rwiederrich Posted June 29, 2016 Share #1 Posted June 29, 2016 Well...I have been planning this build for over a year. Unlike my practice..I will not be modifying a Revell CS hull....but will be building a scratch POB model of the Great Republic from a couple of sources. Namely the McCann plan and those supplemented by the plans provided by Arthur H Clark, and drawings from Crothers, manuscripts and first hand wood etchings of the vessel. Unlike many contemporary replications...I will be following the descriptions of her rig by Duncan McLean and Richard McKay. Today I began by copying and cutting out the frame drawings and separating them into for and aft sections. I hope to get the plywood this weekend and then transfer the template to it and then cut out all the bulkheads. The model will be 3/32"=1' Here is an image of a engraving depicting the rig I will replicate. And an image of the cut templates. Rob Pete Jaquith, popeye the sailor, EricWilliamMarshall and 12 others 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenadM Posted June 29, 2016 Share #2 Posted June 29, 2016 (edited) Just dropped to watch and learn. This build will be interesting! Edited June 29, 2016 by Nenad omarcs, Mirabell61, PeteB and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
druxey Posted June 29, 2016 Share #3 Posted June 29, 2016 Looking forward to your progress, Rob. Mirabell61 and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailor1234567890 Posted June 29, 2016 Share #4 Posted June 29, 2016 Can't wait. I have been busy but still have a CS hull for you. I'll look into boxing it up when I get home from this deployment soon. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted June 30, 2016 Author Share #5 Posted June 30, 2016 Thanks guys. Nenad...I've been following your CS build and am pleased by your progress...I only wish I have as much drive. My Canadian friends are very much appreciated...your support is inspiring. Sailor....I still have plans for that extra CS hull, and again I thank you for your kindness in thinking of me. This new POB build will surely take me to new heights in construction. I've only built 2 other models using the POB method...and both of those were kit based. I'm going it alone...therefore I think the initial planking that will be used will be 2" X 1/16" X 30" material, of clear fine grain Fruitless Mulberry. Gaining the initial hull shape will happen rapidly..permitting me a fine base to apply the second layer of planking. I paint all my clippers...so grain and color imperfections in the wood are a moot issue. Thanks again. Rob PeteB, Mirabell61 and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted June 30, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted June 30, 2016 (edited) For informational purposes it is worth repeating; A strong discrepancy was found on the McCann plan(And I've seen models built from this plan which first alerted me to this issue) The Doubling for each mast at the Fore/Main/Mizzen mast at the attachment to the Fore/Main/Mizzen topmast is backward. Placing the topmast to the rear of the doubling. The doubling on the GR was exceptionally lengthy, accommodating the Forbes topsail design which slid up and down its length. Study has revealed the doubling error was most likely not designed, since definitive evidence is clear from first hand account etchings. Secondly, study of other reputable builders models can be an aid....such as Greg McKay of New Mexico who's splendid example of the GR mimics the evidence I have uncovered. Second error found, absent on several noted models, along with respected author and historian Crothers have omitted the fifth deck house aft of the mizzen mast...which master model maker Donald McNarry included on his fabulous model of her. It is also mentioned in Richard McKay's book on the subject of McKay's clippers. From what I gather, there were five deck houses in addition to the helm house. Among the masting errors I have noticed....the original description of the GR as described by eye witnesses is that she had a flying jib boom accompanying her jib boom....much in the same manner as McKay built the Lightning. In short, it appears there is much to allow for ample artistic license as far as her sparing and rigging is concerned. This will permit me satisfaction when she is complete.....knowing that her original build will be less recognizable then the latter. Rob Edited June 30, 2016 by rwiederrich mtaylor, Mirabell61 and PeteB 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirabell61 Posted June 30, 2016 Share #7 Posted June 30, 2016 interesting Project Rob, that four masted clipper ship must have been one of the largest and beautiful clippers ever built in wood. Encouraged by an article here at MSW I was curious about this ship and looked up the appropriate pages in the heritage Dec. 1935 edition of the Popular Science Magazine. (frame plan on page 95) I wish you a good start with your project, and much fun with digging out, exploring and gathering all you need for that lovely build. Will be following the "rebirth" of this clipper... Nils PeteB and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted June 30, 2016 Author Share #8 Posted June 30, 2016 Thanks Nils...I'm heading out to the garage to glue the templates to the plywood..getting ready to cut out bulkheads. Rob Mirabell61, popeye the sailor and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popeye the sailor Posted June 30, 2016 Share #9 Posted June 30, 2016 should be a fun build Rob.........as with all your other builds I've looked in on. pleased to take a seat on this one, if you don't mind mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted June 30, 2016 Author Share #10 Posted June 30, 2016 Glued the template down on the plywood..... Getting started. Half to go. Rob GuntherMT, Mirabell61, IgorSky and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahuna Posted June 30, 2016 Share #11 Posted June 30, 2016 Rob - I'm looking forward to following your build. