Steam Tug Hercules STEAM UP! TV show TUGS!

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

It really is just stunning that people could visualise the complex layout of the mechanism, and put it all down on paper, by hand. Then build it.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Isn't it? All the calculations done by hand as well...

[@shaynewheeler9249]

😢😢😢😢😢😮

[@erinboatguy]

She's 110 years young now (2019).....I've been on board many times for the self guided tour but I had NO idea she was fully operational like this.....What a work of art !!!

[@saxonaudio]

Make that 116 years old by 2023.

[@jdimmler]

Started with Titanic 5 years ago and finally ended up here. Steamships are majestic mesmerizing machines built from a time that resonates the soul by its authenticity.

[@evantgse]

Same tomorrow the lego titanic drops

[@mudmonkey1]

I love this big monsters of steel coming slowly a live and than the are unstoppable

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

They really are great pondering beasts. Living creatures of iron and steel.

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

And to think this was designed and built without computers or CAD systems. What a work of art. It sound like a living creature and it has a soul.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

True experts and artisans in their respective field. Capable of perfection without the aide of artificial or electronic intelligence. These machines are truly living, breathing things. Demanding the care and attention of a cherished pet.

[@ralphaverill2001]

In the thirty years I lived in San Francisco, I never went aboard Hercules at the Hyde Street Pier. But many times I went aboard the Liberty Ship Jeremiah O'Brian at Fort Mason, about a mile west. She had a triple-expansion steam engine as well; about five times larger. Sometimes on Saturdays they lit the boilers and you could go down in the engine room and watch the huge engine running at idle, the prop churning the water. I bet I did it fifty times. I never got tired of seeing that huge engine running.

[@toyman9642]

It's wonderful that there are people who have such appreciation and "love" for vintage and historic boats, homes, cars, etc.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

We can only hope more of the younger folks take it up.

[@kevinsmith3274]

What a great name for a tugboat. Must be a thrill to sail on her. She is an absolute work of art. Like watching a ballet seeing that engine everything else functioning.

[@johnmalz6684]

Just enough boat to keep its engines floating.Definition of a tug boat.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

John Malz spot on!

[@johnmalz6684]

Wesley Harcourt Great video sir the sights and sounds are amazing i wish there could be scent in video.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

John Malz thank you very much! There's nothing quite like the smell of a warm engine room on a steam ship! The Hercules will be steaming up at the dock tomorrow (4-3-18). If you're nearby you should go check it out

[@stevedoe1630]

Little more boat than that, but you’ve got the right spirit! Enough boat to keep the screw submerged when hooked up (ahead, or astern).

[@chielsteel]

yes tug is floating engineroom greetings

[@haraldpettersen3649]

A beautiful sight , i have great respect for those who spend their spare time repairing and maintaining these ancient cultural memories .

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Harald Pettesen Erik Olsen and his crew of volunteers have done a great job of preserving and restoring her back to steam.

[@haraldpettersen3649]

Honors to all who have helped with their work .

[@folkestender2025]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE Thank you for the nice video. Very interesting machine, I love steamboats and drive more often with our museum ship "Bussard". It's a old buoy tender from the year 1905 (in the same age as Hercules). Nice that there are people who maintain and preserve this old technology. There are already so many steamships lost, the most were simply scrapped in the 1950/60 years. Greetings from Kiel (Germany): kzbin.info/www/bejne/roeUhGeHirh8Z6s

[@russellloomis4376]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE had it been switched to diesel?

[@GamerB2022LikesTugs]

“and Hercules, my ocean-going tug.”

[@annabelleh8739]

It so looks like him!

[@OddHunter5504]

@@annabelleh8739 Hes literally the basis for Hercules in the show

[@annabelleh8739]

@@OddHunter5504 I know.

[@Lampironstudios215]

"they were a good crew always striving to be the best in port not always succeeding but trying never the less"

[@SegaMario]

"Well, OJ m'dear, I'm gonna have me a bit of a rest at the coal depot, it's been a hard tow and I feel a bit low."

