John Maguire

I have really enjoyed your effort to post this build. I apologize for not saying so earlier. A couple of months ago I had a European friend purchase the D Agostini Titanic lifeboat for me and mail it to Seattle where I live. While waiting for it to arrive I found a build log where the builder did not do well with the clinker planking. I did the same as you and researched for a successful build log on clinker and could not find any. I did find a series of You Tube videos by a man building a full size clinker dory and it was helpful. He beveled the top of each plank after it was in place. He did that as he was fitting the next plank. He also tapered the ends of each plank as you and Popeye discussed. Seeing your success encourages me. I have one question, if you have time to answer. I do not understand the final and last keel modification that you made. Do you have time to try to describe and photograph it in more detail for me, a novice. Your planking and modification tutorial is my bible. Popeye, knowing you are reading this thread, I see your posts on Dr Middleton's Victory thread. Perhaps you may recall a couple of years ago when I described his vast professional background. He was the doctor of choice for people in need of major facial and hand reconstructive surgery. It is probably no surprise that he also became an accomplished model builder. Respectfully, John Maguire Seattle

Rob, I am caught up on your excellent progress. I have so much to assimilate. Thank you for your input. Back to my own work now! John

Hi Rob, I am just beginning. My hull frames are faired and in place. I want to illuminate and like your implementation of putting background in the lower decks. I never thought of that! Would you be willing to please elaborate on what you might do if you were doing a version 2.0, that I might benefit from your experience? What is the optimal location within each cannon port to place the LED? Are you satisfied with your placement? When I was at Gil's house yesterday, he was wondering if additional LED's in the lower decks that would produce illumination visible when looking through from the top would work? I know how to handle the electronic aspect. At this point in my speculative imaginering I contemplate one level of brilliancy for the aft officers quarters and a lower level for the gun ports, etc. I know how to deal with the electronic aspect and since it is impossible to get back inside the ship to modify components I'd adjust the dim/brightness external to the ship. So, the bottom line is, I like what you have done. Should I replicate it as is or what modifications might you wish based on your present state of the art? Thanks, John Maguire Seattle

Dear Friends, Please permit me to introduce myself. I live close to Dr. Middleton and if memory serves me right, I MIGHT have been the person who made him aware of this forum several years ago, (correct me in private please, Gil) though I've never had anything of sufficient value to post here myself. He wasn't too much into computers if I remember correctly. I tend to drift from hobby to hobby and while starting this specific model several years ago after seeing his early stages I drifted on to other interests. Gil and I got together at my request a couple of weeks ago. As a former live aboard boater, I have never seen Gill's boat and asked to accompany him when he was going there to work. First we met at his home and I got to see his progress on Victory. When last I looked he was only just beyond coppering and hull paint. I tried to take some pictures on this visit and was so overwhelmed that I stopped. The ship detail is so spectacular that what does one photograph? You have all seen his build log, so just think about what I am saying - when you stand in front of it with a camera, where would you begin? It is a daunting proposition! Gil's real boat is spectacular. He purchased it as he neared retirement and spent two years modifying it to the same level of perfection that you see in his work on Victory. His 30,000 mile trip from Seattle through the Canal, up the East Coast, through the Erie Canal, down the Mississippi and back through the Canal to return to Seattle was never fleshed out for you of course in his personal autobiography. On the homeward side of the canal he had a transmission fail. Bear in mind that dear Gil is not a mechanic, yet he was carrying sufficient spare parts and documentation that he was able in two weeks at anchor to rebuild the transmission and continue home. That was about 12 years ago and it is still running fine. By the way, each of his engines is almost the size of a Volkswagen. Major improvements are underway by him on the boat at this moment. Our time aboard was followed by lunch at the 1920 vintage Seattle Yacht Club where Gil has been essentially a lifetime member. The fish & chips lunch that we each enjoyed was delicious and the view grande. Imagine if you will the ambiance of a 90 year old club. The memorabilia scattered throughout on walls and overhead would warrant a visit unto themselves. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe Gil has shared Cutty Sark or Constitution with you. They are equally detailed. I would not be stretching the point if I said SPECTACULAR. So it will not surprise you when I "let the cat out of the bag" and identify Gil . . . . doing so will flesh out the high caliber of his work and attention to detail. Dr. Middleton is a highly esteemed, well established and widely known surgeon who specialized in reconstructive surgery of the hands and face. He dealt with those in the most serious instances of need. We are privileged to know him and share in his dedication to this hobby. Oh yes, at this point in time, it is probable he has enjoyed more birthdays than any reading this and I guarantee he is here with us forever. Especially so now to seek revenge on me for telling this to all of you, his admirers. We are all fortunate to know him and benefit from his skillful hands - the hands of a surgeon. No surprise, is it? John Maguire Bellevue