Welcombe - Launch

A CENTRAL YARD LAUNCH.

VESSEL NAMED BY LADY GRAY.

Northern Daily Mail. 31/1/30

On Thursday, Messrs. Wm Gray and Co., Ltd., launched from their Central Shipyard the steel screw steamer Welcombe, which is being built to the order of Messrs. Pyman Bros., Ltd., London.

The vessel, which is of the open shelter deck type, will take the highest class in Lloyd’s Register and is of the following dimensions: Length overall 434ft. 9in.; breadth, 55ft., depth moulded to upper deck, 28ft.

She is constructed on the cellular double bottom principle, with deep channel framing, and has seven watertight bulkheads, together with a steel centre line bulkhead and wood shifting boards dividing the holds for grain carrying. The fore and after peaks are suitable for water ballast.

Spacious accommodation for the officers is arranged in a steel house amidships. The engineers being berthed in large steel houses alongside casing with the necessary mess room and lavatory accommodation. Large airy accommodation is arranged in the poop for the crew including separate dining rooms.

For the quick handling of cargo, ten 7in. by 10in. steam winches are provided which work ten derricks. A direct-acting steam windlass forward and steam steering gear amidships are also fitted.

The masts are suitable for the Manchester Canal Bridges.

The vessel will be completed in all respects as a first-class cargo steamer, including an efficient wireless installation and electric light throughout.

                                             THE MACHINERY

The propelling machinery and auxiliaries will be supplied by the Central Marine Engine Works of the builders and will consist of reciprocating engines of the balanced quadruple inverted direct acting surface condensing type, and two large forced draught boilers working at a pressure of 260lbs.per square inch, and one natural draught boiler working at a pressure of 180lbs per square inch.

The ship and machinery are being built under the supervision of Mr. J. Lee on behalf of the owners, and the christening ceremony was performed by Lady Gray, of Tunstall Manor, West Hartlepool.

The owners were represented by Mr. Geoffrey Pyman (director), and the builders by Sir William Gray, Bart (chairman), Messrs. J. H. Farmer and A. McGlashan (directors) , Mr. T. S. Simpson (general manager), and Mr. W. Hird (yard manager).

Amongst others present were Mr. Keith Pyman, Miss Jackaman, Mrs. Farmer, Mrs Hunting, Mrs A. Jones, Mr. C. A. Miller (Lloyd’s Register of Shipping) and Mrs. Miller, Mr Chas. Macfarlane, jun., and Capt. J. W. Clark (Geo Pyman and Co.).



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