[@yoville73]

“The Tugboat For it’s size is the most powerful craft afloat, and the Star Tugs are the power behind the docks and waterways that make up the Bigg City Port, This... is TUGS”

[@juneboylan3596]

The true theme of nostalgia

[@benwetzel8449]

“I’m all finished here, old darling. Moving out”

[@motormouth2472]

@@benwetzel8449 "No you aren't, not till I check things out!" "Check all you like sweetheart, I'm needed elsewhere."

[@hugothomas1199]

Because he was in tugs

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

@@motormouth2472 We all WISH, we could sound as intimidating as this man-

[@rogeranderson8763]

It is good that there are some young guys looking to learn. There will soon be no one around who worked steam in the day. -Veteran '66-68

[@christianmccollum1028]

The gorgeous wood paneling in the engine room is out of this world. I've never seen a more beautiful machine in my life!!!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Just imagine, many of the tugs built in that era were fitted out to that standard.. even the battleships. Take a look at the engine room if the preserved cruiser USS Olympia. Just exquisite woodwork throughout... Only a couple decades later we have the USS Texas; drab, grey, no-nonsense and cold. Oh, to have the days of true artisans and craftsmanship back.

[@Carstuff111]

I do love how quiet a giant steam engine can be. It is so spooky and beautiful. And what a beautiful tug boat as well!

[@alexis_ian]

Fascinating the insights of the working of the Starfleet Tug's

[@kman-mi7su]

Wow and built in Camden, New Jersey when it was an industrial town and not a burnt out hunk of urban decay like it presently is. I grew up there and it amazes me that Camden once turned out beautiful things like this tug.

[@nightlightabcd]

Don't feel left out!! The whole country is a rust belt now and everything comes from China! If this boat were to be made today, it would be made in China and shipped here!

[@rimsatrlable]

@George Bobbpiytw

[@MrTumbleweed22]

@@nightlightabcd though it wouldn't last as long if it was made in the Li Kee Chinese shipyard

[@thejerseyj9422]

@@MrTumbleweed22 the "Li kee Chinese shipyard". That's funny as hell ! And, so true.

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

@@nightlightabcd If it would, it would be an attraction boat, without a whistle, a diesel engine, plus, that is not a good analogy anymore.

[@optimisticfuture6808]

I like it that the young kid is helping. Growing up I had a wide variety of experiences that helped me become a better all around person.

[@deltamachine2059]

Looks like the Jeremiah O'brian. Very cool to see these old ships being maintained and ran. I had the pleasure to work aboard the Jerimiah O'brian here in San Francisco, we live set the boiler safety valves for coast guard certification of the vessel. It was an honor to be able to work alongside the volunteers who were retired WW2 vets.

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

Kind of the same thing, but it's only smaller, it's older, and isn't an ugly Americanization of a PERFECTLY GOOD British design.

[@treywest268]

So great to see a young person helping and learning the history!!!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

I wholly agree!

[@tim7527]

I'm a retired Boilermaker and I love stream engines. I only got to walk by the Hercules as the park was closing while I was there. Wish I lived close so I could volunteer . Thanks for the video.

[@toyman9642]

Hello Wesley, thanks for the reply. I recall several years ago heading up to Port Carling, Ontario to see the annual antique and vintage boat show. Chris Craft, Greyvettes, small steam boats, etc. etc. A labour of love. Shifting gears...my wife and I went, a few years ago, to a wonderful wildlife art show in the village of Buckhorn, Ontario. Beautiful wildlife art and bird carvings that you'd swear would come to life. lol. One artisan was building an authentic birch bark canoe. So great to watch him at work. Good to know that these skills are being kept alive. Stay safe, sir. Regards, Bob in southwestern Ontario, Canada

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

I'm happy to hear those shows are still going on. I went to a show near Port Carling when I was about 11 years old (1996) while staying at extended family's cottage. Someone had a beautiful little steam launch there, and someone brought a strip-planked canoe they were building. Rode on the R.M.S. Segwun while out there as well.

