BM0328 1/271 Robert E. Lee Steamboat


Description

Built in 1866, Robert E. Lee was the fastest steamboat afloat in an age when speed was all.

Records were set in everything but safety as fool-hardy skippers tied down steam escape valves and over-stoked boilers to the point of explosion and fire.

The greatest race of all time occurred when Robert E. Lee was challenged by the steamer Natchez.

3 days, 18 hours, and 14 minutes after the race began, Robert E. Lee reached New Orleans.

She beat Natchez by 6-1/2 hours and set a record which stands to this day.

Intricate railings & carvings, delicate gingerbread decorations, movable paddle wheels, cotton bales on deck, wrought iron funnel decorations, colorful flags and decals, twin gangways, twin river anchors, bell & whistles, 3 lifboats, pilot house and boiler facing.