Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - The White Funnel Fleet - P & A Campbell Limited

The engines were two-cylindered compound 30½ and 65 in. by 5-ft. stroke, and at 140 lb. ran at 45 r.p.m., giving a speed of 18.5 knots. The connecting-rods were fine examples of precise lathe work. In side elevation they swelled to their greatest diameter at the centre, but two flats were cut on each side so that in plan the sides were straight lines. The resulting oval figure caused by the intersection of the flat and the circular section of the fish-bellied rod, as shown in my drawing, was delightfully symmetrical. I only wish I could convey some inkling of the sense of power, and of an exciting impression of dash which one felt when watching these superb engines at full speed.

	Elevation and plan of 'Brighton Queen's' engines.
	Two views of the 'Brighton Queen' (i) as originally built, and (ii) as rebuilt and in Campbell's livery.

It was a pleasant enough thing to lounge in the sunshine on the promenade deck of the 'Brighton Queen' when en route, say to Boulogne, to note the contrast in colour between the white paintwork of the ship and the deep blue sea of the Channel, but if one did chance to slip below for a change of scene, the sight of those engines was quite electrifying. Indeed, it was doubtful if you ever succeeded in tearing yourself away from the engine-room during that particular trip!