The Loch Lomond Steamship Company, widely recognized as the guardian of the iconic Paddle Steamer Maid of the Loch, stands as a testament to the power of community and determination. A Scottish charity, operated entirely by volunteers, has embarked on a noble mission to resurrect the historic ship and restore her to her former sailing glory on Loch Lomond.
The Loch Lomond Steamship Company, widely recognized as the guardian of the iconic Paddle Steamer Maid of the Loch, stands as a testament to the power of community and determination. A Scottish charity, operated entirely by volunteers, has embarked on a noble mission to resurrect the historic ship and restore her to her former sailing glory on Loch Lomond.
The second phase of the restoration is currently underway, featuring the replacement of the boiler room shell. The meticulous planning involved a collaborative effort between volunteers, board members and suppliers, striking a delicate balance between risk and cost.
The Barnshaws team based in Scotland provided invaluable assistance in the restoration of the Maid of the Loch.
Darren O’Neill, Barnshaws Sales Specialist commented “Our team overcame significant challenges while retrofitting parts onto an existing boat, with the most critical challenge being to maintain high precision in the curves. The tolerances for bending had to be precise, and accurate templates specific to each plate’s position on the boat were essential to achieving this. Effective communication with the customer further guaranteed that the drawings provided accurately depicted the intended finished product.”
Cutting the plates in-house according to a predetermined cutting plan ensured that the process was streamlined and efficient. The size of the plates, measuring 6 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width, was not an issue for Barnshaws, due to our capacity. The use of Bureau Veritas-certified steel, imported from overseas, did not pose any challenges either. The steel’s painted finish was preserved with ease, and the plates were expertly handled using specialized lifting clamps.
The journey of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company is a clear demonstration of the unwavering spirit of community and the resolute determination to uphold our maritime heritage. As the Paddle Steamer Maid of the Loch rises from the Slipway, it not only signifies the revival of a historic vessel but also represents an unequivocal triumph of human determination and passion.
Video of the bending process: Barnshaws Scotland Team: Maid of the Loch restoration – YouTube
Barnshaws Scotland Team: Maid of the Loch Video restoration 4 – YouTube
