Paddlewheels for static models

[Christian]

Hi all,

OK, here's another question (I'm still doing research on casting a 1/350
Great Eastern hull):

I am thinking about either

1) casting the paddle wheels of my 1/350 Great Eastern model-in-progress in
resin - I will try the Smooth-on silicone rubber/liquid plastic set for the
life boats anyway so I will have the material - or:

2) ordering them as a custom photo etched brass sheet maybe together with
the ratlines. The floats will most likely be made from styrene stock from
Evergreen or Plastruct.

The outer wheel of three wheels each side had a depression in the center but
I don't think it will be necessary to model this in 1/350 scale since most
of it will be covered by the paddle box anyway.

I would like very much to hear opinions about what method would be
preferable and/or other, better ideas for modeling the GE paddle wheels.
They will be non-functional so I can get as close to scale as possible.

Please don't forget I am talking 1/350 scale; that will be about 60,6 cm
overall length (roughly two feet).

Best wishes


Christian