Good question... The BALTIMORE is actually capable of firing up her system as soon as a few pipes are provided with few new gaskets. I'm informed that it takes about three days to raise enough steam pressure in the vessel's Scotch boilers to crank the wheel (make the propeller turn). Our fire box doors are standing open and our shovels are on the coalig decks, leaning against the bulkhead and at-the-ready to heave some black diamonds far back on BALTIMORE'S heavy grates.

Back to your question of when.... BALTIMORE has been in need of having her bottom cleaned, inspected and having the re-application of a few new coats of paint. Since we won't have an accurate bottom assessment until she is again high-and-dry we won't know what she is capable of doing in her next sea trials. Grant applications are currently being re-written to cover the cost of dry docking.

Could she stoke her fires, raise her steam and leave the pier? ... the answer is yes - she is still afloat and awaiting the day. Is it prudent to move her to any location other than to dry-dock - the general concensus is -we don't think so.

But your question gives me a platform I dare not pass up. Right now we need as much loving care bestowed above decks and within the skin of the vessel as we do without. We have projects suitable for the young and old, the bull necks and the edge trimmers.

BALTIMORE is a great family project and practically accessable from anywhere. I always say...Get a flight into BWI and book a hotel/motel room for the weekend and we'll leave a wrench or paintbrush standing by with your name and the names of other family members afixed to them. Those who work will also get to play when the time comes for to slip our lines and embark upon the waters of the Chesapeake, her tributaries and perhaps beyond. You can believe it! It will happen.

No one ever has to say it but BALTIMORE is a labour of love. That we can never belabour. Without a doubt, she is the very last of her kind still in operation anywhere in the United States and perhaps in all of North America. By the virtue of her lasting until her hundreth operating season she now comes under the charge of ALL OF OUR nation's history lovers and maritime enthusiasts. Embrace her as you would a beautiful spirited woman for that she is.

Indeed she is such a beautiful sight and we want to keep her around for another hundred years. To close with your line.... "When can we expect to see it again?" - Continue to carve out small pieces of precious time to date her? We need funding, benefators to place the needed supply into the hands of her protectors - but we need the hands as much as we do the contributions placed into her operating an preservation chest.

Anyone who comes down to the pier can get a free lesson (or two) on how to play de bones or spoons. you should see our fols twirl a paint brush. We have a great time all around be it underway or singing in our labours at the pier - Now you know Steve, I can almost feel BALTIMORE pulsating beneath my feet as I write. Where did I put my slicker?

Best Regards and All Lines Away!
Walt

• RE: Getting Steam Up Again? - Walt Randolph 01/16/2006 07:51:35 EST (2)
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