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[Paddle Steamer] SS Windale

Commissioned in 1896, the SS Windale was a passenger ferry designed to transport tourists accross large inland bodies of water.

Designed by Northstar Shipbuilding, the SS Windale utilized the very latest technological advancements, and engineering techniques. most notably was its propultion system, utilizing 2 high pressure cylinders to drive the 2 paddles allowing her to reach a to speed of 7 knots. such a large propulsion system had not been fitted to such a small ship, but the orientation of the engine in the SS Windale (horizontal rather than vertical) allowed for this.

A heading hold system was also fitted, which used anologue electronics to keep the ship on a specific heading. This was the first ship to therefore have a pseudo autopilot system, and whilst crude in its construction, it did work.

The SS Windale ran for 70 years on the northen lakes, and was decomissioned in 1966. However, a restoration project has recently begun in order to bring the ship back into service for tourists to admire its once technological mastery again.


To Start

• Head to the engine room.
  
• on the control panel, switch on the 'cylinder valves open' .
  
• You can now switch on the electrical systems.
  
• Any electrical subsystems can now be activated, most of these from the bridge.

Heading Hold
Its a bit dodgy, but works

• In the bridge, turn to the desired heading and click the 'heading hold' button.
  
• to clear a heading, click the 'clear heading button.
  
• whilst holding a heading, a green light will flash.

Apologies about the speed, but this is an experimental craft, it doesnt actually have an engine, everything is done with rotors, hence the pistons etc.... in the engine room, now I know this works though, expect a few more ships with detailed engine rooms like this one, i'll be trying a propellor next.

Can you make it go faster

• No, its optimised to be as fast as possible with a paddle drive system