Clyde Turbine Steamers

These pictures represent a selection of the many fine turbine steamers that graced the Firth of Clyde from 1901 until 1978. They are all contemporary views, mostly from period postcards from my own collection.

To see the pictures in more detail, click on the thumbnail view. A new window will open with a larger image.

	"King Edward" The first commercial turbine driven steamship in the world, built in 1901 at Dumbarton		"Queen Alexandra" An improved version of the pioneer turbine steamer, she was badly damaged by fire in 1911, and sold to Canadian owners.
	"Duchess of Argyll" The first railway owned turbine on the Clyde, built in 1906 by Denny's.		"Atalanta" This steamer was the only Clyde turbine built by John Brown's Clydebank yard.
	"Queen Alexandra" The second steamer of the name, built in 1912. This picture shows her as rebuilt in 1932.		"Saint Columba" This is how the 1912 "Queen Alexandra" appeared after a substantial rebuild in 1935. She lasted until 1958.
	"Glen Sannox" Built for the Arran run in 1925, this steamer survived until the early 1950's.		"King George V" Built by Denny's in 1926 for Turbine Steamers Ltd, she was originally fitted with high pressure turbines. Later sold to MacBrayne in 1935, she lasted as the Oban to Iona steamer until the early 1970's.
	"Duchess of Montrose" Another Denny product, built for the LMS in 1930. She lasted until 1964 on day excursions around the Clyde.		"Duchess of Hamilton" The only Clyde steamer built by Harland and Wolff at Govan, she was a member of the LMS and CSP fleet from 1932 to her withdrawal in 1971.
	"Queen Mary" This was destined to be the last turbine in Clyde service. Built in 1933, she was reboilered in the 1950's and given a large single funnel. She remained in service until 1978, having been renamed Queen Mary II from 1934 until 1976. She can still be seen in London as a floating restaurant.		"Marchioness of Graham" The last Clyde turbine steamer, built by Fairfield for the LMS in 1936 for the Arran service. She was sold to Greece in 1958.