Introduction

[Bert Learmonth]

Hello to all,
I'm Bert Learmonth at Nelson B.C. Canada. I was invited to join the group
by David after seeing the article, The Steamboats of Kootenay Lake.
I see by the pictures and information most of the group work on sidewheelers
British Columbia with it's many lakes and rivers was home to the greatest
number of sternwheelers on the continent. There were a few sidewheelers at
the B.C. coast but were not suitable for the lakes and rivers. Living on
Kootenay Lake and seeing many of these steamers and also riding on a couple
of them gave me my great interest in preserving the history of them in a
more visible way than pictures. My father was a fireman on some of the
steamers, with his love of these boats and his collection of pictures added
to my enthusiasm.
The types of hulls on these boats don't lend themselves to a plank by plank
construction. I use a sandwich type and mould them to shape. There are no
plans or blueprints for any of these boats only hull specifications. I have
had to use pictures for all details. There were 11 sternwheelers and 6 steam
tugs on this lake, and since 1984 I have managed to build a model of them
all, They are static models except for my last two which are RC. I will try
to put some pictures in an album.
Best regards, Bert Learmonth

[Dallinson]

Bert.
Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself to the group.
Really nice to have you on the list and we look forward to seeing some of
your pictures. I am sure Paul Jordan will be in touch when he gets back from
his trip to UK.
Welcome again
Best regards
David

[Randal R Largent]

Welcome Bert from Randy.
I would say that one boat a year for 20 odd years is a darn good output.
I for one surely look forward to seeing some photos.
Could you elaborate on your sandwich building of the hull?
Randy