Further to my request last August for a source of 8-9cm diameter Paddles which was satisfied by Stephen producing some for me.
The prolonged wet spell has finally got me doing something with the hull & wheels I now have.
Please allow that I have no machine tools and only a little cluttered shed, and probably minimal skills. But I publish this in the hope that it might encourage others to have a go.
So far I've fitted deck supports and boxed in the bow section as a (hopefully waterproof) chamber, Sourced a 'Heng Long' 1/16th Tank motor & gear chain which via some old 'Meccano'gears will drive the Paddle Wheels. The bushes for the paddle drive shaft are cut from an old stern tube. Also I've mounted a steering servo and made a rudder assembly from some brass scrap, the rudder arm is a suitably drilled and filed brass negative pin from an old 13A plug.
I've also painted Stephen's wheels, which seem to be taking forever to dry!
More as it happens!
Chris

A bit further today. I fitted a Stern deck, needs to be removable to access rudder and steering servo.
Chris

Due to the stormy weather I've been able to continue progress, making the Upper Cabin and Deck, and also the Paddle Sponsons ( getting them to fit with clearance may be another challenge! )
Chris

Just a couple of more bits, I produced a mount for the ESC from an old Computer CPU cooling fin and mounted under the Bow section, plus a radio tray to fit above so that a clear signal can be obtained ( hopefully ). The original proposed sealed lead acid battery has now been replaced by a 7.2v NiMh mainly for better ballast reasons.
Chris

Just producing a few deck entrances, bridge & funnel bit's . Putting off trying to work out best way of fitting removable sponsons and surrounding deck areas !
Chris

First float in the bath to try to get ballast and various parts in suitable positions. Note foam caused by extreme local weather conditions.
Generally pleased but still have to fix the sponsons and sponson decks so that the paddles can be removed and adjusted.
Chris

Sponson Deck's and side cabins.
Decks fixed to hull, Side cabins fixed to sponsons which in turn are attached to the removable upper cabin and deck.
Chris

I found some old white metal stanchions which looked about the right scale lurking in my spares box so fitted them with wire guard rails to upper deck.
Chris

Feels more like a complete ship now,. Bridge, funnel, mast, deckhouses and seats fixed in place- still things to do, final fittings and of course sea trials when the weather allows.
Chris

Mast rigged, guard rails fitted to sponson platforms and passengers arrivng. just lifeboat / s, a name and sea trial to go!
Chris