Well known models of the Charlotte Dundas have been exhibited in the Science Museum at South Kensington and in Museum Victoria in Melbourne.  Each of these models was intended to represent the Charlotte Dundas in its final stage of evolution or development, but they differ in several key elements.  Their provenance had been unclear, but the information presented here confirms their origins.  These data are extracted from correspondence between W. H. Rankine of Falkirk and David Bell in Glasgow, penned from 1907 to 1912.  Rankine was the great grandson of William Symington and he co-authored the 1862 Biography of William Symington with his father, John Rankine.  Rankine descendants kept the letters from Bell to Rankine and Bell deposited his letters from Rankine in the Glasgow Museum of Transport. In 1912 Bell wrote a biography of David Napier, marine engineer which includes a biographic section on William Symington. David Bell died in 1913 aged 75 years. [1] 

These records reveal that the model in the Melbourne Museum was built in 1851 by Andrew Symington, William Symington's youngest son. The model which was for decades on display at the South Kensington Museum was built in 1862 by John Rankine, grandson of the inventor.

The hull of each of these models is split at the stern to accommodate a single rear paddle wheel which is enclosed under a cover.  The major difference is that the engine of the Rankine model is on the deck whereas the engine of the Melbourne model is situated below deck. The hulls also differ in conformation. The shallow hull of the Rankine model is in keeping with a canal boat whereas Andrew Symington's model has a sharp prow, more in keeping with an ocean-going vessel.

William Symington had prepared a model in 1802 which he demonstrated at the Royal Institution. A drawing of this model is reproduced in the Journal of the Institution along with a description of the steam boat experiments.  His own model was made before the Charlotte Dundas was built, and represented a transitional stage in his steam boat experiments. This model had gear wheels in the drive mechanism.  

In 1828 William Symington prepared a schematic drawing representing the Charlotte Dundas which is not to scale and which is clearly a simplification.  His purpose was to convey his final concept of steam propulsion.  Consequently, only essential mechanical detail is shown. No gears are shown in the 1828 drawing. 

Andrew Symington’s model was true to this concept: the essential feature being the horizontal cylinder on a platform below the level of the deck with the piston rod guided on rollers and directly linked to the paddle wheel by a rod and crank. However, Carron Company invoices provide clear evidence that gears were employed to drive the paddle wheel. 

The 1802 model employs gear wheels in the drive mechanism.  Gears may have been excluded from the 1828 drawings for reasons of simplicity.

Thus, no authentic early representation of the Charlotte Dundas of 1803 exists. The models built by William Symington's descendants were not contemporary and William Symington’s own model represented an earlier transitional stage in his steam boat experiments.  The lines of the hull exemplified by the Rankine model seem probable.  Apart from the omission of the drive gears, Andrew Symington’s model appears to accurately display the arrangement of engine and drive mechanism as envisaged by William Symington and depicted in the drawing he prepared in 1828.  However, neither model can be accepted as a genuine replica of the Charlotte Dundas as it existed in 1803.

[1] Port Glasgow Express 12 December 1913 page 2

WILLIAM SYMINGTON’S OWN MODEL (1802)

William Symington commissioned a model steam boat which he exhibited in London at the Royal Institution in 1802.  His demonstration was reported in the July 1802 number of the Proceedings of the Royal Institution. Although several models would claim to represent the Charlotte Dundas, only the model built under William Symington's own direction can be regarded as an authentic representation. William Symington’s model represented a transitional stage in his steam boat experiments for Lord Dundas. He prepared this model at the request of Lord Dundas and presented it to him at his London residence. Joseph Adams, a steam ship proprietor, writing to Robert Bowie in 1833, states that he accompanied William Symington when he presented his model to Lord Dundas at his house in Arlington Street.[1] Adams was the agent for the London, Leith, Edinburgh and Glasgow Company in the 1830's and 1840's. [2] [3]

[1] Letter dated Leith and Glasgow Wharf, 25th June 1833; Rankine, R. and W. H., Biography of William Symington page 27

[2] The Monthly Chronicle, Volume IV June-December 1839 page 19

[3] Bradshaw's Monthly Railway and Steam Navigation Guide 1845

In 1802, Lord Dundas F.R.S. was elected as a manager of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, which had been founded in 1799. His fellow managers at the time included Henry Cavendish and Sir Joseph Banks. 

William Symington demonstrated his model at the Royal Institution at Albemarle Street in 1802; this model is illustrated in the Journal of the Institution, along with a description of the steam boat experiments. The joint editors of the Journal at the time were Thomas Young M.D., Professor of Natural Philosophy and Superintendent of the Institute, and Professor Humphrey Davy, the discoverer of sodium and potassium, who was appointed as the director of the chemistry laboratory at the Institute in 1802. Thomas Young 1773-1829 was a true polymath; a physician and a physicist, he made a significant contribution to the wave theory of light.  [1] 

Dr. Young was the author of the following article "An Account of MR. SYMINGTON'S New Steam Boat":  [2]

   Several attempts have been made to apply the force of steam to the purpose of propelling boats in canals, and there seems to be no reason to think the undertaking by any means liable to insuperable difficulties. Mr. Symington appears already to have had considerable success, and the method that he has employed for making a connexion between the piston and the water wheel is attended with many advantages. 

