The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-12
ELECTRIC OMNIBUS
BOATS FOR THAMES
Innovation for River Travel
Is Proposed to London
County Council.


LONDON Sept. 1.-The history Of the
passenger service Of the Thames Ia one
of great interest. AS Is well known, Lon
don was one OF the first cities to appre-
ciate the advantages of the steamship
for the purpose.
After studying the question from the
commercial aspect, Capt. William p.
Durtnall, the marine engineer who was
the pioneer Of the motoS battleship idea,
has laid before the Lontl1n County Coun-
Gil a detailed proposition for the starting
of service OF his Paragon electric om-
nibus boats, operating on his well known
propulsion system, the prime energy for
which TO be generated by means Of his
fireproof silent oil or gas engines.
These proposed boats will embody
many features novel in Great Britain
which have been tried In other countries.
Capt. Durtnall states that all the pas
sengers will be accommodated above
water line and that the usual paddle
wheels will be conspicuous by their abb
sence.
There are manv periods when the
crowded state of the river makes navi-
cation of passenger vessels very difficult.
They are compelled to slow down, very
often losing steerage way, and 1t Is with
view Of introducing a safer method of
maneuvring that Capt. Durtnall has
embodied In the design of the Paragon
omnibus boats the many advantages
which are offered by the Paragon beaten
propeller.
Has Advantages in steering.
This interesting propeller has the I'm
questionable advantage that IL not only
offers solution to shallow water pro-
pulslon but It also permits the steering
and reversing with greater efficiency
than either screw or paddle wheel en-
gines.
1t requires much less power per ton
of displacement per mile at any given
speed, and the ordinary rudder is not
required.
Capt Durtnalls experimental boats
were well known at Richmond. They
could actually turn on their own centres
and could pull up in less than their own
length from full speed, and these trials
were witnessed by Admiralty authorities
and other people interested.
The Paragon electric omnibus boats
are designed for being open or closed,
according as to whether operating in
summer or winter. The hulls would be
constructed on the cellular system,
which is practically unsuitable. Full
use of electrical welding and of the very
best steel would give strong. light con-
power.
The size of these proposed vessels is
slightly larger than previous Thames
boats, and the catering arrangements
are most complete, with electrical cook
ing The general heating in winter will
be provided for by the full use OF the
waste heat from the main engines, and
this should make the steamboats, popular
in winter.
They will have no tunnels in the ordi-
nary sense, and this feature offers an
advantage when passing under the
numerous bridges which abound, while
the reduction of fuel and labor cost will
be important
Conveniences for Voyagers.
Tickets will be automatically served
at landing stages, and embarking and
landing will be facilitated by provision
of strong, light. lattice gangways car
ried on the boats and electrically oper-
atSd from the bridge, provision being
made for two each on the port and
starboard sides, so that passengers may
embark forward and land aft.
1t is understood that Capt Durtnall
does not intend to confine his opera
lions to the Thames but will open
negotiations with a view of taking up
similar charters elsewhere in Great Brit
ain and abroad In China and India
great interest has been taken in the
matter.
In order to provide the public with
high class music the ordinary two or
three man band and passing round the
hat will be superseded by full blast
electrically operated orchestra. big drum
and all
This is the scheme which Capt. Durt-
nall Is putting before the London County
Council. 1t remains to be seen whether