The small Woolwich motor boats, (all named after stars) and also known as the star class, were built by Harland & Wolff at North Woolwich on the River Thames in 1935.

On the front engine room bulkhead, a cast builder's plate as shown on the left, was welded in position.

The first one of these I came across was on the Star class prototype VENUS, a wooden motor built by Harland & Wolff.

Later on, I came across a second on the iron motor HYPERION, built in 1935. This one I removed and had a pattern cast, and then replaced the original back onto the boat.

The photo to the left shows the front bulkhead of CEPHEUS, with the weld marks still visible under the paintwork. The plates were able to be welded as they were cast steel, and not cast iron.

I have now had a batch of these plates cast in Aluminium, and these will be available to Historic Narrowboat Owners Club members at £25.00 each.

Please contact me to order.

Roger Fuller,

Lime Kiln Basin, Unit 43, Whitebridge Lane Industrial Estate, STONE, Staffordshire. ST15 8LQ.Telephone 01785 817506.Mobile 07818221826

office@canalnarrowboats.com