| For centuries man employed the power of | | | | those wonderful old master tradesman who |
| steam to propel mighty steamboats along | | | | knew the intimate shipwright secrets, |
| the big rivers of the world in an effort | | | | and how best to use these valuable old |
| to transport & deliver goods & materials | | | | skills. |
| to the early Pioneer settlers spread | | | | So what now for the present day steam |
| along the great river valleys. | | | | boat restorer? I guess in all fairness |
| Steamboat travel was once as common as | | | | there are still people around who have |
| is boarding a high-speed train today. | | | | been lucky enough to learn the trade |
| But the aura and romanticism of | | | | secrets from the old masters and that is |
| steamboat travel still captures the | | | | a real bonus, otherwise can you imagine |
| hearts of people as much today as it did | | | | the research and relearning that would |
| back in the mid 1800s - & early 1900s. | | | | need to take place if that wasn't the |
| Take a look around any river port today | | | | case. Where would you find the skilled |
| where these might steamers once plied | | | | people to build the timber boat hulls - |
| their trade and you will now see a | | | | the intricate steel fabrication - the |
| flourishing collection of paddle | | | | rebuilding of steam engines and boilers |
| steamboat operators ferrying the many | | | | - the recasting of name plates - special |
| tourists who flock to the historic steam | | | | bronze and aluminium boat parts...so |
| ports to soak up the atmosphere of these | | | | much to do...so much to learn... But, |
| majestic old steamboats. | | | | did you ever stop to think that the keen |
| Have you ever stopped to think why there | | | | restorer and steamboat rebuilder can in |
| are now so many of these beautiful old | | | | fact learn many of the trades of |
| vessels plying the major inland rivers | | | | yesteryear. |
| and ports where these old boats were | | | | For the steam enthusiast to remake |
| piloted daily along the rivers? The old | | | | replica cast metal parts, all they need |
| derelict steam boats, have now been | | | | to do is master the foundry skills used |
| lovingly totally rebuilt & restored from | | | | back in the late 1800s & early 1900s to |
| the ground up by a band of totally | | | | reproduce obsolete parts, the skills are |
| dedicated steamboat enthusiasts. | | | | not that difficult to learn, the tools & |
| Even as you read this, there are huge | | | | equipment can be easily built if you |
| restoration projects underway to bring | | | | know how to use a welder, and you enjoy |
| more of these old boats back to their | | | | working with metal. |
| former glory; such is the demand and | | | | Perhaps you are one of the many |
| interest in steam. But what about the | | | | thousands of baby boomers looking for |
| old skills that are required to | | | | practical hobbies & interests to help |
| construct these old vessels, where are | | | | provide new challenges, and an outlet |
| all of the skilled shipwrights? | | | | where you can interact & socialise with |
| You would have little luck finding them | | | | other like-minded people, the retirement |
| simply by placing an advert in the paper | | | | years can be one of the most frustrating |
| to find the Shipwrights, blacksmiths, | | | | times for people in their late fifties |
| old time ship chandlery makers, experts | | | | and early sixties, but if you make the |
| on building & restoring steam engines, | | | | effort to immerse yourself in rewarding |
| or people who know how to use old time | | | | practical hobbies, you just won't |
| foundry skills to remake all kinds of | | | | believe the huge amount of enjoyment & |
| brass & bronze items to refurbish the | | | | rewards that are awaiting you. To learn |
| parts used for the restoration. | | | | more about how to get involved in |
| Many of the skills of yesteryear have, | | | | practical metal craft hobbies visit our |
| unfortunately, gone to the grave with | | | | web site soon. |