Tony Homden's 12 ft. long model of I.K. Brunel’s nautical masterpiece the S.S. "Great Eastern".

You will recall that Tony showed the engine of this model at our last meeting - perhaps as well, since it is now buried in the depths of the hull.

Even though it came in the Henley bus, the model had to be split in two for transportation, and as well as uniting it Tony rigged all 6 masts before the meeting.

Not only were we treated to a description of his model; Tony also told us a lot of the history of this great ship and emphasised the heroic feats necessary to rig the sails, etc., and the manpower (up to 32) required to turn the steering gear.

The model was built up on a very strong I section keel, the web of which usefully used a lot of otherwise redundant 4½" X 2½" hinged plates.

The remainder of the hull was also built on proper shipbuilding lines, with strong frames and stringers all plated to give superb lines.