[@AS-zk6hz]

What clowns gave this thumbs down. Sad. This is floating preserved piece of history

[@1929modelagirl]

Incredible engineering Amazing what was designed and built with no computers, no automation. Castings, forging, correct metal alloys, huge amount of labor and knowledge. She is beautiful. Thank you for this video

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Not to mention the engine frames and crankshafts were all made in multiple pieces. Assembling by the fitters with hand scrapers and files until perfection.

[@haskellvanmarter5501]

Light off procedure is almost the same as it was on my ship. USS St. Paul CA-73 Year built was 1944 . As a Boiler man 3rd class I worked in # 3 fire room. (65-68). I'm sure it gets hot in that Tugs engine room in the summertime. I remember fire room temp temperatures as high as 150-170 deg. While in South East Asia on my ship. We did have recip Main feed pumps but everything else was steam turbine. Video brings back so many memory's . Thanks for sharing

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

That must have been an amazing experience. I can't imagine the heat in the engineering spaces in the tropics. Im sure watches were shortened significantly! Thank you for watching and thank you for your service!

[@bobeden5027]

Steam turbines! The gentleman's way to travel!

[@DevilDogDen1775]

Black gang.....

[@jean-lucpicard5510]

They built a steam powered ship in 1944, thought everyone was on diesels by then?

[@rimsatrlable]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE of

[@dustycombs3092]

It’s hard to believe this is the very same tugboat that almost got pulled underwater by the Battleship USS Oklahoma, while towing the Oklahoma back to California

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

Yep. This is THEE Hercules that towed Oklahoma-

[@AdvancedUSA]

So nice to see such a beautiful piece of history restored and preserved in running order.

[@janisripple754]

Doctor Goop Agree My Husband And Though🥰 Scuffy the Tug Boat😍WeLive in Michigan and go to Henry Ford Museum has a huge Steam turbine engine power with compressed air now for safety.We like it when people are talking Communication going on! Huge Connecting rods . We Watch British Heritage Train Videos ..Historical . The British appreciation their History.

[@professorpatpending8731]

Thanks for the video. Fascinating. As a boy in the 1960s, my girl friend's father - Phil Davies was a tug man in Port Phillip, which is a large bay where the city of Melbourne, in Australia is located. Very important role he had. He has passed on many years ago but his role back then kept people safe.

[@christopherd2100]

1000 hp, but enough torque to jumpstart planets...

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Haha! I love it!

[@mchagnon7]

This tug could have pulled the Titanic sideways.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE is she still moored in San Francisco? Or is she still afloat

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

@@pacificcoastpiper3949 yes she is still at the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE she's gorgeous!!

[@moriflapan4661]

Congratulations to everyone keeping the beautiful old tug Hercules afloat and operational. And thanks for posting the great video.

[@ccarmaster]

That horn sends chills down my spine!

[@motormouth2472]

On anything steam powered, they're usually called whistles, but yes, very beautiful!

[@rwood6980]

Varnished woodwork in engineering spaces. WOW!

[@greyone40]

I believe my brother built a model of this very boat many years ago. It was a commercially available plastic model kit. I never knew anything of the history of the boat or its significance, being an old steam tug. Really nice seeing this historical machine. Thanks for posting.

[@JackpineGandy]

Just excellent! I'm a volunteer looking after a steam tug in Two Harbors, Minnesota. 1,000 HP steam screw Edna G, built in Cleveland in 1896. Hand-fired coal burner, double reduction, with jet condenser. Had a crew of 4 when working...is in cold dry layup now for 40 years. Nowhere as spacious as Hercules.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

That's great! I'm glad to hear there are others out there preserving these ships! Is there a website?

[@glenkelley6048]

I started my 38 year career at sea on the steamer Champlain, operated by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company on the Great Lakes. That was the mid-1970's. This vid sure does bring back memories! Thanks a lot!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Glen Kelley that must have been amazing to start out one one of the last reciprocating steam ships. Thank you for sharing and thank you for watching.

[@AGaratuxa]

This is wonderful. And to think he's still alive. Incredible.

