Charles W Morgan by texxn5 - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:64

[texxn5]

Boy's & Gals.....here's an anchor

[texxn5]

A couple of nice line drawings of the rigging and profiles

[texxn5]

I forgot to mention, that these are supposed to be the drawings that Ben Langford used when he designed the plans for Model Shipways for this model.  I believe they were for the '82 restoration, but not sure.

[hamilton]

Would love to go there someday....our annual vacations normally don't take us back east, but maybe soon....

hamilton

[texxn5]

It is certainly worth seeing as is the Constitution if you get this way. I really enjoyed seeing the restoration people working on the ship. They not only have the contractors and supervisors but about 1,200 volunteer workers (mostly former Navy dudes) that work on anything that needs doing. Like a bunch of ants working. Very interesting to witness this. They are not only restoring the ship, they are teaching and preserving the old shipwrights skills in building a ship of this nature. They use as many of the old tools and methods as they can and are teaching a new generation a "lost art". Many of the trees that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and Rita in '05 were harvested from Louisiana and brought to Mystic to be used on the rebuild. Red Oaks have been used in areas they would have used Pine since it was available. There was one tree they estimated was 600 years old, and they harvesed 10 truck loads of lumber and timers from it. The stump is there at Mystic as a tribute it looks to e about 8-9 feet in diameter. Also timbers stored at the Charleston navy yard in Boston where the Constitution is berthed were discovered by the Navy and is being used on the Morgan. Interesting bits of historical importance in this rebuild.

[mobbsie]

Hi John,

 

I paid a visit to HMS Warrior while she was being restored in Hartlepool in the north east of the UK, as you rightly say skills are being lost to the modern generation which is why she was in Hartlepool, that was the only place that they could find with sufficient skilled people to do the rope work, it's a great shame.

 

On completion she was towed down to Portsmouth where she is open to the public and looking absolutely splendid

 

Just my tuppence  worth.

 

mobbsie

[texxn5]

Hi Mobsie,

Thanks for looking in, and welcome aboard.  I am humbled and flattered that you did so.  Yes, it is a shame that the skills of the craft are being lost on the youth of a technological generation.  I really enjoyed observing the operation at Mystic.  It is fortunate that there are still some skilled craftsmen both in the US and the UK., and that they could be utilized for these restorations, and hopefully to educate another generation or generations to come.  At least some of these mighty vessels are being preserved.  There are still many more though.  Here are some photos of the process here.  It appears that you, Sjors, and Grant had an outstanding visit, oh yes and your Admiral's too.  That model museum looks like an outstanding place to be able to visit with collegues.  Thank you again for stopping by.

[texxn5]

I was thinking that some of us "old salts" would enjoy seeing the type of tools used to carve and shape the oak and other woods used in construction a ship like we build. The planking was done exactly as she was built. They removed each piece and duplicated it exactly as the original as they reconstructed her. Mucho labor and time involved.

[Jay 1]

John, thanks for posting all these great pictures during your road trip!  It's been years since I was last in Mystic--next time I'm back there, I'll have to spend a day or so at the museum.  Sounds like you and your admiral are having a great time!

 

Jay

[texxn5]

Hi Jay, actually there is not a museum but it's called the Collections & Research Building. It is a giant 15,000 sq ft building and is only available only by appointment. You need to call them in advance and set an appointment where you will be allowed access to whatever you want but with a chapperone and or guide. No photographs are allowed but the information mentally is worth every second if you get my drift!!! It is worth doing. They have many drawings of just about any ship you request, plans, and 1000's of models locked away behind closed doors which will be shown to you upon request. They also have a vast collection of artifacts and memorabelia.

Edited September 25, 2013 by texxn5

[Jay 1]

Wow, sounds like a great place John! Can folks purchase plan copies? What a great trip you're having...hmm, definitely would like to give it a visit--esp. To see the models.

 

Jay

[texxn5]

Hi Jay, yes they sell copies of any plans you want. The set for the Morgan would be $40. I don't know how they price other sets, but they are very helpful. The two ladies working there are terrific, and you can call them for info. I think their names are Marieanne and Carol. Their office is in the Collections and Research Building across the street from the North entrance to Mystic Seaport. They are not inside the Park. It is a red brick building that looks like an old warehouse...very deceiving. Be sure to call ahead for an appointment as it's the only way you'll get in to see the vault where the models and artifacts are located. Yeah, we're having a great trip. Currently in Charleston, SC., then to St. Augustine, Fl.

[trippwj]

Wow, sounds like a great place John! Can folks purchase plan copies? What a great trip you're having...hmm, definitely would like to give it a visit--esp. To see the models.

 

Jay

 

Jay -

 

The plans are available for purchase.  You can start here http://www.mysticseaport.org/research/collections/ships-plans/ to research the collection (100,000+ naval architectural drawings, from 1827-2004 [bulk 1890-1970]) and then follow the different links for more information.

