I am not sure if this qualifies as model building, but a full scale replica of an 1836 paddle steamer has just been launched here in Sweden, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1jG-rz-xkg&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1jG-rz-xkg&feature=related) . There are a number of related clips on Youtube which shows detail of the construction, look for "Eric Nordevall" , the name of the ship. The new steam engine was built by the same firm which deliverted the original in 1836!
beautiful sidewheeler!
Philip