Bell's Comet Steamboat, 1812

Bell's Comet Steamboat, 1812

The paddle steamer PS Comet was built for Henry Bell and began a passenger service on August 15, 1812 on the River Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock, the first commercially successful steamboat service in Europe. Henry Bell (April 7, 1767 - March 14, 1830) was a Scottish engineer known for introducing the first successful passenger steamboat service in Europe. The 28 ton craft was 45 feet long and 10 feet broad. It had two paddle wheels on each side, driven by engines rated at 3 horse power. The engines were made by John Robertson, and the boiler by David Napier. The funnel was tall and thin, and a yardarm allowed it to support a sail when there was a following wind. A tiny cabin aft had wooden seats and a table. The success of this service quickly inspired competition, with services down the Firth of Clyde and the sea lochs to Largs, Rothesay, Campbeltown and Inveraray within 4 years, and the Comet was outclassed by newer steamers.

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39.4 x 24.5 cm | 15.5 x 9.6 in (300 dpi)