Topic starter
12/10/2009 4:31 pm
10.10.09
We had a first public demo of our Prototype Fulton Engine Display. Although the paddlewheels aren't complete, due to losses in a flood, it does represent the finished goods. It was the first time that the engine, electronic controller and a paddlewheel have been married.
The unit was well received by about 75-100 visitors. Many questions asked about the prototype and the final version. We had a surprise visit by the greart-great-grandson of Robert Fulton's great-great-grandson.
It was a worthwhile exercise for the team members who were there.
P.R.BAKER
Topic starter
14/10/2009 4:15 pm
Another update relative to the Fulton project.
NY State & 2 contributing companies, 0ne in Europe, want to do articles in their newletters on the project. One has also proposed placing an article in two national publications. I find it all pretty exciting since I am relatively new (2005) to the Steamboat World.
Topic starter
24/10/2009 2:38 pm
New pieces for the model!
The attached photo is of a 1/12 scale shp's bell to be mounted on the top of the engines cross head frame. There are two of my CAD models and one of the bell assembly.
The bell was fabricated and donated by Bellingham Bells. The bell brackets and lever were 3D printed from my CAD files and donated by Shapeways in the Netherlands.
26/10/2009 5:40 pm
Is that a cast iron bell? Cast iron bells are often dismissed in comparison with their brass or bronze rich cousins, but an iron bell can be very pleasing with a haunting sound. My Fish liked the tone of an ancient G. W. Coffin-made iron bell, but it got away before I could secure it for the second boat named for her.
Topic starter
27/10/2009 11:04 am
Shipyard Sam;19130 wrote: Is that a cast iron bell? Cast iron bells are often dismissed in comparison with their brass or bronze rich cousins, but an iron bell can be very pleasing with a haunting sound. My Fish liked the tone of an ancient G. W. Coffin-made iron bell, but it got away before I could secure it for the second boat named for her.
Hi Sam,
The origiinal North River bell was cast iron. Iv'e been in touch with the custodians . They measured it and gave me the material info. The 1/12 scale bell was cast in bronze for simplicity sake. When I first contacted Bellingham Bells I requested cast iron. They replied that if they could take a little liberty with the shape and material they would create and donate to our museum display. The brackets and lever were 3D printed in a bronze impregnated SST by Shapeways. Not exact replicas but the cost for the bell assembly was right, free
Topic starter
27/10/2009 4:33 pm
The North River Bell
Here's a photo of the original North River bell. It's at the New York Historical Society under the Henry Luce III Collection.
27/10/2009 5:12 pm
Bells
It is surprising that the original bell North River Bell is still in existance-- amazing and on par, historically-speaking, in some respects, as the original Wright Flyer, though on a much smaller scale. Great! The iron bell looks like a stock bell that could have been used on the farm to fetch the hands in for dinner.
The SUN*FISH has three small bells: one that came with it of about 6" that looks like an inverted brass funnel and sounds tinny; another I bought in Korea in 1969- a nice size but more ornamental than practical, and inscribed MARJESS 1969 for my parent's stenwheeler- and the small, but heavier bell bronze from the JOHN HENRY, my long-lost 1937 Bay City (Mich) 26-foot, trawler. But I think I need to find a heavy iron bell in the order of the George Coffin bell that go away from me that I can mount on the roof, steamboat-style.
Topic starter
27/10/2009 10:23 pm
Bell
I agree, I was surprised when I located the bell. The NY Historical Society has it in storage. They said I could see the bell if I get down to NYC. They would take it out for me. I live about 90 miles North of NYC. They have been extremely accommodating.
From what I understand they also have small sections of the keel of the North River. No one seems to know what ever happened to the Original boat. There is speculation that it went South and was eventually scuttled. I also read somewhere that it may have been dismantled on Long Island, NY.
Another interesting story is the 1909 replica. The original bell was mounted on the replica for the 1909 celebration. I also read that after the replica sustained fire damage in Poghkeepsie, NY she was towed to Kingston 20 miles North. I've seen the skeleton at low tide. I have tried to find out where the engine went. I was able to trace it to Henry Ford. Apparently he bought it for his Museum. When I contacted the Museum they knew nothing about it. A couple of weeks later I heard from them again. They found papers in their archived storage that indicates that Ford had been in volved with the replica engine. They have no further info. Kind of interesting.
Posted a couple of more "add on" pix of the bell as well as 3 with this message.