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasseur Posted July 1, 2016 Share #12 Posted July 1, 2016 Even though I am a SIB modeller I will follow as well as I love the clippers. Jeff mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 1, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted July 1, 2016 Thanks everyone...tomorrow(I'm at work)...I'll finish gluing the temples down and begin cutting out the dried ones. After much thought..I've decided to cut out bulkhead spacers to be placed between each bulkhead at the proper distance as identified on the scale drawings. these will provide ample strength and allow each bulkhead to be glued/nailed in proper position. Making the framing process go quite fast. I will then draw and cut out the keel and cutwater from the plans and add them to the framing. Not sure what will cut faster the band saw or the scroll saw..... Not your typical POB designed construction...but I shy away from typical. Rob mtaylor, Mirabell61 and popeye the sailor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 1, 2016 Author Share #14 Posted July 1, 2016 Today I glued the aft templates to plywood and cut the forward templet plywood bulkheads out. I'll return to the job tomorrow. tadheus, Jorge Diaz O, popeye the sailor and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markjay Posted July 1, 2016 Share #15 Posted July 1, 2016 I'm going to hang around for the build, if you don't mind. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 1, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted July 1, 2016 (edited) Just a construction note to inform my MSW friends. I tend to be less concerned about attention to detail..were that the detail is not going to be visibly accessible. I don't pay attention to the sanding of inside edges of bulkheads...or wiping away internal glue drips. I do pay attention to proper bulkhead dressing and beveling..so that the planking will not express errors initiated by them. If I were a purist at heart..these details, each in their turn would be a priority. My goal is a sound structure...with pleasant and correct lines...that I will paint. Please have patience as I bull my way through this initial construction process. Tomorrow is a new day and I hope to get the remaining bulkheads cut out and the blocking cut and the beginning (at least) of the framing assembly begun. When I work..I tend to move quickly...when I'm idle....the pond tends to freeze over. Rob Edited July 1, 2016 by rwiederrich PeteB, mtaylor and popeye the sailor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
druxey Posted July 2, 2016 Share #17 Posted July 2, 2016 Aaaand... you are out of the starting gate! mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share #18 Posted July 2, 2016 Yeah.....cutting my own bulkheads..initially worried me...because I was relying heavily upon the drawings I collected(that's the thing about research). Kits these days provide you with such nicely laser-cut parts...projecting from the start a clean foundation from where one can either improve or detract from. I like scratch building because it provides ample levity to go in any direction that your building style or skill leads you. Rob(And we're off) Mirabell61 and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted July 2, 2016 Share #19 Posted July 2, 2016 I daresay a flying start.... if we overlook the research time. Did you go for the bandsaw or the scroll? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdT Posted July 2, 2016 Share #20 Posted July 2, 2016 Looking forward to your progress, Rob. Ed Mirabell61 and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share #21 Posted July 2, 2016 I daresay a flying start.... if we overlook the research time. Did you go for the bandsaw or the scroll? Bandsaw......much faster and with a steady hand//good results. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share #22 Posted July 2, 2016 Looking forward to your progress, Rob. Ed Thanks Ed. I changed my mind and decided to go with a firm keel..so I cut out some maple(from a tree I cut down in the yard) into full length..plained it to 1/8" and cut out the recess grooves for each bulkhead.... Here are some pics of the forward bulkheads mounted (test fit) Jorge Diaz O, trippwj, PeteB and 9 others 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share #23 Posted July 2, 2016 Of course...I'll chamfer each bulkhead after they are all glued and set. Back to work. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share #24 Posted July 2, 2016 Done cutting all the rest of the major bulkheads...now I will glue them into place and then cut and install the bulkhead spacers that will give strength to the framing. No pics right now my battery is dead and is being charged........ Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share #25 Posted July 2, 2016 (edited) Well I finished all the frame work and the hard pine aft...now I'll let everything dry and then I'll begin sanding/chamfering the bulkheads..preparing them for planking. Rob Edited July 2, 2016 by rwiederrich Mirabell61, archjofo, hexnut and 11 others 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenadM Posted July 2, 2016 Share #26 Posted July 2, 2016 Lines of hull appears! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share #27 Posted July 2, 2016 Indeed. Her sharp extreme clipper lines are very clear. One thing that is very nice about this ship(from a builders perspective) is there are no bulwarks. Crothers provides a nice depiction. Rob PeteB, IgorSky, markjay and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwiederrich Posted July 3, 2016 Author Share #28 Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) Well....I've cut the pre or false deck and glued the sections on. It may appear out of sorts but when dry I will trim the edges and ends and sand the curved deck smooth. I over extend the decking so I can trim it back nice and flush...controlling the contours This sub-deck is needed to give the deck a solid base to be built upon...similarly to the sub planking laid down before the final layer of finished planking is laid. I think I'm done for the day..I spent over 10 hours in the shop today...plus the deck needs to dry..... Thanks for looking in. Rob Edited July 3, 2016 by rwiederrich GuntherMT, mtaylor, IgorSky and 18 others 21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted July 3, 2016 Share #29 Posted July 3, 2016 That's beyond impressive for one day's work... When I first saw the pics before reading I was wondering if you'd changed your mind and were building an aircraft carrier. Sounds like you have a good plan for this. druxey, PeteB and popeye the sailor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahuna Posted July 3, 2016 Share #30 Posted July 3, 2016 Great progress, Rob. mtaylor and Sea Hoss 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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