torpedochief

I like this ship! It only sailed in one battle. It was miles from salt water. It was not well built, not for lack of desire but due to being built in an ad hoc shipyard by folks who really did not know what they were doing. She was built as fast as possible. She was a weapon in an arms race with British forces in Canada. The crew; brave as they were had no where near the training to even sail the ship, much less take her into battle.  There were not enough guns. The guns they did have were varied, and there was precious little powder to train with.
 
All the above is the reason I want to build this ship. Those people embraced the cause of Freedom. Although they knew little of ship building, they did it. The crew with everything against them took her to battle with the most professional navy on Earth at the time. They did not win the battle. LEE was forced ashore and abandoned, however her actions along with other hastily build ships tied up the British long enough for the Americans to gain needed  time to prepare and rearm.
 
So those are the main reasons I chose this almost forgotten little cutter. This is my first ever Plank on Bulkhead model, so the learning curve looks more like a corkscrew.
 
I found the plans for the LEE in SHIP MODELING FROM SCRATCH by Leaf.  The plans called for a model that would end up at 16 inches. Don't have that much space and the Admiral even has eyes on my shipyard.......Oh no!  So I scaled the plans to produce a model at 11.9 inches no counting the bow sprit.
 
Now if I can figure out how to put captions on the pictures I'll get you the 411 on my build.
 
Oh almost forgot.  Island Belle is next in line now. I have been assigned a great mentor by the Nautical Research Guild.  I was getting to comfortable with solid hulls and I need to step it up!   
 
 
Looks like I am not that bright. I don't know how to put captions on the pictures So after sizing the plans, the first thing I did was build a ladder out of teak. I don't know why. However it did give me the chance to introduce some of you to a great finishing product, that is also great for tools!  Renaissance Wax was developed by order of the Queen for the British Museum. This stuff really means it when the say a little goes a long way! It goes on smooth and hardens instantly. then a soft buffing brings out beauty in wood like you never thought possible. On tools it lubricates and protects. I use it not only in my scrimshaw but on my band saw table, Scroll saw table, and sander. Make anything move friction free and protects the surface to boot.
 
With the ladder done and waxed I next traced the false keel and bulkheads on parchment and then laid them out on my 1/8 ply.  With the false keel cut I reinforced the area where the Main Deck goes to the Poop. This was done since the weight of the aft end is more and the center of force is higher. That adds up to a snapped part if you are not careful. I  also cut the mast step.
 
When the bulkheads were cut and trued I test fitted them. The last Bulkhead tapers way thin near the keel.  I cut a channel on each side so the thickness of the bottom of the bulkhead and the thin ply of the keel would work  out.  First try was close but a little off the mark which I corrected by widening to one size and shimming so the fit would be snug.
 
The model will be left natural wood as a tribute to those who built her.  I fashioned the Keel, Stem and Stern Post from walnut. The scarf joints are not correct on purpose, again to indicate the haste the ship was built in.
 
I next cut slots into the Keel and the false keel to receive wooden "Tabs" these assured alignment and gave me a very tight bond and providing my surface area for the glue.
 
Oh Yea!! Those little brass planes you see. I picked those up at Harbor Freight $10 for the three. Let me tell you, these things are just wonderful to work with, and too look at.   
 
Once dried I proceeded to try cutting rabbets. I ground down the tip of a #11 blade. I made a line along the keel and a bit at a time removed the wood. Three hours later and with 600 grit paper to smooth it out the rabbets were done.  SCORE!!!
 
Next I trued the bulkheads and using my FAIR A FRAME (Which I do not care for in the least,) I glued in my bulkheads. Oh no first timer here... gonna be a disaster! Nope. Everything went in square! How I did that I will never know and most likely  will never be able to again.  I strengthened the bond with four small piece of bass wood where the bulkhead transverses the false keel.  Using such small ply I beefed the whole frame up by using 1/4 basswood. I alternated the how the supports met the bulkheads to spread any stress while planking and what ever time and humidity can do to my little boat.
 
All for now my sisters and my brothers .     

I like this ship! It only sailed in one battle. It was miles from salt water. It was not well built, not for lack of desire but due to being built in an ad hoc shipyard by folks who really did not know what they were doing. She was built as fast as possible. She was a weapon in an arms race with British forces in Canada. The crew; brave as they were had no where near the training to even sail the ship, much less take her into battle.  There were not enough guns. The guns they did have were varied, and there was precious little powder to train with.
 
