Fulton's Clermont Steam Boat (Re-Issue)

What a fun little model to build! It's hard not to start playing with the figures. . . It's a good value, good details, very little trimming excess plastic, and it's fun to represent the world's first commercially viable steamship. Drawbacks are few: I think you need to be pretty advanced to get the gears to work, at least more advanced than me (I'm not sure how you'd paint them if they were to actually spin the paddle wheels either. . .) However, they look just fine stationary, and their lack or mobility really doesn't take away from the model; I think that the Manufacturer used the 20th century replica of the Clermont rather than the actual boat. I'm not sure if plans for the original steamship are extant, but there are many illustrations from the early 19th century, and the ship looks slightly different, though that could be an artistic flourish. Overall, the model is enjoyable to build, and makes a proud display.

The model overall was excellent, I have one issue with it however. I tried several times to get the gears to move as the instructions say they could. After several attempts, I was unsuccessful in getting the gears to line up properly on both sides of the gear box. It is a great looking ship when it is all completed and makes a great addition to any modelers collection.

What a handsome model it is, was pretty easy to build and alot of fun as well. Took a little time to clean the gears so they would mesh properly qnd drive the padlle wheels smoothly, however the finished model is well worth the effort, would mqke a nice RC boat.