I have been looking on Paddleducks, but have had nothing to say for a long time. Now I have news of the Duke. Has she been in a collision with another vessel or the pier head? 
NO I have fallen on top of her.  

R.G.Y. I hope you suffered no injury during this small misfortune.
The damage doesn't appear too severe, so do you think it shouldn't take to long to repair.
cheers
Kiwi

 Kiwi,  I could always leave it, dose look realistic. I am uninjured, gave the grandson a fright though.  I have been very unsteady on my legs of late. I wouldn't mind but I hadn't touched a drop. RGY

R.G.Y.
good to hear no injuries sustained.Maybe therein lies the problem, as my Grandfather was want to say, -"just a wee dram, now and then, to steady things up."
Kiwi

ALL REPAIRED. THAT IS WHAT I THOUGH. BUT LOOKING AT THE PHOTO I HAVE FORGOTEN THE CHAINS HOLDING DOWN THE LIFEBOAT.

I have removed the steam plant for an experiment. It only takes 4 screws & 4 nuts, the rest just pulls apart. I have fitted a motor & gearbox from a model monster truck.  As it also has a diff I have added brakes operated by the rudder control. Will let you know if it works.

RGY......from 22,000 km away it looks like a homemade  CVT.....[continuously variable transmission]....... ......Derek

more like a temporary bodge, just to see if it works.

Over 100,000 views thanks for looking. R.G.Y.

 

Just an up date to say the electric installation works very well. I was dubious about driving the one paddle would cause the boat to list, even turn over. It also increases the turn rate. The only downside it tends to crab before turning.

A post script to the Duke. The local museum asked for a smaller version having seen my my model.
So l started, then thought it may be of interest, as it incorporates some of my quick build methods.
First I cut a ply profile of the hull. Cutting strips of insulation foam this stuck on ether side. I then draw on the foam & cut to shape.  A little work with sandpaper, then cover with tin plate. That's drink cans flatten out.  The deck planks are coffee sticks,  stuck together with glue mixed with black paint, till about 25mm high cut in half & sanded down to 2 mm. It will be fitted with a smoke machine ( home made) so children ca press a button to see it work. I had thought about turning the paddles, but it will be set  in a sea.  Cost so far important to me 😂 glue & vape about £2. Photos should explain.  An questions please ask. 

Miniature Duke finished. I can't take photo and work the smoke at the same time.

Hi Geoff,

A model of the model. 

Can you tell us more regarding the £2 vaporizer?
I have been thinking of one of those electric cigarettes as a smoke generator, but they are $50 and up. That's too much for me for an experiment with uncertain outcome.

You may set your camara with the timer feature and so be able to make a picture with smoke.

Regards Jurgen

The vapour was obtained from a £1 shop some time ago. Luckily I bought 6 refills, all cost more now.
  Photo taken by my phone no timer on it. So stuck a drill up to button on smoke. This unit is small to fit this little model. It delivers the right amount of smoke for it. Having seen your work here Juergen I am sure you don't need advice. But someone may.  Take the holder apart removing the part where the refills screws on, with the contacts. Solder wires to contacts, it's best not to leave the refill screwed no when not being used, as contact will be lot & need cleaning. All that's needed is a motor with a fan, a small servo, micro switch, battery & some pipe.
More smoke with a bigger fan, could even use 2 vapours. Although I have found bigger fan & bigger pipe quite adequate in a larger model.