|
In 1852 Palmers Bros built their own engine works on the shipyard site that they had purchased the previous year and started to manufacture their own steam engines.
Initially the engines were simple two cylinder configurations but they then moved with the times to build both compound and triple expansion engines as well.
The company became well known for their destroyers built for The Admiralty and powered by Palmers' own triple expansion engines, but the success of the Parson's turbine meant that they had to take out a licence to build then as well.
Another development that they had to consider was the demand for diesel propulsion that started to become popular during the mid 1920s.
Palmers' response to this was to take out a licence to build the British Fullagar engine. Cammell Laird was the prime licencee and Palmers took a licence from them.
This move was not a success and only two vessels were built with the Palmer-Fullagar oil engines, BRITISH AVIATOR of 1924 and BRITISH CHEMIST of 1925.
Both of these ships were re-engined with Doxford engines in 1930.
Above map dated 1856 shows the initial Palmer yard & engine works at Jarrow. Map is copyright of Ordnance Survey
Above plan dated 1887 shows the engine works had been expanded to include a boiler erecting shop, a forge and an iron foundry
Above photo dated 1911 shows the Boiler Shop. Photo is courtesy of John Bage
Above photo dated 1911 shows the Boiler Shop. Photo is courtesy of John Bage
Above photo dated 1912 shows the Engineworks Forge. Photo is courtesy of John Bage
Above photo dated 1912 shows the engine erecting shop. Photo is courtesy of John Bage
Above: A Reed water tube boiler as used in destroyers (L) and a triple expansion engine for cruisers PIQUE & RAINBOW (R)
Above photo dated 1912 shows the engineworks sheerlegs at extreme right. Photo is courtesy of John Bage
Shields Daily News, Wednesday, 19/03/1924 |
Use the browser BACK button to return