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My hobby is
crafting model ships and boats, including the study of maritime life and
all it's aspects. I hope my web site gives you some inkling into this
historic and fascinating subject. I am, by no means, a world expert on
these subjects. Just an avid hobbyist, who is constantly learning and
exploring. I do not sell any of my models. I make them for the enjoyment
of myself, family and friends. This site is primarily geared toward the
novice modeler, although any interested party may find useful information.
I have also
included some "Special" pages, that you might find interesting (
"Ironsides", "Anchors",
"Special - 9/11", and "Wolves
- My other Passion")
My models are made from
various combinations of woods (i.e.) Limewood, Basswood, Mahogany, Walnut,
Spruce, Balsa, Teak, Beech and others). They also have parts made of
cast metal, brass, copper, steel or plastic. The hulls are constructed
with different methods, such as Plank-on-Bulkhead, Plank-on-Frame, or
Carved Wood. The finishes are Acrylic, Oil, Resin, Fiberglass or Epoxy.
Many or all of the parts are hand made from
scratch.
Sadly, many of
these fine ships around the world, ran aground and sank. Poor charts!
However, sometimes they could be salvaged.
For example; In 1858, Donald McKay's
Clipper
'Flying Fish'
left Foochow for New York with a cargo of tea, but was wrecked at the Min
entrance. The wreck was condemned and was surrendered to the underwriters
who subsequently sold the wreck to a Manila merchant. After having been
rebuilt at Whampoa she was renamed the
'El Bueno Suceso'.
These historic models
represent a look into the past days of sail. Since man first saw water, he
had to know what was on the other side of the lake, river or ocean. Since
rowing a boat across great distances was hardly efficient, he invented
sails. By capturing the power of the wind, he could now travel seas and
oceans, discovering new lands and people. Trade developed and soon seamen
were plying the great ocean trade routes. Regrettably, they also became
instruments of the power of nations; for warfare, slavery and
piracy.
The days of great sailing
vessels lends itself to a romantic sense of adventure and wonder. In our
modern times of technology, we are in awe of the sailors hard work and
great hardships in sailing these magnificent hand made watercraft. The
amount of pride and work that went into the making and sailing of these
vessels is awesome. They are as much a work of art as they are a practical
statement of mankind's' quest.
What is on the
other side?
Since a lot
of these vessels did not survive intact, these models are a way for us to
look back in time, and marvel. Just imagine yourself standing on the deck,
with the wind at your back, sailing off to new lands and adventure.
(See the Menu above for more
information on Sailing Ships and Seamanship)
The amount of work you put
into your model is in direct proportion to your satisfaction with the
finished product. Just because you built a 'Kit' model, it should not
diminish your pride when you put it on the mantle for all to admire.
After you have a few Kit models under your belt, you may want to try a
'Scratch Built'. You will find that the construction sequence for a model
is pretty much the same. Plan takeoffs, cutting out and laying the keel,
bulkheads or frames, sub deck, planking, decks, deckhouses, finishes,
masts and spars, stay and running rigging, etc. (fixing all the little
parts that snapped off because your big fat hands got in the way!)
You may also want to follow a
"Practicum"
If you are a novice, then get a beginners
kit. If you can, set up a small work area. If you want, there are many
groups and clubs you can join where you can get help from experienced
modelers. And most of all, relax and have fun.
Excellent sites for modeling Information:
Want more information? Need help with a modeling project?
Visit our Ship Modeling Forum
Ship Models
FAQ --- Revised March 22, 2002
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