Charlotte Dundas

Artefacts · 27-02-2008

Hi, I'm looking for info about a model of the first successful steam-powered boat, the Charlotte Dundas. The original ship was built in 1802 to a design by William Symington of Leadhills/Wanlockhead in Scotland. The model I'm interested in was displayed in Dumfries , but was it at the Crichton Complex or D&G College, and where is it now? There was a three-quarter scale model launched at Falkirk in 1988 but it isn't that one.

IainM · 02-03-2008

Hi Artefacts

One of our Club members has scratch built one and he has done a lot of research into the bargain. (see pikkie below)
I'll get in touch with him re sharing his experience.

Iain

charlotte · 04-03-2008

Hi artifacts,

IanM passed your enquiry to me, and yes I built the model of Chralotte Dundas in the picture he sent you. I have no idea of the whereabouts of the model you refer to in Dumfries, I have seen pic of it on a website - I can't remember where, but is more or less the same as the model in the National museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. This model is on the museum's website. The problem of the design of Charlotte Dundas is that there are no definitive darwings - a number of sketches, with considerably diffetent layouts. It is also very likely that Symington built a number of versions of the boat which further complicates things.
In addition to the Edinburgh Museum model there are models in Glasgow Museum of transport, Falkirk Museum and the Science Museum in London. There is also a model in the Victoria (Austrailia) museum. All are different in the layout of the engine and boiler so as model builder you 'takes your choice'. the model I built is probably the 1801 version, the final successful version was in 1803 and it is probable that it had a smaller paddle wheel and the engine below the deck.
I have lots more information - let me know what you want.

alan