ClipperFan

3 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

I lose a bit of detail when I remove the copper from its backing...but enough is present to represent the plates.  They emboss well and the addition of the drywall sand screen to add the nail imprints was a game changer.

Rob, at this scale it's the impression of scale rather than slavishly replicating every little detail that's more successful. As an artist, I love to look at paintings close up. I am constantly amazed at how images are created with simple brush strokes. In this case, less really is.... more.

2 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

What I've found out and have sought the advice of oh so many other model builders, is that at this scale...it is more important to project the *Hint* of individual plates.  Too often the over exaggerated nail prints or over lapping plates...leaves the model looking more like it needs repair and replacement then actually adding to the ships detail.

 

Plus...it just goes way faster. 

 

Thanks everyone for the fine comments and kudos.  It really has taken me years of thought, and experimentation to develop and finally perform this technique.

 

Rob

Rob,

being able to mass produce metallic plates with implied rivets is just brilliant. You solve a problem of doing tedious work with less than optimal results. Maintaining an accurate sense of scale is a critical discipline which rewards with spectacular results when done right.

@rwiederrich your clever shortcut using a clothes roller to fabricate straps of pseudo yellow metal plates like @Jaredalready said is an enormous time saver. 

22 minutes ago, druxey said:

Plain, uncluttered background and crisp focus are requirements for the competition. Do photographic justice to your work! If you are a lousy photographer, get a friend to take the pictures for you.

@druxey the problem as I understand it is that both of these fine models are now installed in cases. It apparently would require tearing down glass cases to move these two large models to be re photographed. Rob said there's not enough time to get that done. So do we use existing images or just forgo the contest? I feel the uniqueness and strength of both models are worth a try.

55 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

You're doing a fine job, but I think they said they will not judge blurry images....I could be wrong.

 

Rob

Rob, what blurry images are you referring to? I don't see anything blurry. Maybe a little dark but not out of focus.

@rwiederrich since cropping is allowed, I took off some white space on your first  optional Glory of the Seas comparison photo (which I personally consider one of your best). Here are my 8 selections for your Great Republic in the same order as the ones selected for Glory of the Seas. You can explain in a short note for each submission that since both models are permanently mounted that these are the best angles you havea available. I have 1 suggestion for an optional but haven't yet been able to select 3 other optional photos for this second model.

4 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

I've read the full application and photo requirements.  And at this time, I think I am not inclined to apply.  To do the imaging right...I would have to remove both models from their cases...stage a proper photographic environment to take proper images.  I will not have time to do all this in the allotted time frame.  I have far too many other issues on the near and far horizon of this summer.

 

I do, appreciate your interest and enthusiasm.  I have already posted images on MSW's completed model page and, you have given me much exposure in the Journal publication.  I seek no further recognition. Plus,   Michael Mjelde's recognition is the greatest any could acquire.   A true heart felt thanks...Rich.

 

Rob

Rob, I'll gladly do all preliminary

submission work for you and then send it to you so all you have to do is pay online and submit application forms. I strongly feel like the strength of your beautiful model will overcome any inexactitudes of precise positions. I also feel this is bigger than just your model. This is a cumulation of over a decade of joint research, involving Michael Mjelde, his daughter Arina and an ultimate realization of intensive research begun 60 years ago by author Michael Mjelde. It's a way to finally display a real Donald McKay clipper in her true glory. Something you know we're both passionate about. In this case I firmly believe you shouldn't let the perfect be the enemy of the good ...

8 model photo positions 

(1) port midships abeam

(2) starboard midships abeam

(3) overall model from dead ahead

(4) overall model dead astern

(5) stern port quarter diagonal with deck

(6) stern starboard qtr diagonal w deck

(7) bow port quarter diagonal with deck

(8) bow starboard qtr diagonal w deck

4 optional model photos

(1) model with historic photo

(2) starboard bow model with actual ship

(3) port stern model with actual ship

(4) Ariana, Michael and Rob with model

Later on, I will share the same selections for your Great Republic

2 hours ago, MrBlueJacket said:

Just a note- the NRG photo competition wants a 500 WORD description, not 500 pages!

