Text by Ron van Maanen
Dimensions 692 (over all) -82'7"-118 (over paddle boxes) x 30 with a displacement of 27,400 tons full loaded or 32.000 long tons and a tonnage of 18.915 BRT. Diameter of the paddle wheels was 56', and that of the 4-bladed propellor 24'. She was fitted out with 6 masts with a total sail area of around 58.000 square feet. The hull was divided in 10 watertight compartments, Due to her gigantic proportions her engines (5.000 hp for the paddles and 6.000 hp for the screw) were not able to allow a speed of more as 14,7-15 knots and made it impossible to enter most of the ports. She was in fact a complete a economic disaster with while she had a quite pronounced roll she was also a worse sea ship especially while used as a passenger ship. While her crew numbered a 418 men she could load a cargo of some 6,000 tons and 4.000 passengers divided over 3 classes! She was suitable as cable layer, for instance in 1865-1866 for the cable between Europe and the United States of America. Dismantled 1888 and sold to be broken up 1889-1890. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Eastern Steamship Navigation Company. Keel laid down at Messrs. Scott, Russel &Co. at Milwall, London, United Kingdom 1 May 1854, launched 31 January 1858 and taken into service 17 June 1860. Ex-Leviathan but later renamed Great Eastern.
Follow for more information the next link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Great_Eastern
Photo of the unsuccessful launch attempt in 1858 at the Isle of Dogs, London