All the above is the reason I want to build this ship. Those people embraced the cause of Freedom. Although they knew little of ship building, they did it. The crew with everything against them took her to battle with the most professional navy on Earth at the time. They did not win the battle. LEE was forced ashore and abandoned, however her actions along with other hastily build ships tied up the British long enough for the Americans to gain needed  time to prepare and rearm.
 
So those are the main reasons I chose this almost forgotten little cutter. This is my first ever Plank on Bulkhead model, so the learning curve looks more like a corkscrew.
 
I found the plans for the LEE in SHIP MODELING FROM SCRATCH by Leaf.  The plans called for a model that would end up at 16 inches. Don't have that much space and the Admiral even has eyes on my shipyard.......Oh no!  So I scaled the plans to produce a model at 11.9 inches no counting the bow sprit.
 
Now if I can figure out how to put captions on the pictures I'll get you the 411 on my build.
 
Oh almost forgot.  Island Belle is next in line now. I have been assigned a great mentor by the Nautical Research Guild.  I was getting to comfortable with solid hulls and I need to step it up!   
 
 
Looks like I am not that bright. I don't know how to put captions on the pictures So after sizing the plans, the first thing I did was build a ladder out of teak. I don't know why. However it did give me the chance to introduce some of you to a great finishing product, that is also great for tools!  Renaissance Wax was developed by order of the Queen for the British Museum. This stuff really means it when the say a little goes a long way! It goes on smooth and hardens instantly. then a soft buffing brings out beauty in wood like you never thought possible. On tools it lubricates and protects. I use it not only in my scrimshaw but on my band saw table, Scroll saw table, and sander. Make anything move friction free and protects the surface to boot.
 
With the ladder done and waxed I next traced the false keel and bulkheads on parchment and then laid them out on my 1/8 ply.  With the false keel cut I reinforced the area where the Main Deck goes to the Poop. This was done since the weight of the aft end is more and the center of force is higher. That adds up to a snapped part if you are not careful. I  also cut the mast step.
 
When the bulkheads were cut and trued I test fitted them. The last Bulkhead tapers way thin near the keel.  I cut a channel on each side so the thickness of the bottom of the bulkhead and the thin ply of the keel would work  out.  First try was close but a little off the mark which I corrected by widening to one size and shimming so the fit would be snug.
 
The model will be left natural wood as a tribute to those who built her.  I fashioned the Keel, Stem and Stern Post from walnut. The scarf joints are not correct on purpose, again to indicate the haste the ship was built in.
 
I next cut slots into the Keel and the false keel to receive wooden "Tabs" these assured alignment and gave me a very tight bond and providing my surface area for the glue.
 
Oh Yea!! Those little brass planes you see. I picked those up at Harbor Freight $10 for the three. Let me tell you, these things are just wonderful to work with, and too look at.   
 
Once dried I proceeded to try cutting rabbets. I ground down the tip of a #11 blade. I made a line along the keel and a bit at a time removed the wood. Three hours later and with 600 grit paper to smooth it out the rabbets were done.  SCORE!!!
 
Next I trued the bulkheads and using my FAIR A FRAME (Which I do not care for in the least,) I glued in my bulkheads. Oh no first timer here... gonna be a disaster! Nope. Everything went in square! How I did that I will never know and most likely  will never be able to again.  I strengthened the bond with four small piece of bass wood where the bulkhead transverses the false keel.  Using such small ply I beefed the whole frame up by using 1/4 basswood. I alternated the how the supports met the bulkheads to spread any stress while planking and what ever time and humidity can do to my little boat.
 
All for now my sisters and my brothers .     

I like this ship! It only sailed in one battle. It was miles from salt water. It was not well built, not for lack of desire but due to being built in an ad hoc shipyard by folks who really did not know what they were doing. She was built as fast as possible. She was a weapon in an arms race with British forces in Canada. The crew; brave as they were had no where near the training to even sail the ship, much less take her into battle.  There were not enough guns. The guns they did have were varied, and there was precious little powder to train with.
 
All the above is the reason I want to build this ship. Those people embraced the cause of Freedom. Although they knew little of ship building, they did it. The crew with everything against them took her to battle with the most professional navy on Earth at the time. They did not win the battle. LEE was forced ashore and abandoned, however her actions along with other hastily build ships tied up the British long enough for the Americans to gain needed  time to prepare and rearm.
 
