Scale: 1:36. A contemporary full hull model of the ‘William’ (1860), a river passenger paddle steamer. The hull is complete with two paddle boxes and sponsons, which are connected by a narrow walkway. This was an early form of the bridge, from which the master would give orders to the helmsman on the wheel in the stern. A small windlass is fitted on the foredeck for working the anchor, whilst deck seating and saloons below deck were provided to accommodate passengers. The model also illustrates an early form of funnel being tall and narrow to provide maximum updraft for the boilers to operate efficiently. It is also hinged and fitted with a counterbalance weight, to enable the vessel to pass under the low bridges on the Thames.

Paddle steamers of this type operated regularly from Charing Cross Pier to landing stages up and down stream of the Pool of London.