After almost 20 weeks away, the familiar sound of the TSS Earnslaw’s horn will once again echo across Tāhuna Queenstown today, as the vintage steamship resumes her regular sailings to Walter Peak – just in time for the last days of the school holidays.
The return marks the end of the longest and most extensive survey in the Earnslaw’s 113-year history. For the first time ever, her historic twin engines – each weighing 16 tonnes – were removed, lifted out and transported to Gough Bros Engineering in Invercargill, where they were carefully dismantled, cleaned and reassembled – a mammoth and nerve-wracking undertaking.
“We held our breath a little bit, because the space under the engines had never been accessed before. But then we found that, thanks to all the lubricating oil used in the engine room, the structure was in remarkably good condition for a vessel her age,” says RealNZ Asset Manager – Marine, Matthew Slover.
As expected, several hull plates were replaced – but there were also some welcome surprises.
“What was really incredible was that detailed testing and analysis confirmed we could retain the original keel bar – it was in really good nick,” says Slover. “Yes, there's a lot of new steel down there. But actually, when you look at it, it's all connected to the existing backbone – the original keel.”
Other major work included retubing the boilers – replacing the 300 tubes that heat water to generate steam – which will make the Earnslaw run more efficiently. The main engine connecting rods were also upgraded from journal bearings, which require constant lubrication, to sealed roller bearings, significantly reducing the amount of single-use oil and improving reliability.
"The TSS Earnslaw is such an iconic piece of New Zealand’s history, and with that comes a deep sense of responsibility,” says RealNZ Chief Executive, Dave Beeche. “As kaitiakitanga of this precious taonga, I’m really proud of the care and expertise that’s gone into this complex and unique project. The work of our team, along with the many specialists involved, will ensure she can continue to deliver unique visitor experiences for generations to come. This survey was the most significant in her 113 history and not only significantly improved operating efficiency, also ensured her authentic history is well preserved.”
After five months of intense work, there’s a sense of anticipation as the ship is handed back to the guest experience crew and the various teams that keep her steaming ahead. Skippers have been reacquainting themselves with the engineers, stokers have been practising the telegraph commands for ahead and astern, and the vessel has undergone successful sea trials for the last few days.
Among those on board tomorrow will be Matthew Slover, taking the opportunity to enjoy one final voyage to mark the completion of the project, before returning home to Te Anau.
“It's everything. It's the sound, the smell, the lines, the brass. It's like stepping back in time. In a lot of ways, it brings out your inner child, that first time you saw a steam train, heard the whistle, and then there's the smoke, the steam, and sound and it's just incredible.”