[@JeffDeWitt]

A few years ago I had the opportunity to ride on the SS Brown, a Liberty Ship that also has a triple expansion steam engine (as did the Titanic). The engine room of the Brown was about the coolest place I've ever been. Seeing that and this video helps me appreciate how amazing those engines are... and, I'm afraid, also why Diesels took over.

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

This is awesome to watch. I just love watching steam engines in action. I have several model steam engines but nothing can compare to this.

[@HenauderTitzauf]

THis is a marvelous vlog, thank you for sharing it. It reminds me of my situation, old age, leaking prostate, late to run and pee, and when I do quit peeing I’m out of steam! But, I am going to subscribe and give a high five because this is a very detailed documentary about a steam operation in a boat. Not a mountain of techno talk to make us lose interest. Again, THANK YOU!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Haha thank you do much for the kind words and the good laugh. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@connormclernon26]

Keep smiling m'dears.

[@morriganravenchild6613]

Lovely to see these old ships restored and running.

[@wanglydiaplt]

Woohoo! Last time I saw Hercules it was a floating wreck. Great restoration!

[@kam70111]

Ages since I served on a steamship. Thank you. I can even smell and hear.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You're very welcome. A steamship really does take hold of all your senses. Nothing in the world nearly the same as a steamship.

[@erickelly7257]

Thank you for posting. I was there when Hercules was brought to Hyde Street. It’s been my favorite for a very long time.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You're very welcome. Thank you for watching. She's been there quite a while now. Hopefully the park service will let her continue to run.

[@timmayer8723]

At the 18 min 5 second Mark , I want to set my deck chair where the connecting rods are dancing with each other and the engine is hammering out its powerful cadence. I need time to absorb the absolute complexity of a machine built and operated largely by hand when the minds of the engineers that designed this marvel were connected directly to a straight edge and a number 2 pencil.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

How beautifully said.

[@Mr91495osh]

My ship the USS HUNLEY AS31 had three Diesel engines, three decks high, that turned generators and were wired to an electric motor turning the drive shaft. The one time we went to see in three years was to Puerto Rico. We were Going out Charleston Harbor at full throttle and under the bridge at 18 RPM, it had a huge prop, we might have hit 10 knots, I was the Captains phone talker on the open bridge. Damn, I lived the NAVY. During the Vietnam War, I spent one year in Beeville, Texas and three years on the HUNLEY in North Charleston. Unbelievable lucky duty and I went home every night!

[@beastlybuickv6402]

Thank you for your service to our country.

[@motormouth2472]

Like the other dude said, thank you.

[@nokithecat]

It really looks nice nice condition for its age Great to see it is still around Good to preserve history for future generations to learn about

[@theogdirkdiggler]

Awesome job on this video ......grandfather was a Boilermaster on the Battelship Missouri.......Thank you

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your grandfather's service as well.

[@the4tierbridge]

Hey! I know this, it’s Hercules from TUGS. Aside for, that, amazing little machine. Reminds me of the SS. Baltimore. Just about 45 minutes from where I am. Both look stunning,

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

I hope they're able to keep Baltimore afloat

[@the4tierbridge]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE wait, what! It’s sinking? Aww, I was gonna spot see it next week end.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

@@the4tierbridge no, not sinking. Word is they're looking to divest of it.

[@the4tierbridge]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE oh, can't they sell it to the group that owns the Cheasape lightship, and Submarine, and the USS Constellation? It's literally 20 minutes away, and I'm sure they'd want it?

[@Masternater1000]

I can't get over how quiet and smooth that engine runs.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

One of the wonderful things about a well kept reciprocating steam engine.

[@hugothomas1199]

There were 2 on RMS titanic

[@-siimply-lucy-6675]

Beautiful piece of work. Thank you so much for recording and preserving this history.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You are very welcome! Thank you for your compliments and thank you for watching!

[@danielledykgraaf6483]

Engine looks very similar to the one in the Keewatin in canada now. Was in saugatuck Mi for decades where i toured it several several times. Went to see her once in Canada since it left. We in west mi miss the old girl. Glad you keep this classic in working order.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Her shape is a testimony to the volunteers who work on her and their director, Erik Olsen. Is the steam tug still stuck in the mud there in Michigan?

