Article about Steam Luanches

[dbs88Participant @dbs88]

In Model Engineer Vol 185 No 4126 on pages 140 and 141 is an article about steam luanches. Within the article is a picture or photograph of a block print of the Steam Launch SL Fenella courtesy of Hayes Publications.
I am preparing to build a live steam model and believe SL Fenella would make an interesting subject.
Your assistance with finding out more about this launch, photos, drawings etc would be appreciated.

It would appear that SL Fenella was the personal launch of Frederick Burrell, built to a luxurious standard in the late 1890’s and operated on the Ouse between Norwich and Great Yarmouth

 

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Norwich to Gt Yarmouth is the River Yare

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Have you checked in the book The Story of St Nicholas Works, a detailed history of Burrell s.  Noel.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Might be worth enquiring with the Steam Boat Assoc, can’t see it currently listed but they may know something.

https://steamboatassociation.co.uk/

[dbs88Participant @dbs88]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>Bernard, Noel and Jason, thank you for your help and for responding so promptly it is appreciated. Like all journeys you begin with the first step. I knew nothing about Burrell Steam luanches until I read the article in Model Engineer. I have made enquiries with the Museum of English Rural Life who hold a lot of records about Burrell and their traction engines, but nothing on the steam luanches.
I am hoping that someone knows where the picture came from and or might have more information about Burrell steam luanches, I would like to build the model as close as possible to a real boat rather than building an interpretation.</p>

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Have you tried The Long Shop in Thetford?

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

I thought that the Long Shop was Garretts of Leiston ? Noel.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Gets a mention in two mags.

 

He also writes for out sister magazine Model Boats so may be worth asking on their forum.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Right ! The SL Fenella Had a compound engine built by Burrells of thetford. The book I mentioned has a short paragraph on the vessel, P134. Not much help but the best I can do.  Noel.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Just a thought ….

Photos, etc. undocumented elsewhere MIGHT be lurking here:

Opening Times

MichaelG.

[JAParticipant @ja]

Graces Guide mentions a two cylinder compound launch engine made and exhibited by Burrells in 1882. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Charles_Burrell_and_Sons

JA

[dbs88]

On 8 September 2026 at 17:21 dbs88 Said:

It would appear that SL Fenella was the personal launch of Frederick Burrell, built to a luxurious standard in the late 1890’s and operated on the Ouse between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

The river Little Ouse ran beside Burrell’s works in Thetford and was navigable in 1890s.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

It would be interesting to know what size steam launch Fenella was, When launches are mentioned I tend to think of something quite small upto 25 ft or so. But that engine mentioned on Graces would be massive for such a size launch as they may only need 2 to 3″ HP cylinder diameter not 12″?

Peter’s comment about navigability would also suggest something quite small.

[dbs88Participant @dbs88]

Noel, thank you, that’s helpful. It appears DrMarkus Rooks article on steam luanches continues in later Model Engineer magazines so Will follow that up

[JasonB]

On JasonB Said:

Peter’s comment about navigability would also suggest something quite small.

There is a photo of lighters at Thetford in 1903 on page 8 here:

https://www.eawa.co.uk/Little%20Ouse%20EAWA%20File.pdf

 

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

For a river launch pistons of 4″ and 6″ in compound would be more in keeping. Stuart Models do a compound launch engine that is claimed will power up to a 72″ model. A comment about riotous parties on the vessel would indicate may be 30’+ and the company Mr Burrell kept.   Noel.

[dbs88Participant @dbs88]

Thank you all for taking the time to contribute and make this an interesting conversation. So far, collectively, we have confirmed SL Fenella existed, it was likely fairly large, luxurious and used for hosting by Frederick Burrell. All of which, in my book, make SL Fenella a good candidate for devoting time and effort into further research with a view to building a working model.

In an attempt to find plans, drawings, dimensions and photos I have begun following up on the leads you all have kindly provided and will update you all with developments. Photos or Drawings will really help the decision whether or not it’s SL Fenella that gets built.

here are a couple of photos of fellow club members model live steam luanches that are inspiring me to be build my own

[dbs88Participant @dbs88]

Following recommendations I have now sourced a copy of the book about the St Nicholas Works, it mentions the lighters and steam launches being launched and recovered diagonally which is interesting.

I am waiting to hear back from the steam launch association and other leads.

In the meantime if you know the names of any other Burrell Steam Launches that would also be helpful, thank you

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

A long shot but ” The Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk” by Ronald H Clark may have something ?  Noel.

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