"Emma" is a lovely model steam tugboat of the type SERBIA which operated along the Thames River.

Rick acquired "Emma" in December 2006, from her previous owner in Melbourne.

She measures 58 inches (1473mm) long by 15 inches (380mm) wide. This model was professionally scratch-built from wood in the 1990's by a retired sea captain in Melbourne, which took over a year to complete. She was launched on Australia Day (26th Jan) 1997, and is superbly detailed down to the skipper and his mates. The hull is wood plank on frame with glass inside and out.

The twin-cylinder vertical steam engine and boiler were hand-made by the late George Bingham, known for all his fabulous steam engines dating back to WW2. The boiler is fuelled by methylated spirits, and has the safety valve set at 35psi. The engine has forward and reverse built in, and runs superbly. A lot of thought and engineering went into the twin cylinder engine, boiler and metho burner. All are in good working condition.

George made many superb steam engines till the 1990's, all hand built from scratch. He even made V2 and V4 engines before V engines were common in motor cars. Most of his engines are still running today in many models.

Emma is controlled by a 4 channel radio transmitter.