Natchez 1:163

Product detailed description

One of the most famous representatives of the paddlewheel steamers that plied the Mississippi in the latter half of the 19th century is this steamer Natchez, a great competitor to the steamer Robert E. Lee.
The ship was built in the Cincinnati shipyards. The ship was identical in design to the Robert E. Lee. Its captain, Leathers, was one of the most famous captains on the Mississippi during the Civil War. Only her boilers, of which there were 9, were 37" compared to the R.E.Lee's 40" thus she had less power.
Both steamers became famous during a duel in a speed cruise from J.M. White to Saint Louis in 1870. Although the Natchez was fully occupied with passengers during the race and made all the normal stops during the voyage, the R.E. Lee was eventually declared the winner, sailing nonstop with only 70 passengers. So officially the R.E. Lee won, but everyone thought the winner was the Natchez, which arrived less than 4 hours late.

The kit itself is very similar in appearance to the R.E. Lee. Same hull base, and nicely done exterior of the boat - wrought iron railings around the accommodation decks of the boat. The parts are well, cleanly molded with no burrs. A skilled modeler can make a working steamboat wheel, I just don't know if this model will be seaworthy due to the size and weight of the parts.