Identification of early steam ship

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Hi all, you know how it is, you see a model picture on line, it appeals to you so you save it on your computer. I've just found one hidden away in my photos, and I never made a note of what it is. Now I fancy making another paddler and this stood out, if only I knew what it was. Does anyone recognize it?

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

It bears a strong resemblance to the William Fawcett of 1829.

There used to be a 1:48 scale model in the London Science Museum.

Colin

Edited By Colin Bishop on 30/11/2020 14:08:17

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Hi Colin, thanks for replying. I've had a good look at pictures of the William Fawcett, and there are quite a lot of differences. The paddle box extensions, the deck houses, hull flare at the bow, rails etc.I can't even be sure that the model is of an actual ship, but it has the character and grace that appeals to me. Hopefully someone will recognize it.

Charles

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Yes, you are probably right. Image below is a crop I found on one of my photos from the Science Museum showing William Fawcett. This model was owned by P&O and is contemporary with the actual ship so is probably the most accurate represenatation available.

Your ship looks to be a short sea vessel rather than ocean going. Maybe around the UK mainland or across to Ireland. It looks too good not to represent a particular ship but it could have been modified to take a model steam plant.

Colin

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Eureka. A friend asked me if I knew I could use a picture to google instead of text, I didn't know that. I had a quick look online to find out how to do it, It turns out the photo is of a model built in the Czech Republic. Mr google kindly supplied details of the builder, his club and a link to some drawings, not a lot of information but enough for me to work from.

That takes care of my spare time for at least a year.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

That's great news. It's a lovely subject for a model.

Colin

[Author]

Posts