PS Duchess of Fife

[John]

Hi
everyone
Ihave the plans for the model but no detail on the deck planking ,Has
anyone built this model? and are the planks laid curved with the
shape or straight real pleased if someone can help
Thanks
John

[Paulrjordan]

Hi John:

I've looked at my set of plans for DOF and they show no planking at
all. These are the Model Maker Plans Service set by J.M. Robson and
might be the same ones you have.

I've also looked through all my other pleasure steamer plans in the
hopes of trying to get some kind of idea how DOF's planks might be
laid, but I only have one set of original plans for a "Fairfield
Ship" although she was built a little earlier than DOF in 1888. Her
her original plans don't show the deck planking but a 1:48 owners'
model shows straight planking on her main and saloon decks. The bow
decking is what would interest you but, on this ship, it's obcured by
her "whaleback" bow covering.

An email to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich might be able
to assist, but don't hold your breath on them! I found the Scottish
museums on the Clyde to be far more helpful and particularly the
folks at the Scottish Museum of Transportation (Clyde room) in
Glasgow and the Mclean Museum in Greenock. The new Scottish Maritime
museum in Irvine might also be able to shed some light on this by
looking at other Fairfield ships built in the same period.

Do let us know if you've managed to get any further with your query.
Sorry we coudn't be of more help.

Regards

PJ
Victoria, BC Canada