3-074-736 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Red Star Line steam-ship Westernland, 1883. 'The Westernland has been built by Messrs. Laird, Birkenhead, for the Red Star Line (Mail Line between Antwerp, New York, Philadelphia). She is the largest vessel which has been built on the Mersey. Her dimensions are: 455 ft. long on main-deck, 47 ft. beam, and 35.2 ft. in depth; gross tonnage, 5500; horse-power, about 4000; dead-weight capacity, 5000. The hull throughout is constructed of steel, with four complete decks, and three of them steel- plated; and amidship a promenade deck 200 ft. long, with deck-house under, turtle-backed forward and aft. Accommodation is provided for 80 first-class, 60 second-class, and 1200 steerage passengers. The ship and engine-room have been fitted throughout with the electric light by Messrs. Siemens. The trial-trip took place on Oct. 6, and a speed of upwards of 14 knots per hour was obtained. The vessel behaved splendidly. She sailed on her first trip from Antwerp to New York on Nov. 3, under the command of Captain George W. Randle, well known to American travellers. Messrs. Laird are building for the same Line another steamer similar in all arrangements to the Westernland, which will be launched in a few weeks'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.