Weymouth Packet No. 1, Watersprite, 1825, 1826, 1833, 1836, 1837

Steam Boat Engines (16 items).

1135. Weymouth Packet No. 1, Watersprite (TW & TX). Jun., Jul. 1825, Mar. 1826, Apr. 1833, Jul., Nov., Dec. 1836, Dec. 1837. 16 items.
Two 30 horse power side lever boat engines, with 31½ inch cylinders, 3 foot strokes. Power later increased to 38 horses. Boat re-named Wildfire 1837.

Cross-section of boat and engines, longitudinal section of the engine room, plan of the engine sleepers - drawings made in the London office [?]; section and plan of boiler - reverse drawing (also used for boiler for Ivanhoe); paddle wheel and shaft - coloured original and coloured reverse drawings; note re the order and sketch of paddle shafts etc.
Also the following later items: section and plan of boiler - partially coloured reverse drawing made in the London office, Apr. 1833 (this drawing was also used for Arrow and Danube boat No. 12); sketch of 35 horse slide valve, Jul. 1836; 35 horse slide valve and case - coloured reverse drawing, Nov. 1836; plan and sections of boiler - partially coloured drawing made in the London office, Dec. 1836.
Also the following items from when the boat was re-named Wildfire: sketches for coal boxes - reverse drawing made in the London office, Dec. 1837; blow-out pipes and cocks - partially coloured original and partially coloured reverse drawings, Jan. 1838; upper headstock frame - original and reverse drawings, Apr. 1838. Many of these drawings bear letter codes.

Original Portfolio or 'Book' No. 800. Catalogue of Old Engines p. 316.

For H. M. Post Office, Weymouth station. Although built for Weymouth, Watersprite actually entered service at Holyhead in 1826, due to a shortage of vessels. She moved to Weymouth the following year. The increase in power of the engines was probably made circa 1836, as the boiler drawing from Dec. 1836 shows a boiler for two 38 horse engines. The boat was re-named Wildfire in 1837 when the Navy took over the Post Office packet fleet.