, low steam demand whistle--it might not look traditional, but it will sound right! Could it pass certification, I dunno!
David D.
PS The boat will still look ugly, IMHO!
11/12/2012 6:59 pm
*News RE: calliope/whistle on QOTM*
Hi, David & Steamboating colleagues:
My source with ACL and the QOTM returned my message on the double. The calliope, with related gear etc., will be installed on the boat during layup. Not a peep, hint, murmur or tease about any possibility of a full steam whistle. "I'll let you know about this," my answer.
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River.