Builders: A & J Inglis, Pointhouse 1896
Propulsion type: Paddle single diagonal
Owners: North British Steam Packet Co, North British Railway Co
Service dates: 1896 - 1934
Tonnage: Gross 293
Comments:
Talisman (I) was launched on 30 March 1896 and achieved over 18 knots on her trials, making her a very fast steamer for the time. She was built for the Craigendoran to Rothesay service and could complete the trip from Glasgow to Rothesay in 94 minutes. Whilst she sported a good turn of speed, she was fitted with old single diagonal engines and a low pressure haystack boiler, which did nothing for a smooth run. She also had a high coal consumption which mattered when costs rose in later years. She was reboilered in 1910 and again in 1919 after war service. She also had her bridge brought forward of the funnel (as shown in this picture) and had improvements made to her passenger accommodation. She was sold for breaking up at T W Ward's yard in Barrow in Furness after the 1934 season.
For a close up picture of her paddle box, please click here.