   By placing the cylinder nearly in a horizontal position, he avoids the introduction of a beam, which has always been a troublesome and expensive part of the common steam engines: the piston is supported in its position by friction wheels, and communicates by means of a joint with a crank, connected with a wheel, which gives the water wheel, by means of its teeth, a motion somewhat slower than its own; the water wheel serving also as a fly. The steam engine differs but little, with respect to the condensation of the steam, from those of Boulton and Watt now in general use: there is an apparatus for opening and shutting the cocks at pleasure, in order to revert the motion of the boat whenever it may be necessary. The water wheel is situated in a cavity near the stern, and in the middle of the breadth of the boat, so that it becomes necessary to have two rudders, one on each side, connected together by rods, which are moved by a winch near the head of the boat, so that the person who attends the engine, may also steer. It has been found most advantageous to have a very small number of float boards in the water wheel.

   Another material part of the invention consists in the arrangement of stampers, at the head of the boat, for the purpose of breaking the ice on canals, an operation which is often attended with great labour and expense. These stampers are raised in succession by means of levers, of which the ends are depressed by the pins of wheels, turned by an axis communicating with the water wheel.

   Mr. Symington calculates that a boat capable of doing the work of twelve horses may be built for eight or nine hundred pounds. An engine of the kind has been actually constructed at the expense of the proprietors of the Forth and Clyde Navigation, and under the patronage of the governor, Lord Dundas, it was tried in December last, and it drew three vessels of from 60 to 70 tons burden at the usual rate of two miles and a half an hour. Mr. Symington is at present employed in attempting still further improvements, and when he has completed his invention, it may, perhaps, ultimately become productive of very extensive utility.

   A general idea of the arrangement of the parts may be formed from the figure here inserted, taken from a model which was brought by Mr. Symington, at the desire of Lord Dundas, to the Royal Institution. Y.

This article was reproduced, almost verbatim, in The Agricultural Magazine, for 1802., Volume VII page 152.

Early in 1803, William Symington demonstrated this model also to the Duke of Bridgewater. [3]

Description:  The cylinder was positioned obliquely upon the deck, supported by a wooden frame.  The piston rod was guided on rollers and connected to the water wheel through a long arm, a crank and a set of gears.  Relative to the size of the model, the paddle wheel was larger than those in the later models built by John Rankine and Andrew Symington.  Ice stampers were installed at the prow; the smokestack was astern of the boiler and a gunwale railing occupied only the bow of the vessel.  No steering mechanism was shown. The wooden cradle supporting the cylinder recalled the arrangement depicted in the 1801 patent specification.

William Symington’s model represented a transitional stage in his steam boat experiments. The model illustrated has a double acting engine, as depicted in his 1801 patent drawing except that here the cylinder was placed on a slight incline and the paddle wheel was driven through a set of gears.  The 1801 patent shows a horizontal cylinder and the piston is linked directly to the paddle wheel by a rod and crank mechanism.  

Symington’s model was made under his direct supervision: the hull was built by James Walker, a painter of Grangemouth, the engine by William Paterson, journeyman watchmaker of Falkirk and the boiler and paddle wheel by James Blaikie, pattern maker of Carron Company who also fitted the engine and finished the model: “the deponent (Blaikie) made a complete model of said Boat and Steam Engine all under direction of the said William Symington.” [4] [5]

In his affidavit, years later, Blaikie stated that this model was of the steam boat built in 1801 and modified and tried in November 1801 after a new engine had been installed. [6]

Sadly, this model is lost. Descendants of Lord Dundas did not keep the model, nor can it be traced within the Royal Institution. Beneath the lecture theatre of the Royal Institution was a spacious repository in which models and mechanical contrivances were kept. [7] According to Thomas Tredgold, in his “The Steam Engine”, published in 1827, this model steam boat could still be viewed within the Royal Institution and that advice was reiterated in the “New Edition” of 1838. [8] [9]  

[1] Wood, Alex, (completed by Frank Oldham), Thomas Young Natural Philosopher 1773-1829 Cambridge 1954

[2] Journals of the Royal Institution of Great Britain London 1802 Volume 1 pages 195-196

[3] Symington's Petition to Treasury: James Blaikie, Petition dated 27 October 1824

[4] Falkirk Herald 11 May 1889 page 5

[5] Affidavit of James Blaikie, dated 27 October 1824

[6] Op. Cit. see Affidavit

[7] Bence Jones, The Royal Institution 1871 page 155

[8] Tredgold, Thomas, The Steam Engine, Comprising an Account of its Invention and Progressive Improvement, etc. London: 1827 page 41

