ClipperFan

Vladimir, CONGRATULATIONS!!! on the Cutty Sark Museum request to display your impressive, large scale model. While you no longer possess this magnificent creation, I encourage you to contact whoever holds it to see if they might like to honor the Museum's request. Knowing how most collectors feel, it's almost a sure bet they too would appreciate the opportunity to see their miniature in display at the home of the actual vessel herself. If nothing else, besides raising monetary value for any potential future resale, bragging rights alone would also be a positive motivator. If you haven't informed the new owner, I strongly encourage you to do so. They might be thrilled and thank you for letting them know. Good luck!

Rob, recovery progress is continuing to be the toughest of my life but I am slowly, determinedly improving. I also want to admit Rob that I am truly humbled by your generous compliment. I had no idea that you held my viewpoint with such high regard. Meanwhile, I personally continue to be in awe of your rapid, yet beautifully accurate modeling skills. Such careful attention to small details like the multiple moldings of Glory will result in what I am now convinced will be the most impressively accurate miniature of "GLORY of the SEAS" ever produced so far. Lacking anywheres near the modeling skills of either you or Vladimir, I want to only act as a guide to assist you both in realizing your objectives to achieve the most accurate reproductions possible. It has been the thrill of a lifetime to collaborate with other fans of Donald McKay's incredibly beautiful Clipper Ships, especially being able to communicate with one of my favorite Maritime authors as well. So It's damnably frustrating to be sidelined by my slow recovery, especially since I feel an even greater sense of serious urgency to redo accurate lines of "GLORY of the SEAS" to finally do her true justice. After doggedly pursuing real genuine faithful reinterpretation of Donald McKay's last glorious Clipper Ship for just over twelve and a half years now, I refuse to accept seeing another set of unfortunately crappy lines be published that do McKay's brilliance such an injustice. What we have learned from over a year's worth of intense study and exhaustive evaluation of practically every inch of McKay's longest lived merchant vessel has been so encouraging and enlightening. Our mutual approach has consistently relied on precise, scientific, measured investigation of every incredibly clear image so generously shared by author Michael Mjelde. I personally am firmly convinced that what Donald McKay accomplished in his final effort was the culmination of his decades of single minded pursuit of excellence in creating a very swift merchant vessel with an extremely sharp Clipper Ship entrance and exit coupled with an enormous capacity for storage as well. Remember this amazingly durable Clipper was the very last vessel to accomplish the arduous Cape Horn journey from New York to San Francisco in under 100 days (1873-74 in 96 days - Pacific Marine Review). She also still holds the record for sailing from San Francisco, California to Sydney, Australia in 35 days, a feat accomplished despite poor vessel condition, as the Ship herself was crank due to insufficient ballast. With a strong beam wind Glory was practically on her beam ends. As a result the crew had to send down her stunsail booms as well as royal yards. Yet despite such poor vessel condition, she sailed with very favorable winds and weather (Pacific Marine Review). Imagine what she might have accomplished if she had been in proper trim. Now it's time to pull all that intense detailed research we have done together into one coherent whole and produce a recognizable blueprint of what she truly looked like.

Rob, your progress is so exciting to watch. "GLORY of the SEAS" is now definitely looking like the Clipper Ship I see in the many impressive images Mike has shared with us. I'm glad you revised the scrollwork for her Cutwater and Naval Hoods. This image here is my favorite one of your latest ones. The form is simply beautiful. Great work!

Ron Haug's proposed new line impressions for Donald McKay's Clipper Ship "GLORY of the SEAS" as sent to Rob and I a few days ago. Ron told Mike that in this design, he believes that somehow McKay has "drifted back to his old Packet Ship days of the 1830s even with the stem" with this design. Honestly, I'm personally very sad to say "here we go again." My impressions of Shipwright Ron Haug's lines are that he either never saw the incredibly detailed photos Michael Mjelde's shared with us or he doesn't see the same svelte vessel we see. Our past year's collaborative effort has led me to hope for so much more than... this. While this group has been concentrating on reconstructing Glory's true form for about a year, my own journey of discovering Donald McKay's last Clipper Ship has now been just over a dozen. I don't know how Mike will react but as I've always consistently said, my first loyalty is to the memory of Donald McKay and his lovely vessel. Mr McKay deserves better.....

