Paddle tug AID

[Tony Mattson]

PJ, in Digest # 966 you wrote:

<<Clive Lawford ... recently emailed me to ask if there has been any progress. He sent me a couple of nice photos of the "Aid" model taken before the fire. PJ>>

I wonder if it might be possible for you to send me electronic copies of these photos. I'm very interested in checking out the hull shape at each end, where the rudders are housed.

Many grateful thanks in anticipation.

Kind regards
Tony
Auckland, NZ

[Tony Mattson]

Paul,

The hull of the PT AID model looks SO familiar with the vertical stem and stern posts, the square section amidships, double ends, etc. Take off the AID deck and superstructure, superimpose a new deck that overhangs the sides of the hull amidships to the width of the sponsons and I could be looking at the lounge deck of Britannia! AID is perhaps a little narrower gutted than my double ender but I think the rudder configuration on AID is as close to confirming my missing link as I will get.

Fan-diddly-tastic!

Many thanks to you for the images, and many more to Clive for capturing the last records of this wonderful model. What a shame that it has been lost.

Incidentally, just a week ago I was given a picture postcard in mint condition showing Britannia in the 1920's. I think the card dates from the mid 1930's - unfortunately not as good a photo as others I have, but a bit of a treasure in its own right bevertheless.

kind regards to all
Tony
Auckland, NZ

[Mike Mayhew]

Hi all, I am still alive and kicking after all this time,,bloody computor
had a fit of temper and packed up one day! Re Paddle Tug AID, I read with
sadness the model was destroyed in a fire BUT I have a set of drawings from
which I intend to make a GRP hull with all plate work etc moulded in.
Paddles will be laser cut brass as are my 1:48 scale wheel kits. Anyone
interested ? suggest a scale of 1:24 this will make a nice display model
as well as a working live steam model. Best wishes to you all for Christmas.
Mike at Waverley Models, 20B Moor Lane, Clevedon, North Somerset. BS21 6ES
England.