Sea Witch 1846 by Zooker - RESTORATION

[One and Done]

On 6/7/2020 at 9:26 AM, Zooker said:

My late uncle built this model in 1956, and I'm wondering whether it is possible to learn which company made the kit.  After he recently died, I asked his caregiver to set it aside for me.  As you can see, she was not very careful about protecting it until I was able to pick it up.  Also,  what is the best glue to use on these damaged masts?  Something that sets quickly? I can't see how I would be able clamp them in place.  I'm going to do my utmost  to restore this model the best I can because  I can't even think about throwing into a landfill.

 

[One and Done]

On 6/7/2020 at 9:26 AM, Zooker said:

My late uncle built this model in 1956, and I'm wondering whether it is possible to learn which company made the kit.  After he recently died, I asked his caregiver to set it aside for me.  As you can see, she was not very careful about protecting it until I was able to pick it up.  Also,  what is the best glue to use on these damaged masts?  Something that sets quickly? I can't see how I would be able clamp them in place.  I'm going to do my utmost  to restore this model the best I can because  I can't even think about throwing into a landfill.

 

[Zooker]

It's been a while since I posted this item, and I've done very little except for cleaning up this model where possible because I was hoping to learn which company made this kit in order to find the original blueprints that would help me (a total novice) to attempt restoration.  Well, a couple weeks ago someone on the West Coast (who is not a member) decided to browse this site and saw the photos of my uncle's model.  He emailed me directly and said it looked very similar to the model he just completed and sent photos of his.   Close, I thought, but not quite that of my uncle's.  He admitted not following the drawings to the letter, adding that I could have his blueprints; they arrived yesterday.  They were from the Marine Model Co. in N.Y and were drawn in 1937 and revised in 1958;  my uncle completed his in 1956.  What I noticed on the drawings was that the brow sprit comprised two pieces of wood, as is the case with mine.  The other fellow's has only the longer piece, and the colors he used do not match those on my uncle's.  I felt sure that these drawings were of little use to me, but then I came across a small set of instructions among the blueprints and discovered that the paint colors on my model match exactly those used my uncle.  Voila!  My search has ended, thanks to somebody who just decided to "drop in" for a visit to this site.  My wife said it best:  There are a lot of nice people in this world!

[Nirvana]

Zooker, 

That's what ModelShipWorld means "The help you can find from an unexpected corner in the world"
I am glad that the plans and instructions will be to good help for you. And have to say to the "unknown person" - Thank you for the help, this is what drives MSW forward.

[Zooker]

Well, I got lucky recently when another modeler visited this site and saw my interest in obtaining the blueprints for this particular Sea Witch model.  He had just completed building his after umpteen years of having the kit.  It's the Marine Model #1079 that was first drawn in 1937.  He had no more use for the blueprints so he gave them to me!  Now my question is:  Where do I start?  I'd say 90 percent of the rigging is still in place; the problem is that parts of the masts and spars have come unglued so it's just a matter of putting them back together.  The bow sprit is in pretty bad shape;  the top mast stay is missing and I'd like to know how one would go about reproducing it.  I can send photos of the bow sprit if folks here think it would be helpful.  Again, let me emphasize that I've never built a ship model of this complexity.  I just want to get as close as I can to restoring what my uncle did with so much devotion in 1956.  Thank you.

[druxey]

Can you post a photo or two of the bowsprit? Then we can assess how best to proceed.

[Zooker]

Here you go.  These OK?

[Bill Morrison]

On 7/1/2020 at 1:15 PM, Zooker said:

The railing is wood.

I can forward to you a template for this railing. From that, it would be a simple job to copy and craft a new one.  It could be a plan.

 

Bill

[Bill Morrison]

Also, have you considered visiting www.bluejacket.com?   You could very well find supplies you could use in this effort.  A J Fisher also has a site.

 

Bill

[Jaager]

If you are interested in exploring the bow architecture and bowsprit, there is a paper in NRJ with the title "Which witch is Sea Witch". 

It seems that the two or three old kits and HIC got it wrong.. 

