SS Great Britain

The return journey from Devon was broken at Bristol with a visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain.

I had not realised just what a considerable history she had had, especially on the engineering side of things – the propeller was re-designed umpteen times. So many photos I can’t blip them all, so as an old and ex marine engineer I’ve done triptych (got the right word this time) of two versions of the propeller, and a shot in the engine room showing the top of the engine and the ‘turning gear’. Mrs W has blipped one of the cabins.

From top left we have the latest propeller (re-construction) seen from in the dry-dock. Next is the two blade propeller that could be pulled up into the hull to reduce drag when under sail. This was part of the ‘interactive’ displays in the museum – guess who had a go at raising it . . .

The bottom image is the top of the engine. The big wheel in the foreground is the ‘turning gear’ used to manually turn the engine for maintenance etc. The small cogwheel at the end of the shaft would be slid over to engage with the large cogwheel you can see in the photo. This is mirrored with a second set the other side of the engine – you can just see the small cogwheel. Even with two turning gears in I would not have fancied having to work that lot. On top of that if steam was let into the cylinders with the gear still engaged those turning wheels would have spun up at a terrific rate – ouch! I’m pleased to say that the modern day equivalents are a lot safer and usually powered!

The SS Great Britain is a brilliant experience that I (we) would recommend to anyone. The disabled access is superb with lifts to all levels – and your entry ticket gives you a year’s visits – as many times as you like.