So those are the main reasons I chose this almost forgotten little cutter. This is my first ever Plank on Bulkhead model, so the learning curve looks more like a corkscrew.
 
I found the plans for the LEE in SHIP MODELING FROM SCRATCH by Leaf.  The plans called for a model that would end up at 16 inches. Don't have that much space and the Admiral even has eyes on my shipyard.......Oh no!  So I scaled the plans to produce a model at 11.9 inches no counting the bow sprit.
 
Now if I can figure out how to put captions on the pictures I'll get you the 411 on my build.
 
Oh almost forgot.  Island Belle is next in line now. I have been assigned a great mentor by the Nautical Research Guild.  I was getting to comfortable with solid hulls and I need to step it up!   
 
 
Looks like I am not that bright. I don't know how to put captions on the pictures So after sizing the plans, the first thing I did was build a ladder out of teak. I don't know why. However it did give me the chance to introduce some of you to a great finishing product, that is also great for tools!  Renaissance Wax was developed by order of the Queen for the British Museum. This stuff really means it when the say a little goes a long way! It goes on smooth and hardens instantly. then a soft buffing brings out beauty in wood like you never thought possible. On tools it lubricates and protects. I use it not only in my scrimshaw but on my band saw table, Scroll saw table, and sander. Make anything move friction free and protects the surface to boot.
 
With the ladder done and waxed I next traced the false keel and bulkheads on parchment and then laid them out on my 1/8 ply.  With the false keel cut I reinforced the area where the Main Deck goes to the Poop. This was done since the weight of the aft end is more and the center of force is higher. That adds up to a snapped part if you are not careful. I  also cut the mast step.
 
When the bulkheads were cut and trued I test fitted them. The last Bulkhead tapers way thin near the keel.  I cut a channel on each side so the thickness of the bottom of the bulkhead and the thin ply of the keel would work  out.  First try was close but a little off the mark which I corrected by widening to one size and shimming so the fit would be snug.
 
The model will be left natural wood as a tribute to those who built her.  I fashioned the Keel, Stem and Stern Post from walnut. The scarf joints are not correct on purpose, again to indicate the haste the ship was built in.
 
I next cut slots into the Keel and the false keel to receive wooden "Tabs" these assured alignment and gave me a very tight bond and providing my surface area for the glue.
 
Oh Yea!! Those little brass planes you see. I picked those up at Harbor Freight $10 for the three. Let me tell you, these things are just wonderful to work with, and too look at.   
 
Once dried I proceeded to try cutting rabbets. I ground down the tip of a #11 blade. I made a line along the keel and a bit at a time removed the wood. Three hours later and with 600 grit paper to smooth it out the rabbets were done.  SCORE!!!
 
Next I trued the bulkheads and using my FAIR A FRAME (Which I do not care for in the least,) I glued in my bulkheads. Oh no first timer here... gonna be a disaster! Nope. Everything went in square! How I did that I will never know and most likely  will never be able to again.  I strengthened the bond with four small piece of bass wood where the bulkhead transverses the false keel.  Using such small ply I beefed the whole frame up by using 1/4 basswood. I alternated the how the supports met the bulkheads to spread any stress while planking and what ever time and humidity can do to my little boat.
 
All for now my sisters and my brothers .     

I like this ship! It only sailed in one battle. It was miles from salt water. It was not well built, not for lack of desire but due to being built in an ad hoc shipyard by folks who really did not know what they were doing. She was built as fast as possible. She was a weapon in an arms race with British forces in Canada. The crew; brave as they were had no where near the training to even sail the ship, much less take her into battle.  There were not enough guns. The guns they did have were varied, and there was precious little powder to train with.
 
All the above is the reason I want to build this ship. Those people embraced the cause of Freedom. Although they knew little of ship building, they did it. The crew with everything against them took her to battle with the most professional navy on Earth at the time. They did not win the battle. LEE was forced ashore and abandoned, however her actions along with other hastily build ships tied up the British long enough for the Americans to gain needed  time to prepare and rearm.
 
So those are the main reasons I chose this almost forgotten little cutter. This is my first ever Plank on Bulkhead model, so the learning curve looks more like a corkscrew.
 
