EdT

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 172 – Stay Bullseyes/Eyebolts
 
There are six "heavy duty" eyebolts with shackled bullseyes that secure the two legs of the fore, main, and main topmast stays.  Those of the main mast are anchored in the deck and the forestay is secured to the knightheads.  I'm including these and all deck and hull eyebolts as part of the "pre-rigging" and intend to install all those connections before starting on the masts.  The process for making the bullseyes and fitting the iron shackles is very similar to that used on the channel deadeyes described earlier.  The process starts with the bullseyes.
 
There are two sizes of these bullseyes, 11" for the fore and main stays and 8" for the main topmast stay.
 
After turning a cherry cylinder the small bullseyes were shaped in the lathe and parted off first, followed by the larger size.  This allows them to be turned "overhanging" without end support and without deflection.  The first picture shows one of the 11" bullseyes being turned.
 

 
The edges were rounded with a file before the parting step shown in the photo.  The pieces were then filed/sanded to remove stubs from the parting.  They were then set up in chuck in the rotating table as described earlier for the deadeyes.  The rotating table is not really required for this, but it is easy to center with a dial indicator on the center hole.  I believe this was shown earlier.  The center holes in the bullseyes were then drilled as shown below.
 

 
I did this in the mill as described so the holes would be precisely centered.  Although lathe drilling can be very convenient, sometimes (at least in my aging Unimat) it is more likely to produce off center holes, especially on the smaller pieces.  In fact, for the small bullseyes I started the hole with a center drill before changing to the final small drill bit.  The larger bit shown on the 11" bullseye above was stiff enough to stay on center without that time consuming step.
 
The edges of the bores in all of the bullseyes were then rounded by twirling diamond bits by hand in a pin vise as shown below.
 

 
The bullseyes were then polished up and dyed with a non-fading walnut stain made from VanDyke crystals.  These will later be waxed. 
 
The next picture shows the first step in making the shackle.
 

 
The shackle bolts were silver- soldered to the ends of the shackle with the eyebolts slipped on but away from the solder.  These were then maneuvered over the bolt end of the shackle.  The six shackles with their eyebolts are shown below.
 

 
These were then slipped over the bullseyes, crimped and each whole assembly washed with liver of sulfur to blacken the copper.  The blackened assemblies are shown drying on a paper towel in the next picture.
 

 
The next picture shows two large bullseyes for the forestay bolted through the knightheads.  
 

 
These are often shown bolted into the tops of the knightheads, but this makes no sense to me because the strain could easily split open the top of the knighthead.  I bolted these through the aft side just below the top. (Engineering license.)
 
The connections for the main and main topmast stays are shown below.  Iron reinforcing plates were fitted at the base of these.
 

 
Location of these required some consideration (and again some license was exercised).  The larger mainstay eyebolts are anchored through the deck beam.  The position was plotted using a dummy lower mast and a full sized line to check for interferences with the bitts, the cabin roof, the foremast, and the anchor chain openings. The smaller main topmast stay eyebolts are likewise anchored on the deck and not to a cross member between the bitts as is often shown.  I omitted this member on both fore and main masts because rigging for the double topsail rig greatly increases congestion of ropes in this area, especially in front of the mast.  The location shown seemed logical, and as with the larger stay, will avoid interferences – I hope. 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Fantastic, Frank.  I really envy you having the real thing as a guide.
 
Ed

Very nice, Frank - work and explanation.
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Fantastic, Frank.  I really envy you having the real thing as a guide.
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Fantastic, Frank.  I really envy you having the real thing as a guide.
 
Ed

Very nice, Frank - work and explanation.
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Fantastic, Frank.  I really envy you having the real thing as a guide.
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 176 – Whisker Booms
 
After a couple weeks on my favorite beach – one passed by Young America on her last fateful voyage – I have now returned refreshed and ready for the fall modeling campaign.  The whisker booms were completed just before we left.
 
Whisker booms were iron extensions to the catheads that served as spreaders for the chain jibboom and flying jibboom guys.  The first picture shows the installation of these fragile-looking members.
 

 
The whiskers extend about 5 feet from the ends of the catheads and are bolted to the after sides.  Each has formed cleats on the top face through which will pass the chain guys.
 
The whisker booms were made from hard brass plate and were shaped by hand methods – sawing and filing.  In the next picture a jeweler's saw with a fairly wide blade is being used to cut the inner line of the end cleat on the pair of booms.
 

 
Apart from these initial cuts, each boom was shaped individually.  The next picture shows one finished boom and one in progress.
 

 
To be sure these would smoothly pass the chain guys they were tested as shown below with some of the correct-size chain.
 

 
In the next picture the port boom is held in place with a clamp while the run of the chain guy is being checked. 
 

 
The guys will obviously be installed later when the bowsprit is installed and rigged.  The next picture shows the port boom temporarily bolted to the cathead.
 

 
The bolts were silver-soldered into the booms before blackening, then rounded off and cut to length.  The bolts were then CA glued into drilled holes in the cathead.
 
The last picture shows the finished boom on the port side.
 

 
 
 
Ed

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 175 – Shackles
 
Since I will be away for the next couple weeks, I thought I would cram in one more post before leaving – especially since it relates closely to the last post. 
 
There will be many shackles like those described below in Young America's rigging – 3 dozen or more on the deck and hull, plus many more aloft on yard bands, connecting chains and wire to rope, etc.
 
Shackles consist of  U-shaped iron yokes with screwed bolts threaded into the ends.  They replaced ring bolts, seized lashings and other connectors.  Easy removal of the screwed bolt allowed connections and disconnections to be made easily.  Several shackled eyebolts are shown below.
 

 
These will eventually be installed in the deck, rails, or hull by the method described in the last part – but not until later after the lines have been spliced on at the workbench.  The next picture shows the two parts of a shackle about to be silver-soldered.
 

 
The two pieces are 24 gauge copper wire – same gauge as the eyebolt.  Copper-phosphorus paste has been applied at the joints.  The configuration of the pieces is intended to simulate the horseshoe shape with a straight bolt at the bottom.  The picture also shows an eyebolt embedded in the soldering block ready for attachment of its shackle – not the one shown.  The next picture shows the soldered shackle before trimming the bolt ends.
 

 
There will be relatively few of these standalone shackles, so this was for demo only.  The next picture (apologies for bad focus) shows the soldering setup for an eyebolt-attached shackle.
 

 
The embedded eyebolt must be kept clear of the solder paste so the parts will swing freely.  After soldering, the shackle must be rotated so its bolt passes through the eyebolt allowing the rope or other line to connect to the horseshoe loop. This rotation has been done on the pieces in the last picture.
 

 
The loops on these shackles at 1:72 are about 6" (.08" actual) diameter.
 
Next topic: Whisker booms.
 
 
Ed