Robert Wiltsie by NJQUACK - FINISHED - 1:87 - Hudson River Sloop

[NJQUACK]

The subject of this build comes from the book “The Sloops of the Hudson River” by Paul E. Fontenoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan 4 from the book will be used.  It is “Sloop Robert Wiltsie, built by William Dickey at Nyack,

 

 

New York, in 1836.  Lines taken off original half model by Charles G. Davis;  head, stern, 

 

 

and deck details reconstructed.  (YACTHING, FEBRUARY 1933)”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have decided to build this ship out of Bamboo.  I have a small grove in the back yard which will 

 

 

provide the material.  I splits easy using a pair of wire cutters.  A finishing plane and sandpaper 

 

 

are used to square up planks and timbers.

 

 

 

 

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[captainbob]

The Hudson river sloops were interesting as is your making it with bamboo. 

 

Bob

[twintrow]

Coincidentally Gene Bodnar just finished his scratch build of the Hudson River Sloop "Wasp" over on Model Ship Builder News site. Check out the build.

 

Tom

[NJQUACK]

Bob,

Thank you.  So far so good with the bamboo. I sure have enough of it.  We'll see where it goes.

 

Tom.

Thank you.  I'll definitely check it out.  Studying the details will sure help when I get further on.

 

Walter 

[bensid54]

That's what I like, build with what you have handy, in your case bamboo. Bamboo is about the toughest wood going you will have a sturdy boat when it's done.

[NJQUACK]

Thank you bensid54.  Yes it is tough.  Early on here I can see I will be going through a lot of tool blades. 

 

Walter

[Elijah]

This is going to be interesting! Will you paint the ship, or leave the bamboo showing?

[NJQUACK]

Elijah,

 

My first inclination is to paint the hull and leave the bamboo showing on the deck.

 

thanks, Walter

[NJQUACK]

Hi,

 

I would like to thank everybody for their likes and comments.

 

The keel, stem post, stern post and dead wood have been created and glued.

I’ve now started working on the frames.  I have to take care to prevent unwanted splits also 

I’m finding carving tools (chisels, finishing plane, cooping saw) are working out better than 

more conventional hobby tools (number 11 blades etc.).

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NJQUACK]

Hi,

 

I made a jig out of foam board to hold the frames and keel.  I’ve begun gluing the frames to the keel.

The frame making continues.

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bensid54]

Coming right along I see, I'll be keeping track of this one especially because you are building with bamboo.

[dgbot]

This should prove to be an interesting build.  I have rarely seen bamboo used for model building.  

.David B

[NJQUACK]

Hi,

 

Thank you Bensid54 and David.  The type of Bamboo I'm using is Yellow Grove.

So far so good.  This type has a nice flat spot which is allowing me to make some nice wide planks which will come in handy for spiling. 

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

[bensid54]

How are the lengths to cut? How long can a seamless plank be?

[NJQUACK]

Bensid54,

 

Cutting the lengths are easy, I use a pair of wire cutters.  A good crimp will cause a nice split down the length.  Once the split has started just pull it apart.

A finishing plane and sand paper are use to complete the plank.

From my bamboo I can get 9 inch (230 mm) lengths.

 

Walter

[bensid54]

Thanks for the explanation Walter. From what I can gather you could laminate the bamboo to make your own beams, lumber and even plywood. Beams and plywood made from bamboo would be incredibly strong, I find this very interesting. The keel you made Walter is likely tougher than anything out there, warping would likely be kept to a minimum.

[mtaylor]

SawdustDave uses bamboo for his builds lately.  As I recall, he buys the bamboo cutting boards from Wal-Mart, etc. especially when they go on sale and cuts the planks, etc. from those.

[bensid54]

Good plan Mark, how is that stuff for steaming and bending?

[mtaylor]

I like it.   But then, I like anything that bends easier than ebony so your milage may vary.     On the serious side, most of the scratch builder (or maybe many?) use boxwood planking.   I use swiss pear on my build and it worked a treat.

[bensid54]

I'm looking to bring in some wood or go to the local building store and maybe cut my own planks. The wood I have to choose from is cedar, fir, oak, basswood and Cherry. The cheapest would be fir or cedar so I think I will be leaning in that direction.

[Elijah]

Nice framing Walter! I look forward to your next update.

[NJQUACK]

 

Thank you Elijah and everyone for the likes.  I’ve added the transom and started the planking.

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

[bensid54]

Just sitting back and watching the progress, very interesting build.

[NJQUACK]

 

Hi;

 

Welcome aboard bensid54.

Just a quick update, the planking continues.

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

[bensid54]

Thanks Captain, I see the bamboo is being very co-operative for gluing and sanding.

[NJQUACK]

Hi,

 

Yes the bamboo is cooperating so far.  The planking is moving along.

 

Walter

 

 

 

[NJQUACK]

Hi,

 

The planking is complete, and two frames have been cut to allow for the centerboard and case.

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

[NJQUACK]

Hi,

 

Just a quick update.  The centerboard and case have been installed.

I would also like to thank everyone for all the likes.

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NJQUACK]

Hi,

 

Got some work done on the rudder.  I also had to see how it would float.  

I’m thinking of making this a very small pond yacht. 

 

Walter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[captainbob]

And you did a little happy dance singing, "She floats, She floats".   Looking good, Walter, looking good. 

 

Bob

Edited April 27, 2016 by Cap'n'Bob