PS Sudan
The Legendary Nile Passenger Side-Wheel Paddle Steamer
Model Dimensions
Scale: 1/120
Length Overall: 608mm
Type of Project: Custom Commission
Purpose: Created as a centrepiece for the Agatha Christie Exhibition
Client: Gale Goddard
We were honoured to be commissioned to design and craft a custom scale model of the iconic PS Sudan — the legendary Nile passenger side-wheel paddle steamer renowned for its elegant silhouette and literary significance.
The commission came from Gale Goddard, a distinguished curator and exhibition organiser known for her passion for historical storytelling. As the visionary behind the prestigious Agatha Christie Exhibition, Gale sought a centrepiece that would embody the elegance, atmosphere, and mystique of one of Christie’s most famous travel experiences.
The PS Sudan holds a unique place in Agatha Christie’s legacy. It was aboard this very vessel, while journeying along the Nile, that she found inspiration for Death on the Nile — a novel that continues to captivate audiences around the world. With its vintage charm, opulent interiors, and dramatic profile, the steamer became a timeless backdrop for mystery, romance, and intrigue.
Our team conducted in-depth research into the vessel’s architecture, proportions, and historical details. The resulting handcrafted scale model was created to museum standards, featuring intricately constructed paddle wheels, period-accurate fittings, and authentic woodwork — all brought together through expert craftsmanship and refined finishing.
This bespoke model served not only as a tribute to the PS Sudan itself but as a celebration of Agatha Christie’s enduring legacy. Proudly displayed at the Agatha Christie Exhibition, it drew visitors into a world of early 20th-century luxury, travel, and storytelling.
This project presented a rare and rewarding challenge for our team of expert model makers. With no original plans or technical drawings available for the PS Sudan, we undertook a meticulous research process to ensure historical accuracy and faithfully reconstruct this legendary Nile paddle steamer.
To capture the vessel’s unique architecture and classic silhouette, we gathered and analysed an extensive range of reference materials. These included rare archival photographs, vintage travel logs, historical documentaries, and cinematic appearances of the PS Sudan. Where direct documentation was unavailable, we studied similar sister vessels to infer construction details and bridge knowledge gaps with accuracy and care.
From this research, we developed a fully detailed 3D CAD model, interpreting every curve and structural element with precision. The model was then brought to life through a combination of advanced production techniques, including high-resolution 3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting, and custom photo-etching — each method selected to reproduce individual components with maximum fidelity.
All parts were then refined, assembled, and finished by hand. From the delicate paddle wheels to the period-accurate deck fittings, every feature was crafted with precision and care. The final result is a museum-quality display model that reflects our dedication to preserving maritime history through bespoke craftsmanship.
The greatest challenge of this commission was the complete absence of technical documentation or shipyard plans for the PS Sudan. Without access to original blueprints or exact dimensions, every element had to be reverse-engineered using visual references, historical materials, and comparative analysis with similar vessels. This demanded exceptional attention to detail, creativity, and perseverance — qualities that define our approach to complex heritage projects.
Yet the reward for such meticulous effort came the moment our client, curator Gale Goddard, viewed the completed model. Her reaction — a mix of heartfelt admiration and professional pride — was a powerful affirmation of the care and craftsmanship invested in every detail.
Today, the model proudly serves as a centrepiece in the prestigious Agatha Christie Exhibition, where it draws visitors into the golden age of Nile travel and storytelling. It not only commemorates the historic PS Sudan, but also honours Agatha Christie’s enduring literary legacy. As a piece of living history, this bespoke ship model reflects our passion for meaningful craftsmanship and our commitment to preserving maritime icons through timeless artistry.