Hi - my name is Nigel Thomas and I am fortunate enough to be the Chief Engineer on PS Kingswear Castle since April. I've not built any boat models yet but am looking (unsuccessfully so far!) for a paddle steamer kit.

Good morning Nigel, welcome aboard the good ship Paddleducks

There are very few paddler kits available at the moment, so 90% of the time it's a case of building yourself, either from model plans, or from scratch. You don't say wether you want to build a static or a working model?

Anyway, enjoy the website, and we'll help with any questions you may have if we can...

Regards
Eddy

Hello Mr Thomas. 

Welcome to Paddleducks. It is really nice to have such an insider "on board". We have quite a large collection of information on all things 'Paddlers' so, hopefully you might find something here to help you in your quest. The folks on here have helped me trmeniously, and I have learnt so much from them.

All the best

ken

Hi Ken, a great welcome to you. I never cease to wonder on the spotless condition of KC when i am aboard!
Why not cut your modeling teeth on a renovation project?. If you look in the KC offices at chatham ( I think the right hand one from the door), the last time I was there I saw a large old model of a cross channel paddler complete with a steam engine which i believe Captain Megoran brought back from one of his European Jaunts ( I think Belgium). If you asked John nicely I bet he would let you have a go at getting it sailing again! Its a two funnel sidewheeler, quite large and last time I saw it it was sitting on top of two tall lockers. I took a couple of photographs of it, but I was balancing on a chair and I couldnt get a good shot of the engine. If you do get at it, could you post some pictures- especialy of the engine! It really would make a good looking model AND you could sail it in the Mast Ponds in the Museum!. regards, walter.

Yes - there are a number of models about the office and also a few stored in our 'tunnel' below the ropery that could use some TLC. I'll have a further look...