1869 Donald McKay Clipper "GLORY of the SEAS" 2,102 tons Specifications Length of Keel: 240'2" Line of the wales between perpendiculars: 250' Overall length, Knightheads to taffrails: 265' Breadth of beam: 44' Depth of hold: 28'6" Height between decks: 8'2" Deadrise at half floor: 8 1/2" Overall sheer: 7' As I race to incorporate all the particular specifics Rob, I and others of our dedicated group have confirmed, these are the historic, published specifics I will be relying on. Besides length of keel, sourced from Glory's official registry admeasurement, all other measurements are from Duncan MacLean's 1869 published description of the vessel in the Boston Daily Atlas.

Fortunately, Mike's going to be concentrating much of his time promoting his latest book "Down East Captain." That should give us valuable time to build a strong case to refute, then hopefully refine Ron Haug's interpretation of Glory's Hull, section by section. Meanwhile I have far more confidence in the vessel's lines as we have scientifically arrived at through full utilization of every possible resource available to us. After seeing Ron Haug's stunning half hull of "Donald McKay" and his beautiful model of the Downeaster "Benj F Packard" I respect his talents and ability. How he has so far so badly misinterpreted "Glory of the Seas" is maddeningly frustrating.

Rob, I just now opened up Mike's email & viewed Ron Haug's "Glory of the Seas" lines impressions. After our solid year of exhausting, in depth research, utilizing some of the sharpest, clear images, courtesy of Michael Mjelde's incredible collection of images of Glory's Hull, I have to admit I'm disappointed and somewhat baffled as to how Mr Haug has come to his conclusions. It makes me seriously wonder, is he even seeing the same pictures we have been given? I hope this doesn't upset Mike but I vehemently disagree with Ron's Bow interpretation. His rough drawn Nava Hoods alone don't match the crystal clear image of that device as seen in the 1912 extreme broadside close up. The Cutwater is way too thick below. Then the graceful flowing curve of the Cutwater which transitions to the sharp, slightly backwards angled prow is completely missing. Instead, Ron's prow appears to bulge slightly forward which completely contradicts the 1912 Seattle scene where Glory's sharp Clipper prow can be evidently seen, with much of her re-coppered below waterline Hull visible as well. Meanwhile, I also totally disagree with Ron's much thicker Stern as well. Again, it's like he's not seeing the slimmer, graceful refined Counter and Stern that we have worked so hard to replicate. There's definitely a defining line most likely 3'6" below the sheerline which can be clearly seen in both the Alaska towing scene and even the 1869 fitting out image. Then there's the sheerline itself. Again, the amount of drop from the Stern going forward appears to be more significant than that seen on the vessel herself. Then there's the ship's dimensions written on Ron's lines. Keel, depth of hold and beam all agree precisely with those published by MacLean but deck length of 235' is 20' shy of that published and 258' overall length is 7' shorter than that published of knightheads to Taffrail of 265'. I'm going to redouble my efforts to produce lines of my own, incorporating everything we have discovered with our concentrated efforts to realize a far more accurate Clipper Ship. Donald McKay deserves to finally have his last Clipper Ship done faithfully.

Rob, you have no idea how much it thrills me to see the amazing progress you've made on your exacting 1:96 scale "GLORY of the SEAS". Daily I look to see if there's been any new images of your build. Each time there is, it uplifts my day. It's making my recent difficult surgical procedure recovery so much easier to endure. I've wanted to make more frequent observations but just didn't feel well enough to do so. This latest, most refined version of Glory is so beautiful. Her Hull form now so closely resembles photos of the actual vessel that it's uncanny. You can see the brilliance of Donald McKay's design, in that he has a very sharp entrance yet a full massive hold in order to accommodate substantial cargo needs as well. Your carved Naval Hoods and Cutwater do an impressive representation of this very lovely aspect of her Bow entrance. My sole nitpick is you just need to somehow squeeze in a sole carved ropeline at the base of her Cutwater which so gracefully echoes the lower Naval Hood triple curved arch. As I said to Vlad, this line doesn't impede on the lovely continuous curve of the Cutwater itself. Then I can hardly wait to see this section fully realized with 24kt gold leaf which embossed all carved relief for this section. Again, thank you so much for your single minded devotion to realizing McKay's final Clipper Ship in all her true glory. It's such an uplifting and inspiring process to observe.

