The Alexander Arbuthnot was built in 1923 as a towboat to pull log rafts on Australia's Murray River. She survives as a "living museum" and tourist boat. I built the model, from World of Paper Ships, for an article in the Nautical Research Journal, a publication for model ship builders.
I used the optional laser-cut set that included paddlewheels, ship's wheel, some railings, and other details. I strongly recommend it. The kit presents the "A-A" in tour boat configuration. I wanted a working boat for my model RR layout, so I added a woodpile (fuel) and oil barrel, and omitted the benches & tables, beer cooler, and BBQ. I scratch built the railings from 1"x2" scale lumber. The finished model is 10 inches long with a beam of 3 inches and height of 3 inches at the towing mast.
At 1/100 scale, she's a little bit small for HO, but I think she'll look good sitting at the dock.. I have another paddlesteamer kit from World of Paper Ships. I might scan that one and scale it up to 1/87.
I used the optional laser-cut set that included paddlewheels, ship's wheel, some railings, and other details. I strongly recommend it. The kit presents the "A-A" in tour boat configuration. I wanted a working boat for my model RR layout, so I added a woodpile (fuel) and oil barrel, and omitted the benches & tables, beer cooler, and BBQ. I scratch built the railings from 1"x2" scale lumber. The finished model is 10 inches long with a beam of 3 inches and height of 3 inches at the towing mast.
At 1/100 scale, she's a little bit small for HO, but I think she'll look good sitting at the dock.. I have another paddlesteamer kit from World of Paper Ships. I might scan that one and scale it up to 1/87.