[9] Tredgold, Thomas, The Steam Engine etc., New Edition 1838 Volume I page 41

ANDREW SYMINGTON'S MODEL OF THE CHARLOTTE DUNDAS

Andrew Symington (1803-1878), the youngest son of William Symington, built a model of the “Charlotte Dundas” in 1851. Andrew was a watchmaker and clockmaker in King's Kettle, Fifeshire, and an inventor in his own right. His elder brother William brought the model to Victoria when he emigrated to Australia in 1855.[1] [2]

[1] Letter from William Symington (1840-1919) to W. H. Rankine of Falkirk, dated Bacchus Marsh, 2 April 1910

[2] See also article in The Scotsman 16 April 1851 page 2

The model differs from the engraving in minor detail only: in the model, the boiler is entirely below deck, twin rudder posts are vertical and the gunwale railing does not dip at the bow and the stern.  The arrangement of machinery recalls that depicted by William Symington himself in his patent drawing of 1801 and his own version of the steam boat which was drawn in 1828. 

In February 1888, this model was on display on the premises of retailer James McEwen and Co., in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, when a description written by Rev. Duncan Fraser erroneously attributed the model to William Symington himself. [1]

In 1889, this model was demonstrated at the Royal Society of Victoria:

Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 1889 Volume 1 page 137

Thursday, October 11th.

President gave an outline of the history of the steam boat, and invited the Rev. Dr. Fraser to make a few remarks upon a model of the first steam boat built by Symington, and now exhibited to the Society.

Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 1890 Volume 2 page 143

On the 11th of October, the President gave a brief account of “The Rise and Progress of Steam Navigation,” and exhibited William Symington’s Original Model Steamboat, which had been furnished for the occasion by the Rev. Duncan Fraser.

This model steam boat was featured in the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition in 1888 t 1889. The catalogue entry records in error that William Symington had made the model. The error appears to derive from the Rev. Duncan Fraser, a Presbyterian minister, who had enjoined William Symington, grandson of the inventor, to lend the model for the Exhibition. [2]

Official Record of the Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888-1889. Melbourne: Sands & McDougall 1890:

Catalogue of Exhibits

Under the category of “Steamships, Armed Cruisers, Etc.”

Page 671 Item 39.

“Model of the “William Symington” of 1802. The first practical steamboat. This model is the very one made by the inventor himself.”

When Robert Rankine, great grandson of the inventor, visited the Melbourne Museum in 1909 he was advised that the model had been stored in the cellars of the Museum for "a couple of years." [3] In 1910, William Symington of Bacchus Marsh, the owner of the model, asked Robert Rankine to enquire whether the model could be placed "in a better position to be seen." [4]

The following is an extract from the Melbourne Museum register cards, undated, and not signed and containing several errors of fact:

Number 17851.

Steamer, paddle, model, "The Charlotte Dundas".

Made by the inventor, William Symington of Kinnaird, Scotland. *

Length 2 ft. 6 ins., greatest breadth 7 7/8", breadth at stern 6 ins., depth about 5 ¼".

Paddle within stern part, engine and boiler side by side, two rudders, and two keels aft.

Exhibited at the Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888-9 and afterward (1889) lent to the Museum by William Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, grandson of the inventor. The bust of inventor (17652) and patent deed (17853), also lent to the Museum. The original steamboat of William Symington's, sailed on Dalswinters (sic) Lake, ** near Dumfries, Scotland, October 14th, 1788. It was made up from two pleasure boats, fastened side by side, with the boiler in one, the engine in the other and the paddles fore and aft between. In 1789 experiments with larger boats, but with the same engine, *** were successfully carried out on the Forth & Clyde Canal. "The Charlotte Dundas" first sailed on March 28th, 1802, in the same canal. **** Engine patent application 14th October 1801 (No. 2544). In this patent a piston rod is guided by rollers in a straight path connected by a connection rod to a crank directly to the paddle wheel shaft, thus devising the system of working the paddle wheel shaft which has been used ever since that date.

*The model was made by his son, Andrew Symington.

**Should read Dalswinton

***One boat was used in the 1789 experiments, with a larger engine built to the same design as the Dalswinton engine.

****The first reported trial of the vessel named Charlotte Dundas was in January 1803.

NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS RELATING TO ANDREW SYMINGTON'S MODEL

The Scotsman April 16, 1851 page 2

MODEL STEAM-BOAT. –The Ingenious Mr Andrew Symington, watch and clock-maker, Kings Kettle, has just completed a very beautiful model of the first steam-boat moved on British waters, intended for the Great Exhibition, and according to the original drawing of his late father, Mr Symington, C. E., the inventor of steam navigation. Mr Symington's first experiment in the application of steam to navigation, it is well known, was made in 1788, on Dalswinton Loch, Dumfriesshire, and proved highly successful; the engine being similar to the one for which he had previously obtained a patent. The second trial, and on a larger scale, was made on the Forth and Clyde Canal in 1789, which was likewise successful. Not, however, receiving that amount of support which the magnitude of the undertaking demanded, it was not until 1801, that, under the patronage of Lord Dundas, he again commenced experiments, and having finished a steam-boat for that patriotic nobleman, established the practicability of his scheme. It was with Mr Symington as it has been with many great inventors - he expended his all for a world's good, and died unrewarded, and in poverty.  We trust now that the model of the first steam-boat is to be submitted to the world’s inspection, that his family may yet reap a little of that reward justly due to so great a benefactor of the human race. –Correspondent.

Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Friday 10 February 1888, page 7

A model is now on view in the warehouse of James McEwan and Company Elizabeth street which illustrates the progress of steam navigation dating from the successful experiment of William Symington on Dalswinton Loch near Dumfries Scotland on the 14th of October 1788. For 12 years the matter was virtually allowed to drop but in 1801 Lord Dundas became Symington's patron and a vessel intended for a tug on the Forth and Clyde canal was constructed for the engine of which Symington took out a patent. The original model of the tug, the Charlotte Dundas, and the patent itself are now to be seen at Messrs. McEwan and Co's. They are the property of Mr. William Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, and are confidently believed to be genuine. This is stated to be the identical model sent by Symington to the Duke of Bridgewater who was so satisfied that he ordered eight vessels to be constructed of the same pattern as the model for his canal. Fulton was on board of the Charlotte Dundas and took drawings six years before he sailed his first steam vessel on the Hudson. This year is that of the jubilee of ocean steam navigation, the Great Western, having crossed the Atlantic under steam alone in 15 days in 1838.

Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 11 February 1888, page 11

THE FIRST PRACTICAL STEAM PROPELLED VESSEL 

There is now on view at Messrs. James McEwan and Co.’s, Elizabeth street, the original model of the “Charlotte Dundas,” the first practical steam propelled vessel constructed. The successful sailing of a steam-boat, by William Symington, on Dalswinton Loch, in 1788, mark the historical commencement of steam navigation; but it was not till 1801 that the first steam vessel meant for work was constructed. This was the Charlotte Dundas, named after the daughter of Symington’s second patron, Lord Dundas. This is the very model sent to the Duke of Bridgewater whom it so pleased that he ordered eight steam tugs for his canal, to be built after the same pattern. The original patent for its improved engine is also on view. The model and patent are the property of Symington’s grandson, Mr. William Symington, of Bacchus Marsh.

Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Friday 12 October 1888, page 11

ROYAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary meeting of the Royal Society of Victoria was held in the Society's hall last evening, Professor Kernot presiding. About 20 members were present. The original programme for the evening included an exposition, by Professor Kernot, of the curvograph; but at the last moment this was changed, and Professor Kernot delivered an address on the steamboat and its inventor. The paper, which, was of an interesting character, detailed the earlier efforts to apply steam to the purposes of navigation, the difficulties in regard to which had been overcome by Symington, whose original model, nearly a century old, was produced and explained. As compared with the crude efforts of Symington, Professor Kernot described the latest triumphs of ship building, the City of New York, and City of Paris, vessels of nearly 10,000 tons burden, and which are expected to cross the Atlantic at an average speed of over 20 knots an hour. At the conclusion of the address Mr. Fraser made a few remarks, partly critical and partly corroborative of what had fallen from Professor Kernot, in which he stated that Symington was the father in law of the late Dr. Bowie, of the Melbourne Observatory, which fact was not generally known. 

The Argus Monday 29 October 1888 page 9

An interesting addition is to he made to the Armament court at the Centennial International Exhibition. It consists of the original model of the steamboat Charlotte Dundas, which was constructed by William Symington. The "original" steamboat by William Symington which is regarded as the first complete steamboat made sailed on the Dalswinton Lake near Dumfries, in Scotland, on October 14, 1788. The Charlotte Dundas ran her trial trip on March 28, 1802. She had one paddle which was placed at the stern; and her rate of speed, dragging two heavily laden vessels against a strong head wind, was about four miles an hour. When free her rate of speed was seven miles an hour. The model, together with the original patent granted to Mr Symington, is lent by the Rev D. Fraser.  It is to he exhibited alongside the splendid models of modern steamships that are to be seen in the Armament court, and it will serve to illustrate the great improvements that have been made in this department of invention during the nineteenth century.

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 10 November 1888, page 2

The original model and patent of the first steam-boat, invented by Mr. W. Symington, grandfather of Mr. W. Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, are now in the armoury court at the Melbourne Exhibition 

The Argus Wednesday 28 January 1925 page 8

TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM.

Many Interesting Exhibits.

