This near scale model is based fairly closely on the well-known steam launch Branksome, now in the Windermere Steamboat Museum. Although fairly accurate in plan and profile, the hull sections have been made somewhat fuller than true scale in order to allow an adequate displacement of around 6lbs (2.7kg) for a practical working model. However, these slight deviations are not at all obvious on the finished model, especially when it is in the water. Steam powered examples of this design have been built and sailed successfully, but because of added weight and the limited amount of space, this is not a simple proposition, and a small electric motor would be our normal recommendation. The first photo shows a lovely steam powered example built by expert modeller Geoff Smeeton of Nottingham, whose model doesn’t appear to be overloaded. The second picture is the magnificent real thing, Branksome steaming across Lake Windermere, where she is normally the star exhibit in the Steamboat Museum, and the last photo is a close up of a charming electric powered example, complete with miniature record player, deck chair and period figures.