Engineering Wonders of the World
Volume I

80 ENGINEERING WONDERS OF THE WORLD. Fig. 24.—A BOILER BEING LIFTED BY A HUGE ELECTRIC 150-TON FLOATING CRANE (BUILT FOR MESSRS. HARLAND AND WOLFF BY THE BEN- RATHER MASCHINENFABRIK ACTIENGESELL- schaft). Nevertheless, the work is proceeding syste- matically, and each foreman knows exactly what work in his department is still unfin- ished. The ironworkers complete their tasks in time to make way for the plumbers, the joiners, and the electricians (all large vessels are now fitted with, electric light), who in turn are succeeded by the upholsterers, the decorators, the painters, and the cleaners, until the great ship is completed, and ready to demonstrate on a trial trip at sea her capabili- ties for the work for which, she has been brought into existence. in shipbuilding parlance, “ is put on the mile,” or, in other words, she commences to steam to and fro over a course where the distances are clearly indicated by landmarks. These courses are to be found in close proximity to the various shipbuilding centres, and in most cases the distances are marked by posts speci- ally erected on the seashore for that purpose. Here the new vessel is tested thoroughly to ascertain her speed and manoeuvring powers. The trial trip of a new vessel may occupy only a few hours, or it may include, in addi- tion to the runs on the measured mile, a cruise of several days’ duration, according to the nature of the tests required. During the trials of an important high-speed vessel the responsibility of the builders of the ship and engines is almost equal to that attend- ing the ship’s launch ; for it not infrequently happens that the building agreement stipulates for a certain speed, with heavy penalties should the vessel fall below it; or should the con- sumption of fuel in attaining the speed exceed that agreed upon, the builders must pay damages to the owners, or possibly the trial will have to be repeated. The failure of new vessels to fulfil contract conditions on trial is, however, comparatively rare—a fact which speaks eloquently of the high state of pro- ficiency attained in the science of shipbuilding and marine engineering. If the vessel has been long afloat after launching, or if a high speed is to be obtained, she is placed in dry dock for cleaning and The Trial Trip. painting the bottom ; bunker coals and stores are taken on board, together with, the neces- sary cargo if she has to undergo a loaded trial; and she is then ready to proceed to sea. It should be added that the engines have already been run while the vessel was securely moored alongside her builders’ yard, in order to ensure that all is right in the engine-room. The open sea having been reached without accident, and the compasses properly adjusted, the vessel, Fig. 25.—A SHIP THAT WAS BUILT IN SIXTY-FOUR WORKING DAYS.