I came across this group of photos relating to the opening of the Middlesbrough Transporter:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/middlesbr ... 470802518/

In amongst the photos I saw some of a tug or ferry which appeared to be named T.I.C. No. 9

a) I thought TIC related to the Tyne Improvement Commission as opposed to the TCC the Tees Conservancy Commission. So was a Tyne boat being used rather than a Tees boat and

b) I can't find any record of T.I.C. No. 9 or just No. 9 in Clip or LR.

Any thoughts?

Definitely seems to be T.I.C. No. 9!
If actually shown on the Tees, must have been brought down for the celebrations?
Can't think why, as T.C.C./local tug companies also had paddle tugs which undertook similar trips.

No. 9 not listed in Miramar nor on Dave's Tynebuilt site .... but I'm sure Dave will have her details?

Except it's Dave who's asking!!!!!!

Ron

.... and we already have a TIC No. 9, a dredger, showing on NEM!
http://www.northeastmaritime.co.uk/view ... =145&t=707

She was built by Fleming & Ferguson, Paisley, in 1923.

Ron

Now think straight, bridge opened 1911, TIC did not 'rename' the old RTC fleet until 1908 it seems. So this one is likely to have been recently renamed from RTC No9 to TIC No9 only 3 years before the opening?
Problem is that RTC No9 (ON.96121) was a hopper built 1864 on the Clyde and register closed 1894. So did 'No9' pass to this vessel which seems to be a substantial passenger paddler, almost like a ferry or even an inspection vessel for the TIC. So could well have been brought down to the Tees for the occasion as unlikely that the Tees had anything with that sort of capacity.
Unfortunately, LR's from 1880-1905 period do not list RTC/TIC vessels except for some odd reason RTC No1 so have drawn a blank on finding this No.9. Also searched just under No.9 with no luck.
Maybe newspaper reports of the event will help?
Nice views of the ferry ERIMUS and the old HUGH BELL on the pages.

p.s. some gent fell down the gap as the car moved off!
http://player.bfi.org.uk/film/watch-ope ... idge-1911/