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[Dallinson]

Ron Wild
I have book ("Paddle Steamers" by Bernard Cox) with a very clear picture of
a stern-wheeler, which shows the crank arms set at 90degrees to each other
on the paddle shaft The connecting rods run back on each side of the ship to
a their own steam cylinder and associated crosshead. I think that any other
configuration would run into starting difficulties, as suggested. On a
model, I would imagine that another crank shaft, running across the ship,
with the cranks set to match those on the paddle shaft ends and itself
driven from under the deck, should work just fine.
PJ Many thanks for your kind words. The proof of the pudding will be in the
eating, let's see what comes out of the oven!!
Happy paddling
David