BARON ARDROSSAN

Should have stuck with the previous one, very reliable, VTE+ ET.

As built, BARON ARDROSSAN, was powered by a pair of 12-cylinder, four-stroke, medium-speed Ruston diesels. These were replaced in 1973 by a pair of 12-cylinder, four-stroke Stork-Werkspoor 12TM410 (6,000 bhp each at 570 rpm). Later versions of the design were built with the Stork-Werkspoor installation.

There's another of the class pictured here: http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/206902/title/cape-grenville/cat/510.

That looks more like a painting than a photo - I rather like it.

I did a three month trip on her that lasted ten months - finished up in Amsterdam to get re-engined.

I heard the Stork Werkspoors were as useless as the Ruston AO engines.

John T.

Yes, it does look more liek an oil painting . Anyway, did'nt the other company in Scottish ship Management , Lyle Steamship have two or three of this type? I heard some real horror stories about them and thankfully never got near them(Thumb)

As well as Baron Ardrossan, there were: Baron Inchcape, Baron Renefrew, Baron Wemyss of Hogarths, and Cape Horn, Cape Hawke, maybe Cape Grenville of Lyles, and Temple Inn, Temple Arch , Temple Bar and Temple Hall of Lamberts of London (also SSM until switching to Whitco).

Reardon Smith and (I think) the RFA also had some ships with the same engine.

"Character building" comes to mind.

John T.

I sailed the Kilchrenan (ex Baron Wemyss) and Killin (ex Cape Horn - I think) and both were tough. However, once we sorted out the wear in the valve train and restored proper tappet to valve geometry (and changed all valves), kept the LO clean and kept on top of fuel valves and pumps they were quite reliable. Two days without a breakdown became quite common.....

Sounds a piece of cake , Ian (Thumb)(Jester)