Very small paddlers - might make interesting models

[Bryant Owen]

I've an interest in very small workboats and I was wondering about
small paddlewheelers. As an Alligator fan I know a bit about these
small (or not so small) guys but was wondering about other small
ones. What come to mind are mini-tugs, yawlboats, little harbor
cruisers, etc.

BTW - Someplace I've seen a pic of a "scow punt" on local waters. The
pic is too small to make out but looks like someone took a small
barge, say 10' x 20' and put a small stationary steam engine/boiler
unit on it and hooked up a small sternwheel. Too many people to make
out much detail but the stack is just taller than them, say 6'. You
can barely make out the wheel. IIRC it was used to boom/tow logs,
ship supplies and people about a small lake. I've seen reference to
them in a few other local places but it sounds like something that
could've popped up anywhere. Ring a bell with anyone?

Bryant

[Paulrjordan]

Great to hear from you, Bryant..long time no hear!

Yes, I remember very well seeing a picture of this Canadian
sternwheeler punt. She couldn't have been more than about 28-30'
long with a donkey steam engine and flimsy looking sternwheel. I've
looked all through Tatley's "Northern Steamboats", "Muskoka Steamboat
Era" and Charlebois. I didn't look in my Western Canada books
because I think she was out of Ontario. Now I have a doubt and
wonder if maybe the picture came from the British Columbia archives.

I'll keep searching and let you know if I come up with anything, but
I definitely have seen a picture of the little sternwheeler you're
talking about. I agree this would make an ideal small model to
operate in a Club display pool. In fact we were only yesterday
discussing the need for more small R/C boats to operate in our Club's
display pool.

By the way talking of your appreciation for smaller workboats, skiffs
etc, the two Tatley books are full of 'em and alot from all around
your neighbourhood too. But then you don't need me telling you this
as you probably know both these books from cover to cover.

Do give us an update sometime when you get a moment and if you were
ever able to contact Chris.

Regards

PJ
Victoria, BC Canada