Posted by Owen Roberts on November 24, 2006 at 00:17:37 from 195.92.67.74 user OwenRoberts.
In Reply to: Re: Beckfoot launch posted by John Giddy on November 23, 2006 at 23:18:38:
"If the Beckfoot launch had an engine as described by Laurence, how did Molly get it started after the storm in SA "
She may have called on the services of Billy Lewthwaite (see PM) to start it for her. However a Rattletrap type car may not have been easy to start, MB may have gained some skill in this area. I think her main problem with cars was steering and spatial awareness (if that existed in those days!).
Nowadays Stuart Turner make only pumps. Even their model steam engine manufacturing has been sold to Guernsey. They are now sold from there under the name Stuart Models.
Today I went to look at Stuart Turner's premises. The lovely old shop front that faced Henley Town Hall is now a dress shop. However new manufacturing premises with the Stuart Turner name can be seen through the archway by the old shop front.
I think it is more likely that the Beckfoot launch had a petrol engine. It was only in the 1950's that diesel engines became more common in boats. Many will have seen the diesel performance in the German E boats.
A petrol engine in the 1930's could well have sounded with a chug chug. There were petrol engines that did not rely on high revs. for power in the 1930's.