Mantua Mississippi River Steamboat Model Kit These legendary riverboats sailed the Mississippi throughout the 19th century, following a route that passed through the most emblematic cities along the river’s banks, from its origins in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to the mouth of the river, down in New Orleans. The main characteristic of these delightful wooden boats were the great, steam engine powered paddle-wheels. The shallow draft of these fine boats allowed them to navigate all but the smallest of the main rivers. Model Kit Specifications: Scale : 1:50 Length: 41-1/2 inches (1050mm) Height: 15-1/2 inches (400mm).