[@danielledykgraaf6483]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE no... I was purchased back by a trust with help of.the canadian Pacific railroad who originally purchased it from the manufacturer in Scotland in 1909. You tube Keewatin or her sister ship the Asinaboia. Keewatin is the last ship of its kind left. Hauled grain and other farm commodities as well as first class passenger service. Ever get near Port Arthur Ontario go see it. Craftsmanship beyond modern comprehension. Woodwork is fenominal.

[@xerxespamplemousse6622]

My wife and I were volunteer crew aboard the Arthur Foss in Seattle for about a decade (the boat that "Tug Boat Annie" was filmed on). Not steam, but that 1934 Washington diesel was something to play with.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Xerxes Pamplemousse Thats great! Do you still volunteer at all? Old engines (diesel, oil, and gas) are so much fun to watch and work with.

[@cyberp0et]

Manning this baby takes dedication and love.

[@fabercastel2269]

TUGS really put on effort on big city/new York tugboats

[@sniperdafox7372]

Yes they did darling ol’ chap.

[@ivanolsen8596]

A Symphony of Motion, My father left the sea because of these. His idea of a Symphony of the Sea was acres of canvas taut on yard arms rounding the 5 Capes.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

I can only imagine the stories he had. Wooden ships and Iron men. Sail and steam are glorious in their own rights.

[@ivanolsen8596]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE Sail, steam and slow revving motors are all great. I am lucky to experience all 3, only the steam was in locomotives, My father was not a mechanical type, his pushbike baffled him. But give him a needle, thread, bees wax and a canvas and he could loft a sail, make a tent or even a hat. I wish I could remember all his yarns. They are lost now.

[@johnb4183]

it's alive IT'S ALIVE !!!!!!! FANTASTIC VIDEO

[@jimtomassetti4817]

The Tug is in pristine condition for it's age. Amazing the Engine Room as big as it is! Love the operation of steam Thank You for a great vidio!!!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

It really is a testament to the hours of labour and blood, sweat, and tears donated by the volunteers who have worked on her. Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@jimtomassetti4817]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE I Enjoyed it very much! Amazing the time it take's to fire up the builder's.... You all do a outstanding Job!! Thank You again! Ps were is this Tug lacated pls?

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

@@jimtomassetti4817 thank you for your kind words. The tug is located at the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

[@thejerseyj9422]

I heard a couple of references to the movie " The Sand Pebbles" starring Steve McQueen. A great movie about a Navy gunboat. Steve actually learned how to properly operate the steam engine on that boat. "Hello engine, I'm Jake Holman".

[@servicarrider]

Thanks for a rare glimpse into an unseen world.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@nanba25]

Excellent quality of filming, especially in engine room (strange luxury of the upper level, with its wooden panelling on walls), useful captions and audio commentaries, this should be an example for many documentary. I regret that we only see few images of the ship itself, and no view of the bridge and accommodation, and no view of the tug on its way (I'm sure it can move by itself)

[@johnwright291]

Grew up on tug boats.been around them all my life. This is cool beyond words.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@gaetansimard1594]

The steam engines need tightened the packing or repack. I operate this kind of steam engines and they never leak steam like this. Need a little maintenance here. Reminds me of good old times!

[@kiwiwifi]

a massive technical leap forward from the good old horse and cart/sails and oars. Not to mention, totally elegant and oh so Victorian.

[@useaol]

Not only that, but much more economical than waterproofing horses!

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

@@useaol And, much less polluting than diesel boats, and more good looking-

[@midpoint37]

Nice video, gives a feeling of being there. Enjoyed the Sand Pebbles reference (main steam stop walwe).

[@FelicianaDelacruz]

A real marvel of engineering and quite fascinating to watch and learn how technical these engines and ships really were. Thanks for sharing this great video

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@danhillman4523]

And some people wonder where all of our ingenuity has gone. Well, there it is. It took pure genius to get us to where we are today.

