Beautiful site!
One addition on steam launch plans:
I had mentioned earlier in the thread
http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3132 that incredibly comprehensive French navy vessel plan collection.
Apart from the few paddlers (especially in the second "Atlas" link), there are some really interesting plans if you are interested in steam launches.
For example
http://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/02fonds-collections/banquedocuments/planbato/planbato/fichebato/fichbato.php?id=486 shows a 9 m long navy launch, and the files 661-671 in
http://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/02fonds-collections/banquedocuments/planbato/atlas/rec.php a similar 8.85 m long launch.
But my two personal favorites are a 12.5 m long spar torpedo launch, see
http://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/02fonds-collections/banquedocuments/planbato/planbato/fichebato/fichbato.php?id=520 and
http://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/02fonds-collections/banquedocuments/planbato/planbato/fichebato/fichbato.php?id=521 , an open launch with very sleek lines, and the torpedo spar mechanism and two different optional convertible tops could add additional interest beyond the stereotypical open or canopy type launches,
and a 15.95 m long
Turnabout launch, see plans 1069-1070 in
http://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/02fonds-collections/banquedocuments/planbato/atlas/rec.php: Closed engine compartment, open boiler compartment, and the very interesting "turnabout" steering where the deadwood in front of the propeller is replaced by a second inner rudder to add agility and reverse steerability. The HMQS Midge appears to be built according to these plans:
In fact, the latter will be my next model project, as it should make a great model in 1:12 scale. The engine is finished, the boiler ordered, and the drawings enlarged.
Regards, Moritz