Latest News

Consuta is operational

This page was updated April - 2002

Consuta completed successful steam trials on the water last autumn. We went to the Henley reach on three occasions, had a birthday party with Mythical Maid, and gave over 35 trust supporters a day out on the river.

Consuta proved to be easily manouverable and very fast. She doesn't create that much wash. The engine was taken up to 480 rpm and with the 40 inch pitch prop the estimated HP is just over 30 HP. Calculations show that she should do 20 mph at just over 600 rpm.

Consuta is presently out of the water for the winter under a splendid Poly Tunnel. There are regular work parties every Saturday. We hope to relaunch Consuta by the end of April. There will be a formal commissioning ceremony on the Henley reach early May - watch this space for the confirmed time, date and venue.

Are you going to be one of our volunteer crew in 2002?

Watch this space for more news.If you want to get involved with this important preservation project please contact Brian Smith brianws@ukonline.co.uk Volunteers will be needed to help maintain and run Consuta.

Consuta on her road trailer - somewhat overloaded now being postioned under the crane

The final lift onto the road transporter set for the journey to the River

  
Raising steam for the very first time since restoration. The smoke is in fact steam from the engine which puffs up the funnel. The engine is turning very slowly.

The crew enjoy the rewards of the restoration work on Consuta.

Consuta handles very well and everyone is absolutely delighted.
 

Consuta approaching Henley Bridge, the Angel pub is on the left.

Bright and sunny but rather windy.

Consuta near Shiplake during steam trials.

Mythical Maid was built 100 years ago using the Consuta patent hull construction.

Peter Sutcliffe brought her along to celebrate her 100th birthday and joined in some cruising with Consuta.

This photo was taken by Barry Eastwick from the The George and Dragon in Wargrave.

2002

Work ashore

Supporters having a good look at Consuta in the Poly Tunnel

Insulation work on the boiler smokebox

The temperature of the smokebox was rather high so we decided to insulate the smokebox on the inside using ceramic fibre insulation held in place by stainless steel sheet.

This photo taken 13th April 2002
For lots more about other steam launches see The Steam Boats Association of GB