[@brendenkennedy4304]

Wow that does looks like Hercules from TUGS the TV series. Great video and that steam boat looks absolutely amazing.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I can definitely see why they chose this ship as a model for the show

[@rickh6948]

So few people don’t realize that most hospitals and commercial buildings a heated by steam. The work it took to get the tug working still is a testimont to us that like steam, my hat is off to those that made it work

[@Gus1966-c9o]

My house is heated with a fire tube wood fired boiler that I built myself in 2006 . Hasn’t missed a beat and it’s a lot of work but love it .

[@YYCRCFabricationz]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing the Hercules with us.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

YYC Designz Custom RC Creations you're very welcome! Thank you for your viewership!

[@Digi20]

Might not be fast but possibly can tow a small moon around. Love it.

[@edp5409]

Can u imagine the number of seals & gaskets & fluids in this monstrosity? And the MECHANICAL GENIUS to put this all together is amazing. Gears, pulleys, GEARS, Pistons, GEARS, TOTALLY SICK BRANIAC'S had to design this.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Many many hours of design and Craftsmanship... Though, they weren't distracted by tv or the other things we have today. They were able to better focus their efforts into something palpable and real.

[@andrepanoch9213]

More than a hundred years and the tug is STEAM going

[@reedsilvesan2197]

this old boat is a treasure I hope they keep it running forever thanks for the video I really enjoyed it I really like old technology much better shit have today

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You're very welcome! I love the old stuff. It has a lot more character, and personality. Thank you for watching!

[@b3j8]

Her whistle at 12:09 sounds like a Pennsy 3 chime Nathan. This tug is just pure class all the way!

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

I wonder if that's the same whistle RMS Oceanic had, like, legit-

[@tonerotonero1375]

Great video. Thanks for sharing and congratulations to the people who take good care of this fantastic heritage and keep it alive. That's a marvel. Greetings from France.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Merci! Thank you for the opportunity.

[@wb6162]

Scotty, I need steam now! Captain, I need 30 minutes, I canna defy the laws of physics!

[@renegadeoflife87]

30 minutes? Try 13 hours. For a boiler this large firing from cold. Although re-lighting after an interruption it might have steam come up in less time.

[@musoangelo]

@@renegadeoflife87 When they were working boats, they would bottle up the boilers at the end of the day so they could be brought up to pressure relatively quickly the next day. These old scotch (fire tube) boilers held a lot of water and as long as you preserved as much heat as you could, would work daily without that much trouble.

[@beastlybuickv6402]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@CNMikado]

Captain: Give us thirty knots! Helmsman: I cannay change the laws of physics! Squire Hunt for the red Oktoberfest

[@mvt1313]

This gives meaning to the old term "Under her own steam" Just love all things steam driven. Thanks for the video!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Indeed it does! You're very welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@barryhopesgthope686]

That tug boat in the picture reminds me of the cover picture of "Toot-toot the Tugboat" a book I loved to read as a kid.

[@denn606]

I was an inquisitive child in the 50s, already interested in all things mechanical. We lived at a lock&dam on the upper Mississippi, and all the towboats were steam. Two things I remember, the huge fresh air stacks, and the massive amount of black smoke these tows put out as they departed. Then in the 60s, steam was replaced by deisel, I cherish those days.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

That must have been an awesome childhood being able to watch them in action.

[@johnmiller6558]

that is really cool.. thank you.. Massive machine :)

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigredc222]

Great video At 7:30 they show a Lukens Iron & Steel emblem, I live about ten minuets away from that mill, they were the number one producer of boiler plate in the world, when that boiler was built.

[@coniow]

A steam engine is a living, breathing being. Steam turbines may be incredibly efficient, but, sorry, they are nothing to see :-(. If you see the 100 inch beam pumping engine at Kew (in the Thames London suburb) start up, manual valve operation until she reaches her full stroke, when the automatic control kicks in, and the feeling of sheer POWER that comes with it! The massive beam rocking effortlessly (so it seems), then you remember that the beam weighs as much as a truck! Horizontal, vertical, marine, locomotive or stationary, they are ALIVE. I have spent hours watching the Triple expansion engine in the paddle steamer Waverly that does an annual summer tour around the south coast of Britain before returning to Scotland. With the paddles on either side, she has a high-up crankshaft, the 3 cylinders athwartships down on the keel, and the connecting rods pushing upwards at 30 degrees or so. Quite different to a propshaft and screw, but just as mesmerizing! Thank you for posting this, and I hope Hercules keeps in steam!