Vladimir, like Rob's 1:96th scale efforts your even larger 1:72nd scale Glory project is progressing beautifully. I'm particularly taken with her lovely counter which now is much more reflective of the actual vessel herself. One item which I want to help you refine is the graceful lower curve of Glory's cutwater. Look carefully at the negative space of Glory herself where you overlayed the red lines. It's a continual graceful looping curve going all the way down just beyond her lower Bobstay mount on her prow. The reverse curve of the carved arch can be confusing, as it appears to interfere with that curve but it doesn't, that's an optical illusion. Focus on the edge, you'll see what I mean. Overall, you and Rob both have impressive projects in the works.

Rob, I'm relieved to hear that you're ok after the worst historic heat wave in the Northwest coast ever. Never in my wildest imagination would I ever conceive of Seattle, Washington having a early Summer temperature of 118 degrees. Had I seen that in a SciFi film, I would have dismissed it as pure fantasy. I hope to God cooler temperatures prevail soon for all of you. Excessive heat, combined with high humidity can be crushing. It can be hard to breathe, even moving around can be very tiring. In such excessive conditions, a good reliable air conditioning system is a godsend. Staying immersed in water, either by swimming or frequent cool showers helps too. Sunburns can be very painful and dangerous too. If you have to be outside, cover yourself especially the back of your neck and behind your knees. Heat frustration leading to heat exhaustion can be subtle at first than hit you all at once. It starts with having trouble concentrating, can lead to godawful headaches, even light headedness and dizziness. It's best to lay down with knees bent and cold wet compresses on your head. Drink cold water like a fish. Gatorade is especially helpful as it replaces electrolytes lost to sweat. Meanwhile the progress you described on your Glory build is very exciting to read. I can't wait to see pictures! I'm finally home from the hospital after spending 19 days there. Now continues the difficult road to full recovery. Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. They mean a lot!

Rob, Thanks. It finally feels like my body is on its full way to recovery, Thank God! I'm glad to hear you had a nice Father's Day get together with family. I never asked. Do you have kids or grandchildren? By the way. Do you know if Michael's been able to see these pics of your impressive 3rd model? I would be thrilled to see images of your and Vladimir's completed projects in his 3rd book. Probably not possible due to production timelines but it never hurts to ask. Meanwhile, on your vacation, due be careful. I hear riding in the surf can be very tricky!

Rob, Now we're talking! Glory's Bow profile, especially new, accurized Cutwater and Naval Hoods really reflects all the many improved photo documentation Mike has shared with us over the past year. Even more impressive is her vastly improved, now gracefully light Stern profile. I only hope that Mike's publishers might even consider including your completed model in his latest book. I can't wait until my health improves enough to be able to more fully participate again.

Rob, by pioneering the way for other modelers, especially pure novices like me, you're giving us all good insight how to be better prepared for the challenges ahead. That way we can hopefully avoid many if not all the ordinary pitfalls you're describing in your rapid construction process. I for one am very grateful for your willingness to share your progress "warts and all" as the saying goes. In a few short hours, I will be going to Yale Hospital, New Haven for bladder removal and neo bladder procedure. It will be a painful recovery but since I've undergone previous difficulties before, eventually there will be recovery. Observing your build will be something I will continue to look forward to during this difficult process. I wish you Godspeed!

Rob, you do such amazingly fast yet beautiful work. I know it must have felt like an eternity over this past year but it now looks like our group's concerted efforts are paying off in big dividends. "Glory of the Seas" has never looked better. Her sleek , fine entrance finally reflects the images of her at Seattle and other scenes. Even more noticeable is that her previous over large, sort of dumpy exaggerated Stern is much more refined reflecting the hard work we did in getting that area accurate. What's more is her superior carrying capacity is very noticeable too, from your overhead shots. It's immediately clear what Donald MacKay was aiming for in this refined nautical design: a vessel with very strong clippership qualities yet with significant carrying capacity too. I am so looking forward to watching your progress on her.