I found the plans for the LEE in SHIP MODELING FROM SCRATCH by Leaf.  The plans called for a model that would end up at 16 inches. Don't have that much space and the Admiral even has eyes on my shipyard.......Oh no!  So I scaled the plans to produce a model at 11.9 inches no counting the bow sprit.
 
Now if I can figure out how to put captions on the pictures I'll get you the 411 on my build.
 
Oh almost forgot.  Island Belle is next in line now. I have been assigned a great mentor by the Nautical Research Guild.  I was getting to comfortable with solid hulls and I need to step it up!   
 
 
Looks like I am not that bright. I don't know how to put captions on the pictures So after sizing the plans, the first thing I did was build a ladder out of teak. I don't know why. However it did give me the chance to introduce some of you to a great finishing product, that is also great for tools!  Renaissance Wax was developed by order of the Queen for the British Museum. This stuff really means it when the say a little goes a long way! It goes on smooth and hardens instantly. then a soft buffing brings out beauty in wood like you never thought possible. On tools it lubricates and protects. I use it not only in my scrimshaw but on my band saw table, Scroll saw table, and sander. Make anything move friction free and protects the surface to boot.
 
With the ladder done and waxed I next traced the false keel and bulkheads on parchment and then laid them out on my 1/8 ply.  With the false keel cut I reinforced the area where the Main Deck goes to the Poop. This was done since the weight of the aft end is more and the center of force is higher. That adds up to a snapped part if you are not careful. I  also cut the mast step.
 
When the bulkheads were cut and trued I test fitted them. The last Bulkhead tapers way thin near the keel.  I cut a channel on each side so the thickness of the bottom of the bulkhead and the thin ply of the keel would work  out.  First try was close but a little off the mark which I corrected by widening to one size and shimming so the fit would be snug.
 
The model will be left natural wood as a tribute to those who built her.  I fashioned the Keel, Stem and Stern Post from walnut. The scarf joints are not correct on purpose, again to indicate the haste the ship was built in.
 
I next cut slots into the Keel and the false keel to receive wooden "Tabs" these assured alignment and gave me a very tight bond and providing my surface area for the glue.
 
Oh Yea!! Those little brass planes you see. I picked those up at Harbor Freight $10 for the three. Let me tell you, these things are just wonderful to work with, and too look at.   
 
Once dried I proceeded to try cutting rabbets. I ground down the tip of a #11 blade. I made a line along the keel and a bit at a time removed the wood. Three hours later and with 600 grit paper to smooth it out the rabbets were done.  SCORE!!!
 
Next I trued the bulkheads and using my FAIR A FRAME (Which I do not care for in the least,) I glued in my bulkheads. Oh no first timer here... gonna be a disaster! Nope. Everything went in square! How I did that I will never know and most likely  will never be able to again.  I strengthened the bond with four small piece of bass wood where the bulkhead transverses the false keel.  Using such small ply I beefed the whole frame up by using 1/4 basswood. I alternated the how the supports met the bulkheads to spread any stress while planking and what ever time and humidity can do to my little boat.
 
All for now my sisters and my brothers .     

I like this ship! It only sailed in one battle. It was miles from salt water. It was not well built, not for lack of desire but due to being built in an ad hoc shipyard by folks who really did not know what they were doing. She was built as fast as possible. She was a weapon in an arms race with British forces in Canada. The crew; brave as they were had no where near the training to even sail the ship, much less take her into battle.  There were not enough guns. The guns they did have were varied, and there was precious little powder to train with.
 
All the above is the reason I want to build this ship. Those people embraced the cause of Freedom. Although they knew little of ship building, they did it. The crew with everything against them took her to battle with the most professional navy on Earth at the time. They did not win the battle. LEE was forced ashore and abandoned, however her actions along with other hastily build ships tied up the British long enough for the Americans to gain needed  time to prepare and rearm.
 
So those are the main reasons I chose this almost forgotten little cutter. This is my first ever Plank on Bulkhead model, so the learning curve looks more like a corkscrew.
 
I found the plans for the LEE in SHIP MODELING FROM SCRATCH by Leaf.  The plans called for a model that would end up at 16 inches. Don't have that much space and the Admiral even has eyes on my shipyard.......Oh no!  So I scaled the plans to produce a model at 11.9 inches no counting the bow sprit.
 
Now if I can figure out how to put captions on the pictures I'll get you the 411 on my build.
 
Oh almost forgot.  Island Belle is next in line now. I have been assigned a great mentor by the Nautical Research Guild.  I was getting to comfortable with solid hulls and I need to step it up!   
 
