To clarify matters a little.
Jill Townsend lives with me at present and we have, in my loft, all the remaining drawings, formers etc Keith used for building the models of the steam and motor lunches at the museum; she also retains the copyright.
The model of “Branksome” which was exhibited at the Model Engineering exhibition and won the gold medal, which later was on display at the museum, was built to a larger scale of 1/10 and powered by a Stuart Double 10 engine. The later models were built to a scale of 1/12, the engines in those where exact replicas as was possible of the actual engine in the boat. See my article in Model Boats.
As for which drawings Keith used to build the first model, we are unable to give a definitive answer on this because Jill is unable to remember however, it is possible though that he used John Haynes drawings to begin with and then scaled them up. He did though spend a lot of time measuring her up to ensure all was as correct as possible for that time. This was all done under the patronage of George Pattinson. Keith then went on to maintain the steam launches as well as drive them in the summer months. (Jill has now told me that he never used the drawing in the blue tubes)
All the models which were on display at the museum are owned by the Pattinson family and cannot be viewed.
Unfortunately, before he died Keith destroyed the former and associated drawings together information to prevent copying.
Apparently, Keith only purchased them to protect his own business from copying, though many people did of course use them to build their own one-off projects.
The models of Branksome or any other of his models were never sold as kit’s, they were supplied as complete working models, many of which now reside in private homes and museums around the World.
Harold Underhill never bought the rights to these drawings and as far as am aware never supplied copies either, if so, they were illegal copies; in any case I’m sure Harold Underhill had died my years before drawings of these vessels had become available.
The current staff at the museum now maintain and restore the boats, the last time I was there in the summer of 2019, the Esperance was under restoration and from what I could see they were making a fine job of it. I have also given my 575 to Elaine for re-building. Quite what the situation is now I have no idea, however, should we have a fair wind it might, hopefully be possible to have a regatta of some sort later in the summer.
In conclusion, we are willing to sell all the information drawings, formers etc, that we have, including all rights, to a suitable buyer the price of course, would be substantial.
Interested parties should PM me for further details.
LB