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In most (side wheel) paddle steamers the simplest and most cost effective arrangement was a single engine connected to a single paddle shaft. Independent wheel propulsion was employed in special circumstances requiring exceptional manoeuvrability eg harbour tugs and ferries plying in confined waters. As mentioned this involved separate steam engines connected to each paddle or much later separate electric motors powered by diesel generators (eg Admiralty tugs). There were distinct disadvantages in operating with independent wheels in a seaway in that wheels losing immersion might cause engines to over speed. For this reason independent wheels could be connected via a common shaft fitted with a clutch mechanism.
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