 

Nic

@MrBlueJacket Thanks for catching my dumb mistake. I would be mortified if anyone would be discouraged from submitting their model due this ridiculously wrong post. FYI: I have since corrected the mistake. 

1 hour ago, ClipperFan said:

D'oh! I can't believe I made that dumb mistake. It's been corrected. The correct phrase is "up to but no more than 500 WORDS" definitely not pages....

@rwiederrich @Luis Felipe @Vladimir_Wairoa to avoid any further confusion, I've attached pretty much all of the rules verbatim from the NRG website. As you can see, no one is expected to write any lengthy description of their work. The description CANNOT exceed 500 WORDS. A single line is acceptable, if that's all a person wants to write.

In addition, all photos are submitted anonymously with no personal identification whatsoever. Essentially for 30 bucks per model, anyone can have their work evaluated by a 3 judge panel and afterwards be given personal critique. 

22 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

I read that...I was worrying.  What did they want....my entire thought process for the build in every detail....

 

Rob

D'oh! I can't believe I made that dumb mistake. It's been corrected. The correct phrase is "up to but no more than 500 WORDS" definitely not pages....

https://wetransfer.com is a free website specified in the NRG Photographic Model Ship Competition rules to upload model pictures. Use this email to upload photos: nrgphotocontest2025@gmail.com 

7 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Yes I did Rich.  Are they requiring only finished model images ……..or in shop images acceptable?

 

Rob

Rob,

Samples provided are clearly staged photos of a finished model with no shop background. That's probably optimal. There is no mention of background requirements. However, I looked at all prior winning Apprentice Journeyman and Master gold, silver and bronze contest entries from 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2021. All were taken against clear backgrounds. I did my best to locate 8 scenes closest to samples even if that included shop images. For your Great Republic my feeling is if it comes to submitting shop scenes or nothing (since you said you can't take any more pictures of her) I'm in favor of sending in what you have. Than you can explain in up to 500 words why you couldn't submit staged pictures like the samples indicate. Of course, if you could somehow access both finished models and take new pictures to exactly match 8 samples, that would be best for your chances.

10 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Rich, I don’t see the add for the contest on my I phone.   I want to join the contest and will pay, but collecting all the images seams to be fallen to you.  Pick the four extra as well……if you don’t mind. 
Thanks. 
 

Rob

Rob,

Did you get the pdf application and rules documents I messaged you, along with all of the images sent?

@rwiederrich @Luis Felipe @Vladimir_Wairoa NRG Photographic Model Ship Competition, 8 required picture samples enlarged. A few observations of samples: good lighting to capture all details, plain background not to distract from model and entire model is centered in each picture. Submission deadline is July 31, 2025. All details are available in the green banner at the top of each MSW page.

(1) amidship deck level port broadside

(2) amidship deck level starboard broadside

(3) above stern port quarter

(4) above stern starboard quarter

(5) above bow port quarter

(6) above bow starboard quarter

(7) dead ahead bow

(8) dead ahead stern

In addition each submission can include 4 optional photos of a modeler's choice. Let me know if there's anything I can help you guys with. Rob with 50 years' experience is a Master, Luis depending on how many other models built could be Journeyman to Master and Vlad with two finished clipper ships would most likely be Apprentice. It means you could each possibly win in your category.

On 6/6/2025 at 9:24 PM, ClipperFan said:

@Luis Felipe I'm going to review each of your models and select what to my eye puts your craftsmanship to best light. Since I didn't build any of these, each of you will have final say on selections.

@rwiederrich @Vladimir_Wairoa @Luis Felipe Deadline for submissions is much closer than I first expected: July 31, 2025. Contest rules are pretty simple: (1) current NRG membership, if not current it's 1/2 price to become a member.

(2) $30 entry fee per model entered.

(3) minimum 8 specific photos + 4 optional ones of the modeler's choice. Each mandatory position is listed in contest rules and I've attached samples of entry requirements.

(4) An up to 500 word description of the model. 

I'll review your online images to see if all positions are already available and let you know if any still need to be supplied.