The Scientific Sea Witch was my first ship model - the idea was to have something to decorate a fireplace mantel.  I had zero knowledge of or experience with tools.  

I drilled the holes for the masts using a countersink bit in a hand spiral driver.  The carved hull was soft enough wood to allow this.

[Zooker]

Bill:

Sorry I missed this post about a template for this railing.  I'd love to have it.  Thank you.

[Bill Morrison]

My pleasure!  I'll post it tomorrow or the day after.

 

Bill

[Zooker]

I've been doing a lot of reading given that I am by no means an experienced modeler.  I need to make some templates for the Sea Witch (Since my last posting, I was fortunate enough to get the original plans for this model.  (Marine Model Kit #1079)  So...how do I create templates for the bow sprit cap, dolphin striker, horns, as well as the transom rail, etc?  Thank you. 

[druxey]

As this is a complex job, I wonder if you have a ship model club in your area (wherever that is!)? If so, you will have access to a lot of experienced folk who can help you at your shoulder - covid permitting. They can show you what to do, which is easier than corresponding here. However, if that isn't possible, we'll try our best to assist online.

[Zooker]

I live in rural Wisconsin and the clubs tend to be several hours away.

[rwiederrich]

Zooker...is there any new updates on this wonderful restoration?

[Zooker]

I've done some reading and was lucky enough to get a copy of the original plans for this model; I hope to soon attempt small steps in restoring it to at least a more presentable condition.  What I need to do is find a way to reproduce  the short railing on the stern.

Edited May 4, 2022 by Zooker

[cajunrandy214]

it looks plastic ? to me - if so i believe it was  a MARX product- i think there are some kits like that on EBAY

[cajunrandy214]

actually there are 1/96 plastic kits on EBAY by LINDBERG

[Bill Morrison]

1 hour ago, cajunrandy214 said:

actually there are 1/96 plastic kits on EBAY by LINDBERG

The Lindberg kit was largely transcribed from the old kit by Marx. Marx also released it as Swordfish, Scientific once released a Sea Witch solid hull kit that could be built into a decent model.

Bill

[douglaspbrown]

It looks like it's  been a year since the last post.  Are you still working on the Sea Witch restoration? 

[douglaspbrown]

How to Make Clipper Ship Models by Edward W Hobbs

This is a book, available at different sites.  Just Google the book.

[Zooker]

Well, it's been a few years since I've attempted any restoration on this due to unforeseen events, but I want to give this another go.  I want to begin by attaching the bow sprit that broke free from the hull; I tried using Testor's fast-drying glue for wooden models, but it's not drying fast enough.  I think the best thing to do is insert a pin in the sprit and then insert the other end into the hull.  According to the plans, a hole was first drilled in the hull and then the 3/16 dowel was inserted into the hull.  Years ago I had a very small drill bit for models, but I apparently have lost it during several moves.  Anyway, any suggestions re:  attaching this piece would be appreciated.  FYI:  The kit (#1079) is from Marine Model Co.  N.Y.   Thanks!

[Wawona59]

Hi Zooker,  When fixing broken parts (I've had a many over the years) I always use some sort of support at the joint break.  One of my favorite materials to use is small bamboo skewers.  I have a package of 300 mall "appetizer skewers" I got at the local grocery store for under $1.00.  These can be shaved down to the size you need in a drill using sandpaper.  No need for fancy glues here either as long as your dowel repair fits the hole you've drilled and the holes are deep enough to allow for some purchase. I would probably use a pin vice to drill the holes as I feel I have more control.  You can just use yellow carpenter's glue available at any hardware store but will take some time to set up and dry so a method of clamping would be needed.  I like to use spring loaded clothes pins.  If you want an "instant" glue joint you could use medium CA or a 2-part epoxy. Here's a link to Olha Batvarov's restoration of a model of the HMS Boreas.  While not a clipper ship, it may give you some help in planning your restoration.

 

 

I wish you the best with your restoration project.  With it's family connection, this model is definitely worth restoring with a light hand to preserve as much as possible of the original model.

 

 

[Zooker]

Thanks, John.  I'm still looking around for that small drill that BTW is manually operated!