Delta Queen - N scale

**Lee Anne** · #1 02-17-2015, 05:55 PM

I've been building card models of the Mississippi River steamboat, Delta Queen, for at least 35 years, but am finally getting serious about doing a card model kit. This would be in N scale, and will take a while, as I want to do this one right. I'm hoping that it will be something that could be sold, among other places, at the gift shop on board. Anyway, I've done the main deck, and am working on the rest of the hull next.

**Lee Anne** · #2 02-17-2015, 05:56 PM

Here are a couple of photos of the boat, and the bow of the deck piece.

**Art Deco** · #3 02-17-2015, 08:18 PM

Looking forward to watching your progress on this great project!

**elliott** · #4 02-17-2015, 08:28 PM

Growing up in the Mississippi delta I always had a fascination with riverboats, esp. steamboats. Will be following your build with interest.

**PhantomCruiser** · #5 02-17-2015, 10:46 PM

I've been by the Delta Queen several times, but haven't yet been aboard. I've taken the same picture of her from the Walnut St bridge that many others have taken and think she's looks lovely.

I too will be following your build with great interest, and would like to take a crack at building her myself.

**Maltedfalcon** · #6 02-17-2015, 11:24 PM

Lee Anne,
You know there is a sister (brother) ship here in California.
The Delta King, In Sacramento
You should make both name plates for your model, I will definitely make a Delta King.

And just saying, The Delta in question is the Sacramento River Delta...

**dto** · #7 02-18-2015, 06:54 AM

Here's a photo of the Delta King and Delta Queen during their days on the Sacramento - San Francisco run:

http://www.cincinnativiews.net/image...en%20Photo.jpg

Note the differences in their early appearance vs. present -- capped stack, bow deckhouse, no gangplank, lifeboats, no calliope and the paddle wheel cover so characteristic of large West Coast sternwheelers (particularly the late Seattle boats). Neither Delta Queen nor Delta King retain their original paddle wheel skirts today, but it would definitely make a interesting contrast against the more familiar "look".

David T. Okamura

**Lee Anne** · #8 02-18-2015, 10:43 AM

Yes, the two were sisters, and were essentially identical up until just after WW2. They were both up for sale, after the war. The story of the purchase, boxing up of the Delta Queen, and her ocean voyage was captured in Capt. Fred Way, Jr's "Saga of the Delta Queen".

Since she moved to the Mississippi River, she has changed quite a bit. A lot of the DK's machinery was bought by the DQ's owner, Greene Line Steamers, for spare parts. Externally, they are significantly different now, with constant changes up to her 2008 layup.

But, doing a Delta King is possible, requiring some dedication to fixing the differences. The current DK sternwheel is for looks. There are no cranks or pitmans to turn it. I'm not sure if there are still engines aboard. Also, the Delta Queen had a large section added to the Cabin Deck in 1947, which the Delta King doesn't have.

**Michael Mash** · #9 02-18-2015, 11:44 AM

Looks like a great project to watch and follow.
N Scale should yield a good sized model.
Mike

**jmr248** · #10 02-18-2015, 01:17 PM

Living near the MS River, I have seen the Delta Queen on occasion and it is pretty awesome. I will probably need to get a copy when you finish and add to my never to get done stack.

Joe