The Steamboating Forum

I am working on a plan to install a pair of functional Engine Order Telegraphs (EOT's) in the Wheel House & Engine Area of my vessel. When I see the Bridge Decks of some larger Steam Launches in the UK, I notice these vessels are still using mechanical EOT's. These certainly are functional and practical. A smaller single lever EOT would be perfect for my boat.

My question is - Do any of the UK Steam Launch fellows in this Forum know of any EOT manufacturers still in business in the UK; so I might locate one appropriately sized for my vessel? I likewise welcome the input of any fellow "Yanks" in the Forum that might know of a manufacturer here in the US that might still be producing these unique pieces as well.

I have already started an extensive search via the Nautical Antiques Resale sources, but I was thinking there might actually be an manufacturer or two still making these somewhere in the world. It seems many of the refurbished EOT's are coming back to the west from places surrounding the Indian Ocean or even from Japan; but does any one still make them here in the US or in the UK.

Thanks for your help.

Mack

I've been sorta looking for the same thing for about six years, other than full sized telegraphs, that go for high prices, and small reproduction units that are really of little use, there isn't much available. I don't know of any mfr that makes these new. One can find bits and pieces on Ebay occasionally. I did see one on there that mounted on the wall - no pedestal, but they still wanted like 400 for it. And all the nomenclature was missing.

This is the best source for new old style nautical things that I have found: http://www.davey.co.uk/davey_and_co_products.html
You could ask them, they may have them or know of a place that does.

If I was bound and determined to have one, I would just make up the wood plugs and have it cast up out of bronze. Lot's of small foundry's will do this and it's not all that expensive.

Most small vessels (under 40-50 feet) just use/used a single bell and engine bell code (from my reading on the subject). And/Or speaking tubes.

-Ron

Thanks for your reply Ron. I'll check out that site for what might be useful. I had considered using a simple speaking tube, and probably will install one of those as well - but I did so want to have the use of an EOT to bring about that genuine steamer feel.

If you think of any other sources, do please let me know where I might locate a couple of units.

Thanks again for your input.

Mack

You could probably take one of those reproduction EOT lamps, gut the insides and make it into something that would work just fine. The cosmetic part is ready to go, all you would have to do is make the bits for cable and chain linkage.
Hmmm... sounds like a fun project.

Thanks Chris, an interesting "project" that would be. Cheers.