[@corkcamden9878]

Good for you. I spent many years in the engineroom of USNavy ships. Don't tell me there's nothing to see. You obviously find no fascination with turbines. Believe me; when the turbines are spinning and transfering to and through the reduction gears, what you get is a sensation of a giant straining, trying to break free of the nuts and bolts holding it to the deck. Your elitist attitude betrays an ignorance. Not as much to see? Depends on your point of view.

[@philhealey449]

Having put in many hours at Hereford's Broomy Hill Waterworks Museum , I can state it's not easy getting a triple expansion engine running smoothly with no load, with various challenges of interstage reheat effects and heart stopping moments when the condenser starts to pull a good vacuum and the engine decides to race!

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

@@corkcamden9878 He's tearing one thing down to build up another. It's a classic move for people who can't articulate well. If he was in an engine room on any mighty ship, he'd be impressed. Plus steam turbines were just better tech than VTE. Both are cool.

[@johns8689]

Thank you very much for the narration along the way, so darn helpful with trying to understand the complexity of this amazing engineering and application to a beautiful tug (Hercules) so well named!!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You're very welcome. Wish I had done more. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelashcraft8569]

WOW, that's a whole lot of movin' parts !!

[@rkeith4442]

I was on a Navy ship that had 1200 psi suprheated steam ! I really enjoyed this video, thanks!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

You're very welcome! Thank you for your service.

[@KnightFilms32]

The age of steam powered engines brings joy to my boiler

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Just very fascinating to watch, My wife's Grandfather and my Godfather/Uncle were both Steam Turbine Engineers the 2 of them only met each other because of me the Granfather worked for. A Power Company his entire life and my Uncle. Was involved as a project manager for a company that designed and built the steam turbines at one point Jay Leno did get in touch with my Uncle and asked him if he could build a turbine for one of his Steam vehicles , Jay had a set of the design drawings and factory blueprints and my Uncle was able to help him out with his resources Jay did give my Uncle some autographed pictures and a nice Thankyou letter that my Uncle had framed and displayed in his "Mancave" / personal garage along with some other cool things from his life ! When my Uncle got the first call from Jay Leno he actually thought it might be one of his buddies prancking him at first untill Jay. Convinced it was really him calling from California i do not remember the exact car my Uncle told me it was for but i do recall my Uncle telling him how he could probably get it built but had no idea what the specs would be and that most of the units they built were around 30 feet long or bigger thats when Jay told hm he had the drawings from the original car in his possession

[@ZaphodsPlanet]

Amazing how quiet it seems for how huge it is.

[@foghatdwjones1771]

As a former Coast Guard BT I can say this is beautiful beyond description!

[@hezekiahvanfarthinghorniii8042]

Love the Sand Pebbles references throughout the vid: “Main stem stop wowve”!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Best movie ever!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

@jack tarr and an axe

[@toyman9642]

Amazing. So glad it's being maintained.

[@TomTalley]

Thanks for the wonderful tour. You certainly knew where to look. As a fellow Sand Pebbles fan, I think that helped your perspective. If you read the book as well, you will see references to the kind of seasoning that the black gang puts in the coffee...Thanks again...great work...

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Tom Talley you're welcome. Thank you for the kind words. One might call me a bit of a "Steam Nut" haha! The majority of my videos being steam stuff. "The Sand Pebbles" is both my favorite book, and favorite movie.

[@TomTalley]

Me too. Loved them both. I am getting old now, and the more I see and hear about steam the more I appreciate the subtitles of the book and movie. Lately I have been watching a ton of KZbin stuff on steam...some on model steam engines...I like the ones by Keith Appleton very much as he is very good at explaining all the workings of the systems...Thanks again...I really enjoyed it.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Tom Talley I really enjoy Keith Appleton's videos as well. He does an outstanding job, and his voice reminds me of my Granddad.