Varied and interesting exhibits are to be seen in the Technical Museum, in the Public Library building. Everything of economic value to Australia is illustrated. A most interesting feature of the exhibition is that the evolution of an article, from its earliest construction to the latest model, is shown. One of the objects of the museum is to provide systematically arranged exhibits for purposes of general education. Economic products and their uses, as well as the processes of manufacture where such are employed, are shown. The display of collections form a treasure house for reference and comparison for the benefit of University and technical school students, mechanics, and others learning their trade. Collections of Australian raw products, and of Australian timbers and articles manufactured from them, are on view. Not only is the exhibition of great educational value, but the exhibits are of much interest to the general public.

What is said to be the first motor-car ever imported into Australia is on view. It was made in Chicago (USA), and reached Melbourne in 1897. There is also the model of the original steam boat invented by Symington, together with a yellow parchment - the original patent secured by William Symington for the marine engine Charlotte Dundas in 1801. An exhibit of the heating and ventilation of buildings, and a Michell crankless air compressor, the first working machine constructed by Crankless Engines Limited in 1921, is also of interest. Of practical use to householders is the plumbing exhibit. A collection of samples representing the Australian wool clip has been sent to Wembley Exhibition, but has not yet been returned. Exhibits of mining and metallurgy, fruits-preserved and raw-agricultural implements, aeroplane models, metals, and other articles may also be viewed.

The museum, of which Mr. R. H. Woolcott is curator, was established in 1870, under the control of the Public Library Trustees, for the purpose of giving to Victorians some of the opportunities obtained in Great Britain. Following the storage of the Technological Exhibition in 1893, an old building known as the Queen’s Hall, was made the temporary home of the exhibits. In their decision to provide for the re-establishment of the museum the trustees have received support from a number of societies and institutions connected with industrial questions.

The Australasian Saturday 24 October 1925 page 43

From records in the Melbourne Technological Museum, ….A bust of William Symington and a model of his vessel were exhibited at the Centennial International Exhibition an 1885, and in the same year was lent to the Melbourne Technological Museum by Symington’s grandson, Mr. William Symington, of Bacchus March (V.). The bust and the model are still in the museum. [5]

[1] Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 11 February 1888, page 11

[2] Letter from Robert Rankine to W. H. Rankine, dated Melbourne March 20, 1910

[3] Letter from Robert Rankine to W. H. Rankine, dated Melbourne, December 1 1909

[4] Letter from William Symington to Robert Rankine dated Bacchus Marsh 2 April 1910 (G. Symington Collection)

[5] The Centennial International Exhibition was held in 1888-1889, not 1885

JOHN RANKINE'S MODEL OF THE CHARLOTTE DUNDAS

John Rankine (1812-1870) was the eldest son of Elizabeth Symington (1794-1846), William Symington's eldest daughter. He was a skilled engineer and an inventor. He had an engineering workshop adjacent to his residence in High Pleasance, Falkirk. [2]

Rankine completed his finely engineered model of the Charlotte Dundas early in January 1862. Rankine's model was built to a scale of approximately 1:24  and the design of the hull was "carefully supervised" by Robert Wilson, a Falkirk shipbuilder who had been an overseer of the Forth and Clyde Navigation Company. [3]  Wilson had acquired the timbers of the dismantled Charlotte Dundas which he held at his shipyard at Port Downie, a basin on the Forth and Clyde canal adjacent to Lock Sixteen. [4]

The hull of the model was fashioned from timber sourced from the original Charlotte Dundas. [5] 

Rankine constructed the engine of the model "from original drawings" and in consultation with the renowned marine engineer, David Napier [6] who had been on board the original Charlotte Dundas. [7]

For a time, this exquisite model was made available for public inspection and was hugely popular.

The Falkirk Herald, Tuesday, January 14, 1862 reported: 

The “CHARLOTTE DUNDAS” – We learn that the interest manifested in the model of the “Charlotte Dundas” has been unexpectedly great. Between Saturday and Monday evenings between 600 and 700 persons of all grades and distinctions have inspected it.  We understand that Mr Rankine is willing to admit visitors to-day for the last time. From what we know of the great-grandson of Symington, we are assured he would afford every facility to mechanics’ institutes for the inspection of this model. 

After constructing the model of the Charlotte Dundas, John Rankine built other award-winning ship models and won praise for their skilful construction. [8] He also had patterns made for a small model engine for his cousin James Symington. The engine parts were cast at Carron Company and James completed the model engine with the assistance of his father Andrew who made the Charlotte Dundas model which is in the Melbourne Museum. [9]

Description: This is a working model built to a scale of about two feet to 1 inch.  The hull is fashioned from oak and is unpainted.  The wheel cover is made from cedar. The engine is placed above the deck with the funnel astern of the boiler, which is below deck. Made from copper, its undersurface is concave. A non-functioning dead-weighted pressure valve is attached to the back of the boiler. A functioning high pressure valve  at the middle of the boiler has been lost. The piston rod articulates with a crosshead running on guide rods; the crosshead articulates with bell cranks which operate the valves to the cylinder and a dummy air pump.   This arrangement of machinery corresponds with that in the drawing of the Charlotte Dundas in the Rankine "Biography of William Symington", published in 1862.