 
Looks like I am not that bright. I don't know how to put captions on the pictures So after sizing the plans, the first thing I did was build a ladder out of teak. I don't know why. However it did give me the chance to introduce some of you to a great finishing product, that is also great for tools!  Renaissance Wax was developed by order of the Queen for the British Museum. This stuff really means it when the say a little goes a long way! It goes on smooth and hardens instantly. then a soft buffing brings out beauty in wood like you never thought possible. On tools it lubricates and protects. I use it not only in my scrimshaw but on my band saw table, Scroll saw table, and sander. Make anything move friction free and protects the surface to boot.
 
With the ladder done and waxed I next traced the false keel and bulkheads on parchment and then laid them out on my 1/8 ply.  With the false keel cut I reinforced the area where the Main Deck goes to the Poop. This was done since the weight of the aft end is more and the center of force is higher. That adds up to a snapped part if you are not careful. I  also cut the mast step.
 
When the bulkheads were cut and trued I test fitted them. The last Bulkhead tapers way thin near the keel.  I cut a channel on each side so the thickness of the bottom of the bulkhead and the thin ply of the keel would work  out.  First try was close but a little off the mark which I corrected by widening to one size and shimming so the fit would be snug.
 
The model will be left natural wood as a tribute to those who built her.  I fashioned the Keel, Stem and Stern Post from walnut. The scarf joints are not correct on purpose, again to indicate the haste the ship was built in.
 
I next cut slots into the Keel and the false keel to receive wooden "Tabs" these assured alignment and gave me a very tight bond and providing my surface area for the glue.
 
Oh Yea!! Those little brass planes you see. I picked those up at Harbor Freight $10 for the three. Let me tell you, these things are just wonderful to work with, and too look at.   
 
Once dried I proceeded to try cutting rabbets. I ground down the tip of a #11 blade. I made a line along the keel and a bit at a time removed the wood. Three hours later and with 600 grit paper to smooth it out the rabbets were done.  SCORE!!!
 
Next I trued the bulkheads and using my FAIR A FRAME (Which I do not care for in the least,) I glued in my bulkheads. Oh no first timer here... gonna be a disaster! Nope. Everything went in square! How I did that I will never know and most likely  will never be able to again.  I strengthened the bond with four small piece of bass wood where the bulkhead transverses the false keel.  Using such small ply I beefed the whole frame up by using 1/4 basswood. I alternated the how the supports met the bulkheads to spread any stress while planking and what ever time and humidity can do to my little boat.
 
All for now my sisters and my brothers .     

When I was stationed at the Submarine Base in Groton Ct. We were members of the Seaport and most weekends would find us roaming the grounds. I got to Groton as a 2nd Class Torpedoman and left as a Chief. I sorta grew up on the Morgan you might say. To see this build leaves me yearning for the days when my children were young and on cool fall days we would sit on the grass, eat clam fritters and watch the ship.
You are doing so a wonderful job my friend. I hope I learn as much as you have forgotton.
 
 
Chief

When I was stationed at the Submarine Base in Groton Ct. We were members of the Seaport and most weekends would find us roaming the grounds. I got to Groton as a 2nd Class Torpedoman and left as a Chief. I sorta grew up on the Morgan you might say. To see this build leaves me yearning for the days when my children were young and on cool fall days we would sit on the grass, eat clam fritters and watch the ship.
You are doing so a wonderful job my friend. I hope I learn as much as you have forgotton.
 
 
Chief

This is such a great build! Take it from a guy who spent 20+ years riding submarines and writes books about them. Just a real bit of fine craftsmanship. 

This is such a great build! Take it from a guy who spent 20+ years riding submarines and writes books about them. Just a real bit of fine craftsmanship. 

I have this kit also POPEYE. Following right along.  You really are a speedy, yet a builder of supreme quality.  Great work! 

did a bit more in the last couple of days.  they show the transom and counter planked in the next step.  I had already cemented on the brackets for it,  so I figured I'd do it before the planking.....it makes sense.
 
this bit of planking requires three different widths of wood .....4mm  5mm  and 6mm for the bottom.
 

 
the 6mm is done in a diagonal pattern than the upper planks.....kind of a cool arrangement.  the mid counter is the 5mm.......the upper part of the transom is the 4mm.
 

