The SS Robin, the world’s last remaining steamcoaster, has finally returned home to London’s historic Royal Docks after a £1.9m restoration project in Lowestoft. Her history dates back to 1890 since when she has mainly worked out of London delivering cargo to larger ships bound for North America, India or Australia, as well as carried iron slabs for the French government during the first world war.
Restoration of the ship’s interior is now planned with the aim of opening her to the public in 2013. It’s hoped she can become a permanent fixture as a floating museum and education centre – making her one of three core collection ships alongside the Cutty Sark and HMS Belfast.