John Rankine would have had every opportunity to inspect the skeletal remains of the second Charlotte Dundas where it had been abandoned at Top Hill, Falkirk although the hull had been partly submerged and the machinery was long since dismantled.  The Rankine model is bluff in the bows, with a flat bottom and shallow draft, as would be expected in a vessel designed for canal use, but the arrangement of machinery does not correspond with that depicted by William Symington himself in his 1828 drawing. The Rankine version of the Charlotte Dundas is reproduced in a plaque on the monument to William Symington erected at his birthplace at Leadhills in 1891.  

Dimensions: Length 70cm stem to stern.  The beam measures 23mm maximum toward the bow, tapering by about 1cm to the stern.  Depth of hull toward bow 11cm.  The model bears a wooden mast measuring 46.5cm.  The brass cylinder measures 5cm by 2.2cm.  The stroke of the engine is 4.8cm.  The steel connecting rod is 15.5cm and the crank 2.5cm.  The copper boiler, measuring 16.8cm long, 6.8cm deep and approximately 7cm at the base, lies below deck.  The paddle wheel is of brass and measures 15.5cm wide, with eight blades measuring 5cm by 1.7cm.  The smoke stack is of copper and measures 20cm above deck, 2.5cm width. The cover for the paddle wheel measures 18cm by 7.6mm externally.

EXHIBITIONS OF THE RANKINE MODEL

1864 Exhibited by the Mechanics’ Institute in the Lecture Hall at Chatham

1880’s Permanent Exhibition at the Science Museum, South Kensington

1888 Glasgow International Exhibition

1889 Exposition Universelle, Paris 

2003 Exhibition to mark the bicentenary of the Charlotte Dundas, Museum of Immigration, Melbourne

In 1864 this model was exhibited under the auspices of the Mechanics' Institute in the Lecture Hall at Chatham, where Charles Dickens had been performing public readings of his works. [10] 

Rankine's model was exhibited in the Scottish Archaeological and Historical section of the International Exhibition in Glasgow in 1888 and was also exhibited in Paris in 1889. [11] [12] [13]  The Glasgow Exhibition of Science, Art and Industry was held at Kelvingrove Park from May to November 1888 and attracted almost six million visitors. The Rankine model was exhibited together with etchings of the Charlotte Dundas and of the 1788 Steamboat, each framed in timber taken from the wreck of the Charlotte Dundas. In 1889 the Rankine model was on display in the Paris. The Exposition Universelle de 1889 a Paris was a highly successful world fair with the Eiffel tower as its centrepiece. The exhibition was held from 6 May to 31 October and attracted over thirty million visitors.

The Rankine model had been featured in a permanent exhibition at the South Kensington Museum (now the Science Museum) in London. In 1903, a copy of the Rankine model was built in the museum workshops. The model now in the Science Museum is an exact replica, except that the paddle cover is in section. 

In 1906, the Deutsches Museum wrote to W.H. Rankine, seeking a replica of his model to enhance their collection by "a model of the oldest and most important steamship." [14]

The original was reclaimed for John Rankine's son, W. H. Rankine of Laurieston. Thereafter, the Rankine model was taken to Australia and retained by Colonel Robert Rankine D.S.O, the grandson of John Rankine. [15]

NEWSPAPER REPORTS RELATING TO THE RANKINE MODEL

Falkirk Herald Thursday 4 October 1860 page 3

THE “CHARLOTTE DUNDAS.”

The remains of the first steamboat are now in the building-yard of Robert Wilson, Port-Downie. Mr Wilson intends, we believe, to construct a model of her, and to dispose of her timbers, many of which are in excellent preservation, to be rendered into articles commemorative of the triumph of steam navigation.

The Falkirk Herald, Tuesday, January 14, 1862 

The “CHARLOTTE DUNDAS” – We learn that the interest manifested in the model of the “Charlotte Dundas” has been unexpectedly great. Between Saturday and Monday evenings between 600 and 700 persons of all grades and distinctions have inspected it.  We understand that Mr Rankine is willing to admit visitors to-day for the last time. From what we know of the great-grandson of Symington, we are assured he would afford every facility to mechanics’ institutes for the inspection of this model. 

Falkirk Herald Thursday 16 January 1862 page 2

COMPLETION OF MODEL OF THE “CHARLOTTE DUNDAS.” 