 

 

 
now that the planking is on there,  it needs to be trimmed and sanded.  I'll do some of it now,  and the rest of it will be done when the frame is fared.
 

 

Great Scott------you're already at warp speed!!!!!

Hello Popeye,
 
The Half Moon ..... What a surprise.
Will you be following the plans or just go with comes into mind?
Whatever you do, with your skills and imagination, she will be a beauty.
 
Enjoy this build.
 
Take care,
 
Anja

thank you Augie and John for your vote of confidence.    roll the bones............darn!  they STILL tell me nothing!
 
 
 
I got back to 'er........now,  to make heads or tails of the deck platforms.   I was simply going to plank over the ribs,  but staggering the planks every  "1"  didn't impress me.   I did run into my first chigger.....in handling the frame,  I broke the thin bridge along the top of the bow stem.   I fixed it and put the cast off back in to protect it.
 

 
you can see the supports for the joices I put in there.   the deck platforms I have are fitted in place.
 

 
the main deck platform is supposed to be in two sections.......I did it as a single piece.
 

 
after marking out the bulwark posts,  lines were drawn and the notches were cut out.
 

 

 

 
there is a rounded section of decking that is to go at the bow.   it is to be level with the main deck.
 

 
I got to this section of decking the following day.....in between working on the AmericA  {all of this was,  for that matter}..........the upper mizzen deck
 

 

 
I'm going to add in small pieces of square stock under where the bulwark posts are {underneath} to support the platforms,  when the frame is fared.   they need to be flush to the inner walls,  come time for planking.   this puts the build up to speed......I can update as I go along.   enjoy!

Hello everyone.
When I first reposted this log, I did so in a hurried fashion and did not include any background details on this vessel type or the nature of this build. Here is a short thumbnail of the history behind this vessel type.
 
The Biloxi schooner is a two masted gaff rigged, centerboard working schooner. These schooners were built along the Mississippi coast as early as the 1830s and the last pure sailing schooner was built at Biloxi in 1929. The hull form is characterized by a markedly shallow draft, broad beam, with a midsection having a low, hard turn of bilge. The cross sections were most always rounded with no hard chine. The stern is usually flat or slightly curved across its face and set with a moderate rake. The stem is usually a clipper style stem with a stem head reaching out under the bowsprit. Sometimes, we see a more upright stem, and in a few cases, the stem was rounded and called a spoon bow. In the more usual clipper bows, there is a simple head trim. The sheer in the earlier schooners was more marked than in later boats.
 
These boats were used for fishing, harvesting mostly shrimp and oysters, but also some other types of seafood in local waters. With the development of the local seafood canning industry in the 1880s, fishing schooners were built larger over time. While earlier fishing schooners averaged about 40-45 ft in length, the later schooners of the 1920s averaged around 60-65 ft.
 
The fishing schooners were built in large numbers in the early 1900s because of a 1902 state law that prohibited oyster dredging under motor power. The Bowers oyster law shaped the way the seafood industry did business and inadvertently kept the fishing schooners around for another 30-40 years. The law allowed shrimping under motor power and so there was a trend towards building auxiliary schooners in the period beginning in the early 1900s, but the development of purely motor powered shrimpers developed alongside the schooners.
 
During the mid to late 19th century, freight schooners were built larger and heavier than the smaller fishing schooners, carrying, lumber, charcoal, and locally produced naval stores. They were either carried out to the deep water harbor at Ship Island, about 10 miles off the coast for shipment abroad, or over to New Orleans, by way of Lake Ponchartrain and the basin canals for local sale. With the development of railroads and trucking, these schooners lost their place in the coastal freight industry. Many of them were abandoned in local rivers etc, but some found a new life in the seafood industry in the 1920s and 30s.
 
Although this type of schooner was built in several different locations In Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida pan handle, Biloxi was a single place where more were built than anywhere else. That is why it became known as the Biloxi schooner. In fact, in the Smithsonian's National Watercraft Collection, Howard Chapelle applied that name to this type of schooner.
 
This model is a commission, but the client is a good friend of mine who is allowing me to build at my own speed. The model is intended as a gift and it will be named for the recipient. Thus I will withold the model's name until the end.
 