[@howdoyoulikethat5253]

NEVER, in my wildest dreams did I ever dream that the folks at the turn of the 20th. Century would come up with such sophisticated engenuety. All I can say is WOW ! Keep on a Steamin' Boys & Girls. Keep that 'Ol gal a runnin' & goin' STRONG ! 🚢. P.S. One more question........ Is her hull made out of wood, or steel ? Good Luck ! 👍

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

How do you Like That ? She was pretty sophisticated for 1907! Those old boys and gals knew a lot more than we give credit. Her preservation is a testimony to their workmanship, and engineering, as well as the folks from the Narional Parks Service and the volunteers who have spent so many hours getter her back to steam again. Her hull is made of steel.

[@DocMyran]

Amazing engine! allot of moving parts to lube,and even more valves to check and turn. you got to hawe you'r head in the game,with sutch large steamers!! Thanks 4 sharing!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Ole Jonny Myran yes sir, it isn't anything like jumping in a bay liner and turning the key! You're very welcome!

[@Reenactor1920]

Great Sand Pebbles reference lines in this film I caught onto. "Hello Engine, I'm Jake Holman."

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Richard Bloomquist Haha thank you. My favorite film of all time.

[@rickswanberg4995]

Another line from the movie......."Main Stem Stop Walve" (Main Steam Stop Valve)Rick

[@WootTootZoot]

Live steam, "live stim"... dead steam, "dead stim".

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Richard Bloomquist one of the best movies of all time

[@lumox7]

''sleepy stim''

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

Great video!! I remember working in the boiler room of a steam powered ship and it was 150 degrees F in the room. It wasn't any better down in shaft ally either, LOL...

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Thanks!! Wow, that must have been a special kind of miserable! Did you have shortened watches to reduce time exposed to those temperatures?

[@wyattwilliams2457]

I always loved steam powered (particularly piston) ships, my uncle (who was on the uss Nevada said it took them 20 hours to get going

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

That's awesome that he served on her. I believe it. Lots of big boilers that can't be fired quickly

[@acdii]

Apparently the Iowa class took 24 hours from a cold start just to raise enough steam to fire the main boilers. EVERYTHING is steam driven and a cold start requires 4 Diesel generators to run the aux pumps to get one boiler started. The guys on the Iowa class would be saying to the Nevada class, OK you guys go ahead, we'll catch up. LOL

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

@@acdii hahaha Heck of an operation

[@wyattwilliams2457]

@@acdii mine uncle was a AA Gunner on the nevada

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

HERCULES 👍 Nice ship, the work you did in 1907, the engine room is beautifully paneled in the gallery in the upper part with wood!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Isn't she spectacular? Amazing the level of finish work, detail, and pride they put into a "working ship" back then. Shame few have the motivation to do the same today.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

@@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE 👍

[@FPVREVIEWS]

I got to crawl around Hercules and Wapama when i was a kid. If i remember right, she has a triple expansion steam engine. what a great Tug, and a real sea tug at that. good memories.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

FPVREVIEWS yep your memory is correct. Both the Hercules and Wapama are triples. Unfortunately the Wapama was broken up, but her machinery survives at Hyde Street Pier. My dad got to crawl all over her many many years ago as well.

[@FPVREVIEWS]

they were both in Sausalito when i was there, and they were trying to use borax soap to preserve Wapama. heard about her later, and was sad, but she had a broken back by the time i knew here, and was living on a steel barge at the army corp docks. Sausalito will not be the same without her, and sad to see them spend money to break her up rather than preserve her. this was not long ago..

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Yeah it was a sad passing. I'm glad they were able to save her machinery at least.

[@charlesinglin]

I remember seeing the Wapama back in the mid '60's. Such a travesty that they weren't able to preserve her. Spent an afternoon chipping paint on the Hercules with a friend who was volunteering on her back in the '90's. Glad to see she's in good shape.

[@jbbarnett6116]

Wow that ship is truly a work of art