Welcome to Paddleducks..... The home of paddle steamer modelling enthusiasts from around the world.
It is very nostalgic seeing a paddler at night as your senses are far more receptive to the likes of the beat of the paddles the ring of the telegraph and the sense of adventure pre GPS, Radar & VHF. all of which i take for granted now and traditional means are mearly a fall back... times change.
Inspired by Channel's cracking photographs of the Waverley and the Balmoral I submit my video of Waverley arriving and departing Custom House Quay, Greenock, last year. I had joined my good friends Lachie Stewart, famed long distance runner and raconteur, and Dumbarton and District Aeromodelling Club chairman Gerry Marchbanks at Murdieston dam to join in with the GMYPBC. Knowing that Waverley was due we dropped down to Greenock to await her arrival before heading home. She is a beautiful ship at the best of times but to see her arrive and depart on a summer night illuminated like a Christmas tree was magical. The only thing missing was a band on deck to provide background music. The quality of the video isn't great but hopefully conveys something of the atmosphere. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrm3_B1GyJwSome stills can be found in my galleryhttp://www.paddleducks.co.uk/mkportal/modules/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=84