The plans were developed from a several years study of customs house records, local contemporary photographs, newspapers, builder's half models, various private collections, and some personal archaelogical studies. The most interesting and useful documents I have found are the old tonnage admeasurements from the customs house. These admeasurements contain detailed internal measurements of the hull that were used to determine tonnage. I have studied these documents and the federal regulations that governed them and I can now use them to "reconstruct" plans for some of these schooners. This is how the plans for this model were developed.
 
The model is loosely based on a design for a Biloxi fishing schooner built in 1900 by Martin Fountain, Sr., called American Girl. I have reduced the size of the model to fit what the client wants in an overal finished model. The plans for this model yield a schooner about 41 ft on deck and about 8 tons. This would be a typical schooner for the 1890s.
 
Here are some pics of the components and the beginning of the construction. Comments welcomed.
 
Russ

Hey John!
 
Brother I will be hanging on every word and picture.  I have a Kate Cory that is coming up in the building que. She is quite the ship!
 
Chief Don

I tried my hand at making a few crew members for my up coming build LEE.  I used thin copper wire to make the armatures.
 
Never having done this and thinks my expierence as a wood carver would make this no challenge.
 
However I was very wrong. The sulpy would not cooperate at all. It would fall off. Slip and slide around till I had one crew member who looked like Shrek and another like the Elephant man without pants.
 
Just about to give up I noticed a spool of my rigging thread.  So I used the thread to wrap the armature. I made two passes, and secured the bitter end with CA.
 
Now the sculpy works great. The thread provides more surface area and a tooth for the clay to adhere. I managed to wrap it tight enough that the raw black thread Is now my little mate's shoes.
 
I feel that once you have an armature and wrap it you will begin to see how the body is shaped and start sculpting.  If I can do it you can too.  I had some pictures but butterfingers here somehow managed to delete them.
 
Take Care Shipmates!
 
Going Deep!

Welcome to the "Eagle" 1847 build log,
 
Proceeding with the deck furniture. Key Points include:
 
>>> Fwd companionway dimensions critical as it fitts between the anchor windlass and fore staysail sheet horse
>>> Hatch boards fitted to sub bases set into coamings
>>> Fife rails constructed from laminated stripwood
>>> Fife rail stanctions Bluejacket castings
>>> Aft house bulkheads laminated on sub bases (see separate notes on deckhouse construction, similar to "Newsboy" 1854)
>>> Sub asemblies designed to fit together and left loose to facilate painting
>>> Final assembly / installation after painting
 
Pete Jaquith
Shipbuilder

Welcome to the "Eagle" 1847 build log,
 
Next steps address installation of deadeyes and poop rails. Key points include:
 
>>> Deadeyes were Bluejacket castings
>>> Poop rails fabricated from bass strip wood (counter rails fabricated from sheet stock)
>>> Poop rail stanctions were Bluejacket castings
>>> Rooster tails (boat davit) fabricated from bass strip wood
>>> Poop front rail was an addition to original plans
 
Pete Jaquith
Shipbuilder

DTG 20140514 2256R
To:  All Hands Model Ship World 2.0
From:  MMC/SS Don Meadows USN Ret.
 
Subj:  COMPLETION  OF USN ANCHOR HOY Circa 1819.
 
I am so pleased to report completion of my first ever wooden ship and scratch build.  Many of you on this site knowingly or not knowingly helped just like shipmates do.
 
I made my flag based on discussions here, matter of fact just about everything I learned on here. The idea here was our little Hoy is multitasking,  she is out tending anchors, while supplying warships at anchor in Hampton Rhoades. She is dirty, and worn, however her crew are proud and do what they can with what they can to make her look as good as possible.  The symbol of my rank as a Chief Petty Officer was a fouled anchor, and this little ship though a non combatant did her duty as is in the finest traditions of the United States Navy. I am as proud of what she stands for as I am of the fact I built her. 
 
I am feeling so confident after this I will now build the entire Spanish Armada out of Macaroni, blades of grass and Unicorn tears.
 
Thanks Again all!!
 
Chief   

Hey Shippys!
 
I can not begin to tell you the joy this little model has brought me. This time last year it was doubtful I would even be around. However things are looking up some.
 
When I pulled on the tiny gaff topping lift and it rose into place, nothing in the world could have been more thrilling.  For a second I was there on the Anchor Hoy early on a brisk fall morning setting sail to resupply the warships all around Norfolk.
 
I am sad that this build is nearing an end. The challenges, setbacks, discoveries, everything has just been beyond words.
 
