For those of you following the saga of Steam School, the latest results are in. The SS JOHN W BROWN hosted its second Steam School on November 8-10, 2019. Organized by the engine department, 16 guests (and now members) were aboard for seminars on the ship’s machinery plant. This was followed by hands-on operation of the machinery, lighting off the boilers, raising steam, and operating the main engine and deck cargo winches on steam. The guests were accommodated and provided meals by the Stewards’ Department during their stay.
Things got moving on Friday, November 8. Our staff assembled to greet our guests and welcome them aboard. We checked them in and showed them their room. Paul Cervenka again dazzled us with a professional binder with copies of all slides and handouts. A monogrammed rag, and JWB pen completed our guests welcome aboard package. Mike Schneider assured that all the guest’s room were ship-shape and arranged for my favorite- mints on the pillow.
We got down to business. Friday’s sessions included introductory remarks, then a discussion on the steam cycle, and auxiliary systems. Everybody got some hands-on practice when we ran auxiliary machinery on compressed air. After a dinner provided by the Steward’s Department, the evening was completed with a ship’s tour.
Saturday: we had some technical sessions throughout the day. Each guest had the opportunity to light a fire in the boiler. One of the changes this session was the addition of the history of the triple expansion reciprocating steam engine- the General Machinery story. Duff Porter is our resident expert in this regard and presented an excellent discussion. After another fine meal provided by the Steward’s Department, everybody gathered in #1 Tween Deck for Mike Schneider’s presentation of the history of the Liberty Ship. This presentation was very well received. The Fact Checkers in the back of the room were left speechless.
Sunday: Boiler light-off came early at 0430, and steam was raised. At 0900, the day’s activities began. The guests were split into two groups, one group on deck operations, and one group in the engine room. Deck operations included cargo loading, and handling. The Deck Department joined the Steam School team, providing a cadre of instructors, and a mooring line was set.
In the engine room, the guests rotated through the watches, checked the boiler water chemistry by collecting and analyzing a water sample, and took a turn at the main engine throttle.
Steam School #2 was again a hit! The responses from our guests were very positive, and clearly confirmed that we had got it right. The engine department is already planning the next Steam School.
Some written comments on our Course Questionnaire form that each student filled out at the end of the course:
Question 7 What topic did you find most interesting?
- “I thought coverage was well balanced and didn’t think anything was missing.”
- “Main engine room operations (Background history also EXCELLENT).”
-”I most appreciate the constant activity. No dead time!!! Even while raising steam on Sunday morning, there was constant discussion and active learning.”
-”The restoration of the ship”
For the question about how students found their accommodations, these were some comments:
- “Finding the York Peppermint Patties on the pillow set the tone for an awesome time. A wild ride and totally above expectations!”
- “I was in officers quarters and could have stayed there LONGER!”
As this is the 2nd Steam School of 2019 and since both sold out very quickly, we already have a waiting list. Stay tuned for more chances to do this cool weekend get-away. Dates and info will be released soon.
THE STEAM SCHOOL TEAM for Steam School #2:
A big thank you to the Steam School Team, for welcoming our guests, conducting our second Steam School and delivering the experience.
Instructors: Denis Menegele, Mike Schneider, Barney Bafford, Jamie Murry, Kris Lindberg, Trevor Lowing, Joe Sargente, John St. Laurent, Dave DeBoer, Rob Mullarky, Duff Porter, Dennis Daly, Gil Garcia
Supporting Staff: Paul Cervenka, Dick Sterne, Andrea Horrocks, Charles Paris
Deck Department: Captain Alaina Basciano, Howard Dolan, Bob Kaylor, Walt Shober
Watch Standers: George Cornelius, Jack Yunker, Nick Popovich, Joe Palank, Lee Seipp,
Stewards Department: John Jerbi, Kara Mullarky, Bob Clancy
Delegator in Chief: Greg Mucci