[texxn5]

Thanks Wayne, I didn't have time to research again for the contact information yesterday.  My only critique is that they have so many models in their vault that they are just lined up side by side on shelves behind closed steel doors that are electronically controlled by the chaperone.  They are hard to view for just a visit.  I think they will take one out for you to view and study if you request and have a "need", however there are no photographs allowed. I enjoyed seeing them anyway, and they are all inclusive from 200 year old models to modern day, and practically any style ship you can imagine.

[Beef Wellington]

My only critique is that they have so many models in their vault that they are just lined up side by side on shelves behind closed steel doors that are electronically controlled by the chaperone.  They are hard to view for just a visit.  I think they will take one out for you to view and study if you request and have a "need", however there are no photographs allowed.

 

Have to agree John, I think its really self defeating to keep these treasures hidden, may not be the intent, but is certainly the result in my opinion.  I wish these marvelous resources can be made more available through cheap technology these days (imaging being able to access 360deg views of these models online for example), that way people can appreciate these works of art while appropriately protecting them.  Its not just Mystic, seems to be a broad challenge and I'll be the first to criticize the NMM here as I think they could (and should) do a lot more in this area.

[texxn5]

Hi Jason,

It is a real shame that these magnificent models can't be viewed and enjoyed. Some of these models appear to be of ships of the 16-17th century, and are huge, like 6' long and extremely detailed with carvings and decorations, the wood is dark with age and it would be wonderful to see the details and skills of our predecossors. What's also sad is if you didn't know they were there you would completely miss them. There is absolutely no advertisement to this inside the Seaport grounds. I was fortunately introduced to the director of the Morgan project and as we were discussing my construction of the model, he told me of the building across the street, and made an appointment for us to go there and view the models, otherwise I wouldn't have even known of them.

[Jay 1]

John and Wayne, thanks for info. for ordering plans! I agree with what everyone else has shared about making these types of resources known and more accessible. It's a pity all those models are where no one can see or appreciate them. At the very least, putting photos out to the public would be a nice start (the 360 type are great). On the flip side, it may simply cost too much money--if so, what a shame. Makes you wonder how many other treasures are sitting in storage vaults...

 

Jay

Edited September 27, 2013 by JMaitri

[kscadman]

Hi John, I finally got to go thru your log and your Morgan is looking fantastic. And I really like your Mystic photos. 

 

Richard

[texxn5]

Hi Jay, I'm not sure what the answer is on that one.   the lost treasures are the National Archives, and the Smithsonian.  no telling what they don't or won't show us.

[texxn5]

Hi Richard, welcome aboard.  Sorry not much build progress right now, but I'm on an extended trip.  I probably will try working on the whaleboats among my tours to try and get something done.  Mystic was the highlight of my tour along with the Constitution which I just finished building and then got to tour it. 

[riverboat]

Hi John, I now too just went thru your build....... excellent work!!!..... enjoyed your trip as well!!

Frank

[texxn5]

hi Frank, thanks for the kind words, and welcome aboard. Hope to be back in the shipyard to progress the build but meanwhile, I guess I'm forced to tour.... Currently in Charleston, SC, and next week St Augustine...Glad you enjoyed.

[Sjors]

Congratulations on your promotion to Captain !

It's gonna be crowd at the table….

Maybe someone can make a bigger one?

 

[Salty Sea Dog]

Hi John.

Just getting caught up with your adventures. Thanks for taking us along. By any chance, did you make it to the Mariner's Museum in Newport News when you were in VA? The models of August Crabtree are what got me inspired to try this hobby. Looking forward to see more from your travels. Wishing you safe travels. Btw, that was pretty impressive pulling an RV through NYC!

[gjdale]

Congratulations on your promotion Captain John! Come join us at the windbags' table. It's not quite as windy as at the flag officers' table with Sjors, but we make up for that in numbers.

[Sjors]

I'm sitting alone at that table Grant,

 

I'm waiting for Augie and Popeye.

But they are on strike I believe….. 

 

[augie]

Congrats on the promotion, John.  In your case, I guess it's a 'field promotion'  

 

Enjoy the rest of your vacation and get home safe.  Thanks for taking us along.

 

Poor Sjors is lonely at the flag officers' table.  He only has Andy to order around last I heard.

[lambsbk]

John: You are in Charleston? Where and for how long?

[texxn5]

Hi Dave, we are staying at the Oak Plantation RV Park on Savannah Highway and will be here until Monday.

[texxn5]

Hi Sjors,thanks for the kudo's.  Yes the table is getting more crowded.  We'll just bring our woodworking tools and add on to it.  I guess I have now joined the official Gas Bag's Table.  I believe you must be lonely at the "Big" table though.....