Hi everyone I have been building scale boats and steam engines for around 10 years and have always been fascinated by the old paddle wheelers especially the Clyde ones as they reflect a bygone era of luxury and style ,don't want to get too carried away but I have plans for the Duchess of Fife about 5 ft in length also thinking about twin 2cyl oscillating engines to give tractor like control and would like to know if other members have gone down this path as I would be grateful for any info
Cheers
John

Welcome John, I can't help with you request however I'm sure one or more of our knowledgeable member will be able to help.

Damien.

Evening John....this is you neighbour from Corrimal.....

Have a read in our WEB pages 'individual or twin paddle drive'.......generally accepted as banned by the British Board of Trade in the late 1800's ...some suggested due to instability by over-speed of one engine in high water swell ...

Others suggest one incident when a paddler lost way by way of one engine and the passengers all moved to one side of the vessel...with the result the vessel capsized with the passenger's drowning is sewage in the river 

You will also find detail re the Duchess of Fife in our archives........watch PS Waverley in the St Ives Bay 1994 video........& consider a single paddle shaft over-speed......Derek   

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QtwIwAGoVChMIq_jd6MLBxwIVBS6mCh2g8AYP&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzaybtYIAURc&ei=cPPaVauAH4XcmAWg4Zt4&usg=AFQjCNHORszgcUdL8UWoaW5pW6EJHG0wZw