All the spars are installed and 1/2 the rigging is in place. I even made a barrel to give it that extra touch.  Next is to rig the jib and finish the stays.
 
I have wrestled again and again with the idea of putting sails on the little beast. Not sure if I will or not.  Thanks you all for your support of this effort.
 
Going Deep!!
 
Don  

DTG 20140514 2256R
To:  All Hands Model Ship World 2.0
From:  MMC/SS Don Meadows USN Ret.
 
Subj:  COMPLETION  OF USN ANCHOR HOY Circa 1819.
 
I am so pleased to report completion of my first ever wooden ship and scratch build.  Many of you on this site knowingly or not knowingly helped just like shipmates do.
 
I made my flag based on discussions here, matter of fact just about everything I learned on here. The idea here was our little Hoy is multitasking,  she is out tending anchors, while supplying warships at anchor in Hampton Rhoades. She is dirty, and worn, however her crew are proud and do what they can with what they can to make her look as good as possible.  The symbol of my rank as a Chief Petty Officer was a fouled anchor, and this little ship though a non combatant did her duty as is in the finest traditions of the United States Navy. I am as proud of what she stands for as I am of the fact I built her. 
 
I am feeling so confident after this I will now build the entire Spanish Armada out of Macaroni, blades of grass and Unicorn tears.
 
Thanks Again all!!
 
Chief   

Hello again Shipmates!
 
Wow been a building on my little bitty boat every night for at least 4 hours.  So far about 80 hours. Getting closer though!. Since we had our last GAM (Whaling Term for a meeting of two whalers at sea,) I have made and installed the boom rest on the Spenser Mast and stepped the Mast. Doublings and top mast are made and installed. My Anchor Handing gear is also rigged but not tightened yet.
 
I have made and catted the little boats own anchors.  Railings are installed. About 10 cleats still need to be made not counting those on the boom.
 
Gosh I also have made some coils for the rigging and gear thus installed.  I have installed temp belaying pins. I am working on the scraper idea to make the pins. A hacksaw blade with a profile cut into it and held against a rotating bit of stock.  So far cherry wood  flies into a billion slivers. Bass wood turns into a fuzz ball. Next I will see what brass does.
 
The use of surgical sutures works pretty good. It also has the advantage in this small scale of being realistically rope laid.
 
I want to add an anchor buoy but I cannot find a ref. to tell me what color they might be. If anyone has the 411 please help me out. I want to put a buoy on my Hoy.
 
 
In other news.  It was on this date in 1986 that the submarine I was on USS RAY SSN 653 and two other submarines surfaced together at the North Pole. First time ever in history.  

DTG 20140514 2256R
To:  All Hands Model Ship World 2.0
From:  MMC/SS Don Meadows USN Ret.
 
Subj:  COMPLETION  OF USN ANCHOR HOY Circa 1819.
 
I am so pleased to report completion of my first ever wooden ship and scratch build.  Many of you on this site knowingly or not knowingly helped just like shipmates do.
 
I made my flag based on discussions here, matter of fact just about everything I learned on here. The idea here was our little Hoy is multitasking,  she is out tending anchors, while supplying warships at anchor in Hampton Rhoades. She is dirty, and worn, however her crew are proud and do what they can with what they can to make her look as good as possible.  The symbol of my rank as a Chief Petty Officer was a fouled anchor, and this little ship though a non combatant did her duty as is in the finest traditions of the United States Navy. I am as proud of what she stands for as I am of the fact I built her. 
 
I am feeling so confident after this I will now build the entire Spanish Armada out of Macaroni, blades of grass and Unicorn tears.
 
Thanks Again all!!
 
Chief   

Hey Shippys!
 
I can not begin to tell you the joy this little model has brought me. This time last year it was doubtful I would even be around. However things are looking up some.
 
When I pulled on the tiny gaff topping lift and it rose into place, nothing in the world could have been more thrilling.  For a second I was there on the Anchor Hoy early on a brisk fall morning setting sail to resupply the warships all around Norfolk.
 
I am sad that this build is nearing an end. The challenges, setbacks, discoveries, everything has just been beyond words.
 
All the spars are installed and 1/2 the rigging is in place. I even made a barrel to give it that extra touch.  Next is to rig the jib and finish the stays.
 
I have wrestled again and again with the idea of putting sails on the little beast. Not sure if I will or not.  Thanks you all for your support of this effort.
 
Going Deep!!
 
Don