The Sanson wooden ship model accurately recreates the real life ship with the finest detail. The Sanson is an ocean going tug from the end of the 19th century, but used well into the 20th. It was powered by a steam boiler that could develop 2000hp and reach speeds of 14 knots. It was filled with large fenders at the bow and along the sides. Generally, it's function was not so much to tow but rather to "push" the transatlantic giants.