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RML 497

Printed From: BMPT Forum
Category: General Discussion
Forum Name: Coastal Forces
Forum Description: Discussion about Coastal Forces
URL: http://www.bmpt.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=914
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 5:17pm


Topic: RML 497
Posted By: stevep
Subject: RML 497
Date Posted: 22 April 2013 at 9:02am
Hi All,
 
RML 497 'The Fairmile' (formerly Western Lady III) is back from her latest refit and is now much closer to war-time appearance.
She is currently being made ready for the new season and her owners hope to recommence operation early in May.
 
Photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30628098@N07/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/30628098@N07/
 
Regards,
Steve Powell.


Replies:
Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 22 April 2013 at 12:20pm
Hi Steve,
 
Very many thanks for this Steve......well, they have lost the old upper deck house? new one....hm....bit boxy? but still, great to see her back for another season for sure, up against the Kingswear Castle now, very different of course, great that they have one type of vessel and the other guys another, one day....thanks again,
 
regards
 
John

Posted By: stevep
Date Posted: 22 April 2013 at 7:09pm
Hi John, hope you're well.
 
Yes the old 'Western Lady saloon' has finally gone.
 
I think what they've tried to do is build something that approximates the original RML Sick Bay although as old photographs show, it is significantly different as the Sick Bay didn't occupy the whole deck width, nor was it immediately abaft the funnel.
 
I suppose they have had to balance authenticity against practicallity for an operational pleasure craft but I can't imagine it could house much more than the refreshments bar whereas the old saloon comprised that plus seating for about 20 passengers. Having said that, I haven't seen the internal layout yet.
 
I for one will miss the old saloon, having sheltered inside with a mug of steaming hot tea on many a wet day and I happen to think that Ron Edhouse came up with quite a practical arrangement all those years ago.
 
Time will tell and opinions will be diverse I expect.
 
Regards,
Steve.

Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 23 April 2013 at 8:26am
Hi Steve,
 
Many thanks, yes I thought the old saloon from the pics, looked good, OK you have now more deck space, just need the weather!, but as you say, they are running the vessel and must believe this is best or better...., again many thanks for the update, all the best
 
Johnk

Posted By: FairmileB
Date Posted: 02 June 2015 at 8:43pm
RML497 is currently up for sale or has recently been sold, looking at the pictures she's looking a little sorry for herself these days

Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 03 June 2015 at 1:24pm
Hi there,

Oh, that is a pity, and sorry to see you say not looking good, sure we all hoped for a long and successful new life with the ferry people...having rescued and restored her of course, oh, well they were in fierce rivalry with another operator, had to post on their site about underhand things being done with directions for possible customers...we can only hope she goes to a good home, but...many thanks,

Johnk

Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 03 June 2015 at 1:38pm
Hi there,

Just looked her up on the net, yes...£80,000 odd with a passenger certificate, following "consolidation" of assets by the company.... £,300,000 saying of refit and upkeep, guess perhaps there is the rub, as Western ferries did, replaced with modern steel vessels...well, again hope she can find a good home again.....

Johnk


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