The City of Richmond with sails from an old engraving Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy

Photo of City of Richmond - at New York Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy

The City of Richmond was built in the yard of Messrs. Tod and Macgregor, at Partick, on the Clyde. She was 450 ft. in length over all by 43 ft. beam, and 36 ft. in depth from the spar-deck to the keelson. Her sister vessel was the City of Chester, which was launched the same year, they were the first two funnellers of the company. The engines were on the compound principle, and at the time of launching they were of the largest ever made for the merchant service. The engines could deliver 900 horse power nominal, but were capable of working to 5000 horse power. Like the engines of the City of Chester, they were on the high and low pressure principle, with direct- acting cylinders, the larger 120 in. in diameter, and the smaller 76 in., with a stroke of 5 ft. They were supplied with steam by ten boilers, heated by thirty furnaces. The boilers had surface condensers, and all the other modern means to ensure economy in the consumption of coal and efficient working of the motive power.

Every modern appliance which could in any way contribute to her stability and her safety had been employed. Viewed fore and aft, her lines were described as so beautifully fine that she resembled a very large yacht. She was a full-rigged ship, and carried sufficient canvas to enable her to proceed on her voyage without the use of the machinery. The City of Chester and the City of Richmond were specially built for the passenger trade, and were equipped with the best of what was available at the time, to meet the comfort of the passengers.