SS Robin - another step closer

SS Robin - works to the vessel. Photo credit: Kampfner Ltd

The SS Robin restoration and conservation project hit another milestone yesterday when, previously removed, deck equipment and fittings were reinstated.

The historic ship was de-masted, de-rigged and the funnel removed in 2008 in order to tow the ship to Lowestoft. Further deck fittings and fixtures were subsequently removed in order to fully restore the structural integrity of the 1890 steamship.

These items have been re-instated back to their rightful positions on the ship yesterday - after two years.

The technically challenging operation went without a hitch. Project Director, David Kampfner, said "it's always a concern when working with original fixtures and equipment of the vessel - items have to be handled carefully and much consideration has been given to planning the physical re-instatement of the vessel's original deck features."

The work on the fittings and equipment has been achieved to a very high quality ensuring that  overall weakness in the structural integrity of the ship caused by corroded machinery, bases and decks has been addressed.

David Kampfner added "SS Robin is largely original and this is one of the reasons why this historic ship is so important. Extensive research has gone into this aspect of the project.... it is a wonderful achievement to reach the stage where the ship is slowly being reconstructed - the team had got used to looking at a hull stripped bare and the ship is now looking even better than before."

Source [Kampfner Ltd]