Scale: 1:48. Builder's full hull model of the 'Kingfisher' (1906), a passenger ferry.

A superb model, no less than what one would expect from the modelmaking workshop of Denny’s of Dunbarton – meticulous attention to detail, beautifully made metal fittings, realistically painted features such as windows and doors, and a flawless paint finish to the hull.

SS ‘Kingfisher’ (1906) was the first turbine steamer built for the River Thames. She had three Parsons compound turbines driving three screws, which gave her an operating speed of 20 knots. She was built for the General Steam Navigation Company of London as an excursion and cross-Channel passenger steamer, designed for voyages from the Thames to Calais and Boulogne during the summer months. Combined boat and rail fares were possible – for instance a first-class return journey from Fenchurch Street Station, London, to Margate, in 1907, was 7/- (35 pence) and, to Boulogne, was 14/- (70 pence).

She was not entirely successful in this service, being large and difficult to manoeuvre. Her wash also caused a lot of damage to the banks of the Thames as well as to small craft, and there were a number of claims for damages against her. In 1912 she was sold to Tripovich & Company, renamed ‘Venezia’, and used on their Trieste – Venice service. Later she was sold to the Chinese New Era Shipping Company of Hong Kong.