Glory of the Seas 1869 by rwiederrich - FINISHED - 1/96 - medium clipper

[rwiederrich]

4 hours ago, MrBlueJacket said:

I've been quietly following - like everyone says, simply magnificent isn't enough. Congratulations!

 

Nic

Thanks Nic....I truly appreciate your compliment.

My attention might shift to researching and scratch building the only clipper ever to be built on the West coast....in Cooz Bay Oregon...the *Western Shore*.  She was unquestionably an extremely fast clipper, however she was short lived..built on October 10, 1874 and wrecked on July 9, 1878.  One notible race was between the *Three Brothers*, *British King*and the *Western Shore*..sailing from San Fran to Liverpool.  Both the Three Brothers and British King consumed more then 150 days to make the passage, while the Western Shore completed the same track in 104 days.  This future build excites me for several reasons.  The only 3 masted full rigged ship built on the West Coast of the US and the nature of her design and material used in her construction.  She was built entirely of Douglas-fir and Port Orford cedar......with some exotic woods used in her cabins and gallary.

She sported 6 yards per mast.

 

I'm generally a McKay clipper enthusiest, but this particular clipper stands out as quite significant.  Worthy of reproduction.  I've already started a build log for her...just haven't contributed to it as of late....I suspect that will change.

 

Rob

[Dave_E]

OUTSTANDING Rob! Construction extraordinaire! I like the photography of the actual with the background photo! Nicely done Sir! 👍😀

[rwiederrich]

22 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob, I like this image even better. My only issue (there always seems to be one) 😉 the background vessel needs to be raised, since it looks disturbingly like it's foundered. I realize you want to avoid it being a distraction but to me the current position looks.... unnatural.

The representation is designed to depict another vessel far off in the distance. It will appear small and somewhat submerged 

 

That detail can go in perfected, my model is the detail in question.  
 

Rob

[Rick310]

Incredible Rob!  I am particularly impressed with how great a job you did painting the deck houses and other structures.  I seem to be struggling to get my painting clean and crisp as you have.  What is your technique? And how did you make the sails? 
Again, thanks for a great journey.  I’m sure you have inspired all of us to keep moving forward and getting better

Rick

[KeithAug]

She is exceptionally beautiful Rob, a true work of art.

[rwiederrich]

1 hour ago, Rick310 said:

Incredible Rob!  I am particularly impressed with how great a job you did painting the deck houses and other structures.  I seem to be struggling to get my painting clean and crisp as you have.  What is your technique? And how did you make the sails? 
Again, thanks for a great journey.  I’m sure you have inspired all of us to keep moving forward and getting better

Rick

Hi Rick.   Every house was painted off model. I simply used acrylics.  Fast drying, water soluble , easy cleanup.  
 

The furled sails are made from a dental bordering compound. Very pliable when working and hard when cured.  Not available to everyone.   
However, a good quality hardening wax may suffice, after painted. 
 

Thanks for the very fine compliment. 
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

18 minutes ago, KeithAug said:

She is exceptionally beautiful Rob, a true work of art.

Thanks Keith, I appreciate that.  
 

Rob

[michael mott]

Rob, Thanks for taking the time and energy to keep us all appraised of the ups and downs of this wonderful build. You have done to this layman at least an outstanding bit of research, and model-building in a way that has given me a much better appreciation for the shipbuilders art.

 

A magnificent model of a beautiful ship.

 

Congratulations.

 

Michael 

[ClipperFan]

Rob,

From the bottom of my heart, I want you to know how much of an honor and privilege it has been, to participate in this fascinating journey of discovery and exploration of Donald McKays final masterpiece. Without exaggeration, this has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Your decades long dedication to investigating Glory of the Seas in order to achieve the highest level of accuracy inspired a small group of us to join you in pursuing a mutual objective of rediscovering the full authentic beauty of McKay's incredible final Clipper. Such dedication even brought in Arina "The Author's Daughter" who then introduced you to her famous author father Michael Mjelde. His contribution to our efforts has been immeasurable. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined we'd be collaborating with the single man who has devoted 60 years of his life to the history of a single Clipper. His brilliant, ultra rare historic images allowed us to achieve high levels of accuracy never anticipated before. All along I said quite confidently, that you (and Vladimir) are creating two of the finest museum quality replicas of this impressive vessel. I am proud to have been associated with your amazing project.

[ClipperFan]

Rob, Vladimir, Druxey,

I finally received a reply from the Nautical Research Journal editor. He explained that due to serious family issues he had to delay production of the magazine for months and then had to produce two issues in a short timeframe. As a result, my article was inadvertently delayed. Bottom line: the article is now scheduled to appear in the first 2023 publication. That should appear in February. 

[rwiederrich]

6 minutes ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob, Vladimir, Druxey,

I finally received a reply from the Nautical Research Journal editor. He explained that due to serious family issues he had to delay production of the magazine for months and then had to produce two issues in a short timeframe. As a result, my article was inadvertently delayed. Bottom line: the article is now scheduled to appear in the first 2023 publication. That should appear in February. 

February………. That is still good news.  It will then be published!   Yeah………

 

Congrats.

 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

58 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

February………. That is still good news.  It will then be published!   Yeah………

 

Congrats.

 

Rob

Rob,

Thanks for the encouraging words. It will now seem like an eternity til then. I also broached the subject with Mike about getting museums to loan artifacts to support your model's loan. I'll let you know his response.

 

[rwiederrich]

1 hour ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob,

Thanks for the encouraging words. It will now seem like an eternity til then. I also broached the subject with Mike about getting museums to loan artifacts to support your model's loan. I'll let you know his response.