The model of the “Charlotte Dundas,” the first efficient steamboat that ever sailed on any waters, was completed last week, in all its parts, by our townsman, Mr Rankine, the grandson of the great Symington. We have had the pleasure of viewing the model as it now stands, and can assure our readers it is a sight worth seeing. Its lines have been carefully supervised by Mr Robert Wilson, shipbuilder, Port Downie, and can therefore be relied upon as absolutely faithful. To engineers, the model of the engine will be pre-eminently worthy of notice, having been constructed by Mr Rankine from the original drawings, and from information afforded by the oldest and most celebrated marine engine maker in the world—David Napier, Esq., who was frequently on board the original “Charlotte Dundas,” and has been one of most strenuous supporters of the claims of Symington. Considering the manifold developments of the steam engine, the model of the engine used by Symington cannot fail to be interest to young engineers, inasmuch as nothing similar is at work now-a-day. It has, however, been questioned by several engineers if the style of engines used by Symington is not superior to many used at present. It is satisfactory to know that Mr Napier declares that the engines of the “Charlotte Dundas” are superior to many now in use at present, after half a century experience, be it remembered. In a short time, the model will have to be sent off to fulfil its mission in the Great Exhibition of 1862. [16] There is not one in the whole neighbourhood but will feel interested in this representative of Falkirk the World’s Fair. We may remind our readers that the Charlotte was built at Grangemouth, and the engines made at Carron. If the construction of this model, and the publication of the contemplated volume on Symington, have the effect of stirring up the national conviction to a sense of the neglect which Symington’s memory has suffered, much real good will have been done. Is it not disgraceful that the remains of the man whose invention has, in half century, altered the face of the outer world, should lie in an obscure London cemetery, unhonoured and unnoticed? Is there no man among the host of British engineers who have grown rich and powerful by his invention to do for Wm. Symington what Robert Burns did for Robert Fergusson—put a simple stone on his grave to indicate the greatness reposing underneath?

Falkirk Herald Thursday 27 October 1864 page 4

The First Practical Steamboat. —Our readers will be pleased to learn that model of the first practical steamboat—the Charlotte Dundas, which was originally built by William Symington, the inventor of steam navigation—has been exhibited, during the present month, at the Lecture Hall, Chatham, under the auspices of the Mechanics’ Institute. This model was constructed by our townsman, Mr John Rankine, and was placed in the exhibition his son, Mr W. H. Rankine, engineer, Chatham. The local papers have lengthy notices of the exhibition, which contains many rare curiosities, and this model seems to have been esteemed among the most interesting. It was made from the wood of the Charlotte Dundas, and was visited thousands of people in Falkirk after its completion.

Stirling Observer Thursday 3 November 1864 page 2

The First Steamboat. —The model of Symington’s “Charlotte Dundas,” which was constructed some time ago by our townsman Mr John Rankine, is at present being exhibited at the Lecture Hall, Chatham, under the auspices of the Mechanics Institute.

Falkirk Herald Saturday 16 April 1870 page 2

IMPROVED ACCOMMODATION IN CHANNEL STEAMERS. 

Some time ago, the Society of Arts, Manufacture, and Commerce, London, invited designers to submit to a committee specially appointed, and of which Lord Henry G. Lennox, M.P., was chairman, models of steamers adapted for the channel passage, and having such an improved system of accommodation as is necessitated by increased traffic and the requirements of the service; and in order to encourage competitors, gold and silver medals were offered. Seventeen models were received, most of which were thrown out, the rules laid down having not in their case been complied with, and the committee came to the conclusion that of those remaining none presented such features as to justify them in recommending that any prizes should be given. We are glad to say, however, that the models which secured the first and second places in the order of merit-an honour of itself, although unaccompanied by substantial reward -were made and forwarded by our townsman, Mr John Rankine, engineer. They are very beautifully got up, and must have cost Rankine much care and skilful labour to conceive and construct. One of them represents a twin boat, the in-sides of which, at the parting, are parallel instead of rounded, a new and seemingly very valuable improvement. The models may be seen at Rankine’s any day next week.

Falkirk Herald Wednesday 30 May 1888 page 4

It may be interesting to our readers to know that in connection with the centenary of steam navigation Mr Macpherson has taken the trouble to obtain from Mr Rankine, of Chatham, the model of the Charlotte Dundas for exhibition at the Glasgow International Exhibition. Visitors from this district to that Exhibition will, we have no doubt, take an opportunity of inspecting this interesting model, which, along with the engine of Symington's first boat on Dalswinton Loch, may be seen just at the entrance of the “Bishop’s Palace.”

Falkirk Herald Saturday 8 June 1901 page 6

In the year 1862 the hull the Charlotte Dundas was broken up. A number of people secured considerable portions of it. From these pieces many articles of furniture and such like were made—notably a chair, in the possession of Mr Rankine, also a model of the steamboat, which was presented a number of years ago to the custodians of the Kensington Museum, London.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES RELATING TO ROBERT WILSON, BOAT BUILDER

Falkirk Herald Thursday 24 March 1859 page 1

TO TRADERS & OWNERS OF VESSELS.

