here is the progress on the front deck. Still trying to sort out a place to work on the 3 metre 35kg hull!

Hi Hermione, I'm glad I could be of help and, above all, that you had the patience to read old threads with already-existing information (many don't have the patience to do so).
This doesn't mean you can't ask any questions at any time; it's always a pleasure to answer.
I realize it will be a long process, but it's best to do it well and slowly.
From what I see in the photo, this model is not only large but could be very valuable. In any case, you can add to it as you wish.
I've resumed modeling after years of inactivity.
Many jobs were interrupted and then resumed for long periods of time.

Hi Alessandro
I have looked through the links you supplied. Excellent thank you.
The motor work will need to wait a bit till we can establish the condition and “sea worthiness “ of the hull. We also need to do a bit of garage conversion to accommodate her! I am not sure winter in the garage is going to be fun! In the meantime we have made some progress on the decking. This is what was below the dirt on the paddle boxes. More when we have it

Thank you very much Alessandro! I very much appreciate the time you have taken to find good information for me.
I will look through the links carefully! (probably next week)
Thanks again👍

Hi Hermione, as I told you, I searched and collected some interesting discussions on this topic.
I'll provide the links at the end.
There are several issues to address: the right engine power (and therefore size), the correct gear ratio, the difficulty of maneuvering such models, etc.
These links have been discussed and may be of help. I hope so.
If you have any other questions, please ask; there are many experts in this forum.

https://model-boats.com/harbour/105103

https://model-boats.com/forum/146404

https://model-boats.com/wiki/147457

https://model-boats.com/wiki/150316

Wow Hermione, that's certainly some paddle steamer. Hopefully you'll get her up and running in the not too distant future 👍

Again, thank you to Algon and now to ColinJ2 and IanL1. your advice and pointers are much appreciated.

Hey Algon!!
That's exactly the motor I used! But at the time, I didn't think about such a transmission, as I already had certain parts available. I think I'll implement your idea with a conversion in the paddle steamer.
With the gears I have available, I have a little too much play.
As I always say, you never stop learning! 👍👍👍
Your Michel-C.

Here is an inexpensive transmission and a 12V brushed gear reduction motor I found that may help getting power to both paddles with one motor:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808737621956.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

And a 12V gear reduction brushed motor:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809334971776.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

MFA Torpedo 500 Motor and Gearbox 6:1 Ratio | Howes Models https://share.google/0g7OkpRQivghCzeew

This is a link to one similar to my purchase.
How's are a reliable supplier I have used and the motors come with various gear boxes.
Hope this helps

Wow what a great project. Regarding the motors, I would use standard motors or similar and run through reduction gear boxes. Cheers and look forward to the progress. Ian

Wow, it makes my paddle steamer project look small.
You will need a gear reduction on an electric motor. I have an MFA 540 size with a gearbox that I intend to use. They can be bought with some serious reduction that gives a huge torque increase. Creative coupling could see the pistons working in real time. Good luck

Thanks Algon! Good shout. I'll have a nosey.
Yes she is flat bottomed. We are unclear on where she came from. There was a theory that the hull was a ship builders test piece.
I dont have the exact weight yet ... but it is a two man lift. Say 30 - 40 kg.

Maybe the drive system from a larger RC tank? Having independent control of each paddle could help in steering such a large model.
It looks like the hull is flat on the bottom. Was it originally a display model? How much does she weigh? Something of note, flat bottom hulls are notoriously difficult to steer. I recall the Dumas Creole Queen had a triple rudder arrangement, it has a completely flat bottom.

Hey Mike, Thanks for your encouragement! (love the photo of your paddler!). You are correct .... the car will end up in the street! We needed to bring the hull here in a van! Maybe get hold of a canoe rack for the top of the Land Rover. Will keep you posted.

Hello Hermione!!
What on earth is that huge thing! 😮😮😮😮😮
i could never take something like that home with me . . . I already had problems finding space for my paddle steamer (130CM). My wife loves my hobby, but the size has to be suitable for our apartment and hobby room. So max. 150 cm (approx. 60 inches).
I hope you have a great time restoring it and look forward to hearing your reports.
Your car will probably have to stay outside.
Good luck!
Your Michel-C.
PS: How do you plan to transport this? 🙄🙄🙄🙄
It seems you have a family truck or even a trailer!?!?! Mamamia!!!

Fantastic, it'll be a marvel after the restoration.
You're lucky to have found it.
Generally, electric motors are too fast for a paddlewheel (I mean speed revolutions per minute).
I think you'll need a mechanical reduction gear.
Give me a little time, and I'll look for some previous discussions on paddlewheel steamships and electric motors that might be helpful for your preliminary work.
I'm inexperienced in this area, but there are some very good paddlewheel modelers out there.

Hi Alessandro. Thanks for your message. Yes - you did understand correctly! My intention was to use electric motors to make RC easier. I have attached photo for you. See what you think.

Wow, three meters is huge! Did I understand correctly?
Do you have any photos?
Are you referring to an electric motor or a real steam engine?