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Modelling the TSS Earnslaw

Media Release


9 October 2012

An Australian man’s passion for the TSS Earnslaw has gained him widespread recognition after his hand carved model of the heritage steamer won supreme awards at a Queensland show.

Matt Dyason and his wife Vivien travelled on the steamship during their honeymoon in 1975, and after visiting Queenstown and cruising on the ship last year, he was so enamoured he built a replica model, his first attempt at woodcarving.

 “I decided to build the 1.50 scale model to commemorate this year’s centenary. It is an exact replica, designed from the blueprints and the entire project took 400 hours. I gained a lot of satisfaction as it slowly took shape over almost a year.”

The solid red cedar model is radio controlled –“as I put in radio control I did not have enough room for two motors and screws so made one engine with a slightly larger prop using brass and copper fittings. She sits exactly on her water line and does her scale speed and handles very much like the real Earnslaw.”

 Matt entered the model in the novice woodcarving section of the Innisfall Show, and subsequently not only won the novice category, but also Champion of Show Woodcrafted and Grand Champion of Show for Woodwork.

Matt and Vivien are currently preparing for the TSS Earnslaw’s centenary celebrations from October 14-22 which they are most excited to be involved in.

“We are busy with our centenary dress preparations and are booked on the re-enactment cruise from Kingston to Queenstown on her official birthday on October 18, as well as the Glenorchy return trip, and the woolshed dance trip to Mt Nicholas Station.”

Matt can’t wait to see the Lady of the Lake after her winter refit and refurbishment for her birthday celebrations. “It sounds magic and I look forward to making a close inspection of her.”

For the TSS Earnslaw Centenary programme of events (14 - 22 October 2012): www.tssearnslaw.co.nz

For further information:

Lenksa Papich - Real Journeys Marketing Communications Manager
Mob: +64 21 523 899
Email: [email protected]