ROBERT WILSON, late Overseer to the Forth & Clyde Canal Company, having again returned to Port-Downie, is ready to receive Orders for the Building and Repairing of Wood and Iron Vessels, suitable for the Forth & Clyde, Monkland, and Union Canals. Port-Downie, 7th March, 1859.

Falkirk Herald Thursday 4 October 1860 page 3

Unsigned article

THE “CHARLOTTE DUNDAS.”

The remains of the first steamboat are now in the building-yard of Robert Wilson, Port-Downie. Mr Wilson intends, we believe, to construct a model of her, and to dispose of her timbers, many of which are in excellent preservation, to be rendered into articles commemorative of the triumph of steam navigation.

28 May 1863 (from Falkirk Archives)

Boat Launching By Machinery: Many years have now elapsed since the first application of steam power to the purposes of navigation, and the majority of vessels are now propelled by this potent agency. The same power has also been for some time successfully applied to boat building, and now we find that it is to be used for the purpose of launching vessels, or drawing them up an inclined plane out of the water to the slip to be repaired. We have seen the plans of a very ingenious machine for this purpose, which has just been constructed at the building yard of Mr Robt. Wilson of Port Downie, by Mr John Rankine, engineer, Falkirk. The machine was tried for the first time on Tuesday night, in the presence of Mr David Cox and a number of other gentlemen interested in mechanics, and the experiment proved highly successful. A number of logs of wood were chained together and dragged up the inclined plane with the greatest ease, and dropped down again with steadiness and security. The principle is applied in a different style from any existing mechanism and is similar to a machine which Mr Rankine erected some years ago, at the ropeground of Mr Robertson, Limehouse, London. It will be of great use to Mr Wilson not only in launching vessels, as it can also be applied to the purpose of dragging timber to the saw-mills, and iron to the punching and cutting machines. We understand that a vessel will be launched from Mr Wilson's yard on Wednesday next, when the invention will be tested in lowering it into the water and lifting it up again. It is an interesting fact that this application of steam power to launching has been made in the very yard where the first practical steamboat in the world, the Charlotte Dundas, built by William Symington, the inventor of steam navigation, was finally taken to pieces.

Falkirk Herald Thursday 3 March 1864 page 1

To be Disposed of by Private Bargain, BOAT BUILDING YARD, PATENT SLIP, SHIP CARPENTER’S PLANT, STOCK, &c ALL and WHOLE the INTEREST belonging to the TRUST ESTATE OF Robert Wilson, Shipbuilder, in the unexpired term the 42 Years’ Lease from Martinmas, 1838, of that Building Yard on the West side of the Basin uniting the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals, Port Downie, near Falkirk, and the Dock, Patent Slip, Iron Shed, Furnace and Block, Sawmill, Engine, Gearing and Machinery, Vertical Punching Machine, and other appurtenances, all at present in working order in the said Building Yard, which contains 1 Ac. 167 dec. of Ground or thereby, statute measure. The Stock and other Effects on the Premises, inluding an unfinished Iron Lighter, will be Sold at Valuation, and the Goodwill of the Business will go to the Purchaser. The present affords an excellent opening for any one with a small capital, desirous to engage in the Boat Building Trade. Immediate possession can he had. Offers will received by John Gair, Royal Bank, Falkirk, the Trustee, or by John Smith & Wilson, Writers, there, until 18th proximo. The Trustee is not bound to accept the highest or any offer. Falkirk, 25th Feb., 1864.

[1] See also Plate Number 2, Chatterton, E. Keble, Steamship Models, London 1924

[2] Letter from James Symington to David Bell dated Oban October 7th 1907.

[3] Falkirk Herald Thursday 24 March 1859 page 1

[4] Falkirk Herald Thursday 4 October 1860 page 3

[5] Falkirk Herald Thursday 27 October 1864 page 4

[6] Bell, David, David Napier Engineer 1790-1869 An Autobiographical Sketch with Notes Glasgow 1912

[7] Falkirk Herald Thursday 16 January 1862 page 2

[8] Falkirk Herald Saturday 16 April 1870 page 2

[9] Letter from James Symington to James Love, dated Oban October 7th 1907, Falkirk Archives Accession Number A089.006

[10] Andrews, Malcolm, Charles Dickens and His Performing Selves: Dickens and the Public Readings. OUP 2006

[11] Letter from South Kensington Museum dated 2nd April 1889 to W. H. Rankine

[12] Falkirk Herald 14 June 1893 page 2

[13] See receipt below

[14] Letter from Deursches Museum to W H Rankine 23 March 1906, Glasgow Museum of Transport

[15] Letter from W. H. Rankine to Robert Rankine dated 28th October 1909, indicating Kenneth Rankine (1890-1968) was responsible for retrieving the model and having it taken to Australia

[16] John Rankine may well have intended to exhibit his model in the Great International Exhibition which opened in London in May 1862, but there is no record of it in the official catalogue of the exhibition