Scale: 1:24. A contemporary builder’s full hull model of a tunnel-stern river steamer (1885) mounted on its original turned silvered pillars and wooden baseboard. The shallow hull is fitted with a four-bladed propeller together with a ‘baffle’ just forward of the rudder. Other fittings include a single wheel rigged with chain steering, navigation lights, lifebuoys, a steam engine and boiler, funnel, a forward cabin and a large raised roof to provide shade and protection against foul weather.

It is thought that this was a proposed design by the shipbuilders Yarrows for use during the Gordon Relief Expedition of 1884–85 on the Nile. Several different designs were produced for this expedition, but few steamers were completed in time, and it is doubtful whether any reached the Nile. The tunnel-stern, allowing the screw to be recessed, not only reduced the draught of the vessel but also provided greater protection for the screw. Many small vessels of this type were built by British shipyards for use on tropical rivers worldwide.