2 hours ago, Luis Felipe said:

Hi Rob, excellent idea, I would very much appreciate your help in selecting the pictures, so, I need to complete the inscription, and you will help me selecting the pictures I already upload? saludos from Chile  

@Luis Felipe I'm going to review each of your models and select what to my eye puts your craftsmanship to best light. Since I didn't build any of these, each of you will have final say on selections.

22 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

Rich……..you already have my permission….to do what you think.  
 

Rob

Rob, from a photographer's viewpoint it's probably not the most desirable since Arina's not entirely in the picture. Still from an emotional one, this is one of my favorites since to me it symbolizes "A Dream Realized." I'll keep looking for more images.

@rwiederrich @Vladimir_Wairoa @Luis Felipe all three of you have created wonderful replicas worthy of entering this NRG Photographic Model Ship Competition (details are in the green banner at the top of this page). I would be more than willing to assist in making selections. That is, if you want any suggestions. Personally I think you all have some incredible models to share.

7 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Imagine that…..,   I pondered the fabrication of these copper vent pipes for some time.  Staghound utilized straight pipe vents instead of the typical round trap type depicted on the Flying Fish.  So it dawned on me to use oxidized copper pins with the tips cut off and the heads ground flat…….to represent the  strake seal flange of the vent pipes.   They are good representations ……….I think.  
 

Rob

Rob,

That's a clever reuse of ordinary objects.

6 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

I've been reviewing the Staffordshire, and her forecastle is exactly how we envisioned for Staghound.  With the patent Windless on the deck below the topgallant forecastle deck forward.

With double companionways (left, right) leading down.  Short of the minimal tonnage differences between Staghound, Flying Cloud and Staffordshire...I'd say McKay was simply replicating the good functionality of the design.

 

Again, thanks for your continued support and evaluations.

 

Rob

Rob,

I seriously believe that the detailed observations of Scottsman, sailor and newspaper journalist Duncan McLean are our greatest ally in accurately envisioning the appearance of these magnificent ships. While I'm convinced the author really didn't appreciate gold leaf, carved embellishments he was fastidious in his highly detailed recitations of a vessel's construction. This tendency is consistent for every vessel he described whether they came from the McKay shipyard or not. Our efforts to reinterpret these factual descriptions is leading to more accurately built authentic replicas.

1 hour ago, rwiederrich said:

Riiiight.

 

Rob 

@rwiederrich I'm pretty sure that the removal of the additional Flying Cloud splash rail brought up a lengthy, silly discussion of the use of such rails including "ahem" certain necessary yet disgusting bodily functions. I suppose I should "mosey" on down to the other site and supply the sensible answer to them....

Meanwhile I found an interesting pair of articles in The Portland Press Herald which I thought you might enjoy. The first is on a 1934 discovery of an ancient ship's bell caught in a fisherman's net. It turned out to be from the 1855 clipper Noonday built by Fernald & Pettigrew, who's shipyard was on Badger Island, Pistaqua River, Kittery, Maine. The distinctive shape and mount reminded me of the one you crafted for Staghound. They're both very close. 

The second article was about another now famous smaller clipper Snow Squall. There's another beautiful JE Buttersworth piece. The main subject "Clipper ship Warner rounding Cape Horn" features a background clipper, considered to be the last painting of Snow Squall.

Update: after noticing that "Old Glory" was in color, I used an app on my phone to enhance colors in the Noonday painting. Here's the result:

17 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

I have yet to add the splash rail to the forecastle.  I want to protect that area while I upright the hull to lay the copper plates.  Less uneven surfaces to break off while upside down makes me feel more comfortable.

 

Rob

Rob, I didn't mean to suggest adding the splash rail early. I was simply thinking of an answer to a question of another observer who was questioning the need for such an extra rail only at the forecastle. 

@rwiederrich Rob, she's coming together quickly now that you're recovered. Even though it's years since I've done any model building, I appreciate you sharing your step-by-step building procedures with accompanying photos. I think I know why there's a forecastle splash rail. As we saw on Glory of the Seas there appears to be a similar waterway installed on the forecastle. The splash rail adds bulwark protection. 

2 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Finished adding the stained decks.  
 

Rob

Rob, I gather you're sufficiently recovered from your kidney stones, which is a relief to learn. Peggy took one look at your Staghound hull and said that's a pretty ship! Of course, she's right.