Lula by Keith Black - 1:120 Scale - 1870s Sternwheeler Supply Boat for Floating Pile Driver

[wefalck]

If linoleum, I would have thought of plain so-called Battleship-Linoleum in iron-oxide red ... However, linoleum wasn't invented until the mid-1860s by Walton, who remain the main producer (through subsidiaries) in Europe. Some years ago I did quite extensive research on the possible use of linoleum on the original configuration of SMS WESPE, but concluded that 1876 was too early. Shipboard use didn't really commence before the 1880s.

 

Another option is wax-cloth, forerunner and inspiration for linoleum. I believe waxed cloth was used as cheap floor-covering from around the 1840s, but doubt that it would have stood up to rough shipboard use. It's the same kind of stuff they still sell as tablecloth today.

 

To be honest, I think the most realistic bet would be plain wooden flooring.

 

[TBlack]

16 minutes ago, wefalck said:

To be honest, I think the most realistic bet would be plain wooden flooring.

 

Boy, I sure hope you seriously consider this idea. BTW, if there is no EOT in the wheelhouse, how does the helm communicate with the engine room?

Tom