Comet

[Eddy Matthews]

I'm after photographs of any models of the Comet as originally built in 1812 by Henry Bell. I know there are at least two models, one in the Science Museum in London, and another in what was the Glasgow Transport Museum....

What I need are photos that show all the deck fittings, cabins, funnel, engine and boiler, etc etc. Photos of the paddle boxes and paddlewheels would also be useful.

So basically I need details of the paddlewheels and paddle boxes, and everything from deck level up...

Can anyone help please?

Regards
Eddy

[djcf]

Hi Eddy,
Not sure when I will next be up in Glasgow, but I will take a camera & have a look for the model next time if you haven't got the pictures by then.

 As far as I know the Comet replica shown in your pic is getting restored just now, not sure when its due to be finished...I assume it will be back on a plinth somewhere in Port Glasgow again.

There are some line drawings (not original) in the book

From Comet to Caledonia, by Donald Watson

ISBN 0-85174-671-3

Clark

[Eddy Matthews]

Thanks Clark, I'm not in any particular rush, so anytime in the next 7-10 days would be fine Only kidding!

Seriously, if you happen to be in Glasgow, I really would appreciate it....

Regards
Eddy

[Eddy Matthews]

There are some line drawings (not original) in the book

From Comet to Caledonia, by Donald Watson

ISBN 0-85174-671-3

Clark

I have a very small (poor quality) scan of those drawings - Can anyone help by doing a scan of them at a decent resolution please?

Regards
Eddy

[mjt60a]

I have a pic of the science museum model but  never really paid much attention to it, when I next go there I'll be sure to take some more if I can (it's quite high up and at the back of the cabinet) in the meantime. did you see this - http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/PSComet

[Walter Snowdon]

Hello Eddy. I have a copy of Comet to Caledonia- I will bring it to the club tomorrow. Also can you remember our visit to that small museum on the Clyde (Greenock?)  I am pretty certain there was a model of comet on display there. Regards, Walter.

[Walter Snowdon]

Its me again!. If you look in the PD photo album under my photos, you will find two decent photos of the above model, both showing the deck layout. Regards, Walter.

[djcf]

hi Walter,
Would that be the MacLean Museum in Greenock? I was in there a few weeks ago looking at a model of a MacBraynes vessel.
Didn't have time for a good look, but I'm in Greenock fairly regularly, with check it out next time.

Clark

[Walter Snowdon]

Hi Clark. Thats the museum! my memory for names is useless. The two photos i mentioned in last message were taken there. Its a great little museum but I found the staff a little stand offish when they were asked questions but they have some great paddler models- that extra large model of the Manx paddler is awesome. Regards, Walter.