In the Treacle Mine: The Life of a Marine Engineer

This book provides insight into the life of a man at sea, from his beginnings as a cadet to his qualification as a Chief Engineer. It includes anecdotes about his experiences and pen portraits of fellow seafarers and the places he visited. Despite the decline of steam power, there are still enthusiasts who preserve steamships and heritage steam railways to give pleasure to millions of visitors. The author also worked on motor ships, which had their own incidents.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 08 December 2021
\n Publisher: Whittles Publishing
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If you've ever pondered the enigmatic happenings within the engine room when the Captain on the bridge orders "Full Ahead" on the telegraph, this captivating book will shed light on the subject. This is a tale of one man's seafaring journey, encompassing his humble beginnings as a cadet to his achievement of becoming a Chief Engineer. Within its pages, you'll discover a wealth of anecdotes, some amusing and others spine-chilling, along with captivating pen portraits of fellow seafarers and the destinations he visited.

In the Treacle Mine, the story unfolds in the 1960s, a time when steam power reigned supreme for larger and more formidable ships. However, a decade later, the advent of increasingly powerful and fuel-efficient diesel engines heralded the demise of steam propulsion. Today, only a handful of preserved steamships remain as a testament to the bygone era below decks, known as the "treacle mine" by Geordie marine engineers.

Despite the decline of steam power in everyday use, a dedicated community of enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds remains steadfast in their commitment to preserving the legacy of steam. Their dedication ensures that heritage steam railways, steam traction engines, and even the occasional preserved steamship continue to operate, delighting millions of visitors each year.

A significant chapter in the book delves into a voyage aboard an "up and downer" (a steam reciprocating engine), offering a glimpse into the world of steam enthusiasts. While the remaining steamers are predominantly turbine vessels, they still hold immense appeal for steam enthusiasts, offering valuable insights and experiences.

After his foray into steam, the author transitioned to working on motor ships, yet these adventures were not without their share of challenges. This book contains numerous captivating anecdotes that will pique the interest of anyone with a passion for maritime history.

\n Weight: 628g\n
Dimension: 171 x 239 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781849954884\n \n