three-legger

[Lesley Mason]

This might be a daft question...bear with my ignorance. Dad's notes are talking about a trip on the SS Artisan (1949) and includes the statement: "Often referred to as a three-legger." From the context, it's not clear whether he's talking about the triple expansion steam engine. Or the ship itself. Any ideas (and explanation for the derivation)? It's not the trip, which was from the Tees to Rotterdam to London and is explicitly described as a Double Run.

[j hardy]

i sailed on a 3 cylinder doxford ore wagon, and always referred to it as a "3 legger" all i,ve got.

[j.sabourn]

#2 Down the gangway we will go, engineers in a row , bye bye Avonmoor , Captain Robert’s looks on her with pride , he would have a blue fit if he saw someone s*** on the side of the Avonmoors port side , so down the gangway we will go engineers in a row this 3 legged Doxfords beginning to stink. Many verses to this well known ditty including we were leaving Rangoon by the light of the moon. Can’t remember what order they came in.
This is my story this is my song we’ve been on this ship too effing long , sailed from BA to Japan with one tied up leaving only 2 legs. Took us 98 days the theorists say it couldn’t be done , I was 17 at the time so may be the only living proof that it can and was. Scavenge fires daily as well. Cheers JS.
First port in Japan if remember correctly was Moji and was a mad scramble to get ashore to the pubs. The mate gave us the 4 apprentices job and finish painting the ships starboard side from the quay , took most time cutting in the plimsolls and was about 2100 hrs when finished , still went ashore though and managed to find benevolent hospitality. Good job we were loaded ship and plimsolls were only partially exposed . JS…..

[Des Taff Jenkins]

I am not an engineer but I have heard of triple expansion, perhaps in Geordie language it was three legs
Des

[j.sabourn]

Maybe this is the point where John in Oz will enumerate on the middle one. Especially as he may of had some experiences in UCL. JS

[happy daze john in oz]

You of course refer to 'Jake the Peg' lovingly had a third leg.

Very handy playing cricket, just make sure it is not leg before though.

[Lesley Mason]

Thanks for all the fun in your replies. Not sure it moves me forward, but it was an enjoyable read.