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yes JERRY, I knew others involved with the “Great Heist” of a 1000 footer. AmShip-Lorain was in big labor issues and workers took it out ( sadly) on any vessel berthed within the yard, been going a for a couple of years prior to 78, and off the STINSON left for Detroit ( i believe Nicholsons) for finishing fit-out and commissioning .

This article from November 25, 1978 mentions the sabotage:

[attachment=0]Stinson_sabotage_.jpg[/attachment]

The labor dispute was between the ship yard and the workers. The ship was to be turned around to complete the fit out of the vessel. When clear of the yard, the tugs kept going and they towed the vessel up to Detroit and completed the work there.
JERRY

It usually only takes a couple days to break an engine in. Must be another issue.

[quote=Guest post_id=253167 time=1684295780]
Not directly related to the American Spirit operating at reduced speeds but does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumors that made the rounds during the late 1970s and through the 1980s that this vessel, originally named George A. Stinson, had several problems stemming from labor issues at American Ship Building during its construction. If I recall correctly, there was mention of things like unnecessary piping leading to nowhere being found in the vessel. Maybe it was just a rumor from way back then.
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Yes, there is truth to the allegations of vandalism being done to the then George A. Stinson. There was an ad in one of the local papers asking for information on those responsible for the damage and a $10,000 reward for their conviction. I have a copy of the ad, and I'll upload an image of the ad to this page later today. Damage was also done to the Walter A. Sterling.

Brian

Not directly related to the American Spirit operating at reduced speeds but does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumors that made the rounds during the late 1970s and through the 1980s that this vessel, originally named George A. Stinson, had several problems stemming from labor issues at American Ship Building during its construction. If I recall correctly, there was mention of things like unnecessary piping leading to nowhere being found in the vessel. Maybe it was just a rumor from way back then.

The American Spirit is on their 4th trip and still hasn't surpassed 10kns yet

Engine was fixed, doing a proper break. Gradually bring up speed

Last year the American spirit was running on one engine for most of the year did they not fix the engine during winter layup? I see that they are going as slow across Lake Superior today as they were last year when they were running on one engine.