Rob, Your plan of procedure sounds First Rate. If you don't mind, I'd appreciate know which Bulkheads you're referring to that are asymmetrical and need attention. While my own plans are of necessity long term, still for future planning, I'd like to know.

Rob, with all the patient research and background work invested in getting her true form accurate, I predict this will be the most exciting build you've done so far. Already I can see a more refined Hull with a much sleeker, fine entrance of her prow without even seeing the enhanced Cutwater and Stem included. Great work as usual!

Rob, well said. I also believe a huge debt of gratitude goes to famed nautical researcher and author of two publications on "Glory of the Seas" the inimitable Michael Mjelde. Noteworthy too is the contribution of Arina, "TheAuthorsDaughter" who was instrumental in arranging the meeting of her dad Mike and Rob. Mike is and has been generous to a fault in sharing some of the rarest and simply amazingly clear images of Glory from a collection that has taken him 40 years to amass. I'm still amazed at the sharp clarity of the 1912 close up of her Bow and figurehead. The definition is so refined that I was able to count the 8 strakes that make up her mainrail bulkhead. Thanks to these reliable, in many cases never before seen images, we continue to develop what I believe to be the finest, most accurate plans and model of Donald McKay's last, longest lived Clipper Ship.

Rob, what's even more mind bending (to me at least) is that the Royal George double headed horse figurehead with all its intricate details was carved from a single piece of boxwood!

Rob, again the overhead view of Glory's hull really shows in this photo. As a courtesy, I just wanted to remind you that 3'6" below the planksheer, there's a more subtle Hull line that blends in to the lowest molding of Glory's naval hoods at the Bow and ends up being a significant factor in forming her graceful tumble home at the stern.

Rob, I recognize some of what you're doing but don't quite comprehend all of it. How did you discover the outsized bulkheads which interrupted the flow of the Hull? Inquiring minds would like to know.

Rob, Glory's sleek hull form is quite evident in the overhead view of her Bow. Very nice indeed.

Rob, this will be a sturdy vessel indeed. I appreciate the additional structural reinforcing elements.

Rob, Here we go indeed. I'm gonna strap in for the wild ride, as I'm sure it will fly by. You're already off to a nice start.

Continuing in the vein of Lloyd McCaffery's brilliant miniatures, known and recognized world wide as some of the finest on the planet, here are more priceless treasures in the most unique Maritime Art Gallery in the Borough of Stonington, CT. (1) "Ancient Victory" (2) Clipper "Morning Light" figurehead (carved by Gleason who also did "Glory of the Seas") (3) Dual horses head figurehead of British Ship of the Line "Royal George" named for the King. (4, 5 & 6) "Glory of the Seas" before Russ offered to move her to an easier spot to take pictures of her. You can see the difference in quality. (7) "Morning Light" different angle (8, 9 & 10) "Bald Eagle" this is simply a stunning piece of work. The eagle looks so lifelike and delicate, these pictures hardly do it justice. Before I discovered Glory this show piece stopped me in its tracks. Magnificent. (11) British Brig HMS "Sultana" which has apparently been recreated full scale in the South. (12) Yacht "America" Winner of the 100 Guinea Cup, forever after named the "America's Cup" leading to the most incredible winning streak in sports history as the USA repeatedly won this prize for well over a Century! (13) two Royal Barges

As promised earlier today, here are the many pictures I took of Lloyd McCaffery's incredibly tiny wooden carving of Glory's magnificent figurehead. Mike told me in one of his emails that Lloyd went to the India House, NYC to take multiple angled pictures of the actual Grecian Goddess 'Athene' figurehead, where he had been given extraordinary access to her by India House management, in reparation for this work. Knowing his penchant for thorough research for any artifact he creates, we can all be very confident that this is a delicate recreation of her in miniature.