 

I talked to Arina and she’ll talk to Mike too.  Funny ……we’re on the same page…..again.   I’m setting up a date for Mike to come by and view the model.   
 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

1 hour ago, rwiederrich said:

I talked to Arina and she’ll talk to Mike too.  Funny ……we’re on the same page…..again.   I’m setting up a date for Mike to come by and view the model.   
 

Rob

Rob, you might want to invest in one of those fancy permanent silver pens. You know, the type celebrities use to sign their autographs? I'm sure Mike would be honored to sign your masterpiece, maybe on the stand where it would be visible but not detract from your model's beauty. 

[ScottRC]

Rob,

Congratulations on a fine representation. Your rigging skills and attention to scale are impressive.  I hope a museum will take you up on your offer, it will make a fine historical display and others should enjoy it.   I hope someday to make it back up to the Bremerton area and hopefully will get to see it in person.

 

Scott

[druxey]

I go away for two weeks and  - you've completed her! An absolutely fabulous model, Rob. Hearty congratulations on the time, effort and research that you put in, in order to get this result. Well done indeed.

[petervisser]

Hi Rob,

Congratulations on your superb model. A brilliant achievement to be sure. And inspirational as well. Time to get my butt in gear and finish my own model at the moment. Time to slice the main brace!

Cheers,

Peter

Edited November 3, 2022 by petervisser
typo

[rwiederrich]

1 hour ago, ScottRC said:

Rob,

Congratulations on a fine representation. Your rigging skills and attention to scale are impressive.  I hope a museum will take you up on your offer, it will make a fine historical display and others should enjoy it.   I hope someday to make it back up to the Bremerton area and hopefully will get to see it in person.

 

Scott

Thank you very much Scott....I appreciate that.  I wish I had paid closer attention to some details....but all in all I am pleased with her.

 

I am arranging an appointment for Michael Mjelde (The author of several books on the subject) to come and preview her.

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

On 10/24/2022 at 5:54 PM, ClipperFan said:

Rob, you might want to invest in one of those fancy permanent silver pens. You know, the type celebrities use to sign their autographs? I'm sure Mike would be honored to sign your masterpiece, maybe on the stand where it would be visible but not detract from your model's beauty. 

The Museum in Tacoma has kindly declined my offer, sighting a desire for more hands on displays and their model display area is under renovation.

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

23 minutes ago, druxey said:

I go away for two weeks and  - you've completed her! An absolutely fabulous model, Rob. Hearty congratulations on the time, effort and research that you put in, in order to get this result. Well done indeed.

Thanks Druxey.....I waited for you...but just couldn't hold back any longer.

Thanks for the fine compliments...you've been with me the entire journey and even contributed...thank you for that.

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

8 minutes ago, petervisser said:

Hi Rob,

Congratulations on your superb model. I brilliant achievement to be sure. And inspirational as well. Time to get my butt in gear and finish my own model at the moment. Time to slice the main brace!

Cheers,

Peter

Thanks for the fine compliment Peter.  I'm glad I could inspire.  She has been my passion for over 17 years, and the friends and corroborators I have made over the years have enriched me fully.

 

Rob 

[ClipperFan]

9 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

The Museum in Tacoma has kindly declined my offer, sighting a desire for more hands on displays and their model display area is under renovation.

 

Rob

Rob,

Did Tacoma give you any time-line as to when their model display renovation will be completed? Meanwhile, maybe Mike might have some other ideas?

 

[Vladimir_Wairoa]

13 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob,

Did Tacoma give you any time-line as to when their model display renovation will be completed? Meanwhile, maybe Mike might have some other ideas?

 

 seems that her fate of neclect continues on...isnt there any sort of  egyptian or in americas case aztecs curse hung over her ?  remember  - her built was presupposed on McKays inner head gamble to pull his out of his debts. with all buyoances etc... even so he boarded her on maiden voyage,  creditors got him, and even her splendor and quality proved his mastercraft and seaworthiness, people after let her rot throughout that cemented her fate. maybe she is destined to be forgotten :)) and effort of few fanatics wont change that. - no, just kidding...its all written of quite a bit or journalistic sarcasm :)) im sure her time comes. no more same flying fishes. Glory will it be in modeling world  :)) 

[GrandpaPhil]

Rob,

  Congratulations!  Incredible work!

[rwiederrich]

4 hours ago, Vladimir_Wairoa said:

 seems that her fate of neclect continues on...isnt there any sort of  egyptian or in americas case aztecs curse hung over her ?  remember  - her built was presupposed on McKays inner head gamble to pull his out of his debts. with all buyoances etc... even so he boarded her on maiden voyage,  creditors got him, and even her splendor and quality proved his mastercraft and seaworthiness, people after let her rot throughout that cemented her fate. maybe she is destined to be forgotten :)) and effort of few fanatics wont change that. - no, just kidding...its all written of quite a bit or journalistic sarcasm :)) im sure her time comes. no more same flying fishes. Glory will it be in modeling world  :)) 

I'm sure it was my presentation......If they could grasp the idea that Glory has a rich connection to the PSW and Tacoma....besides, they recognize and have a display honoring the local and state Salmon canning business.  I'm sure if another with more elegant and persuasive words could aid them in seeing the light that Glory and a quality display of her would indeed benefit their display and collection.  Their museum is the first place I had seen a large collection of salmon can labels on display.  Very impressive.  Glory's labels were not found among them....probably because her salmon was primarily sold over seas to England and, though her outfit was home ported out of Tacoma, she operated out of Alaska.  Still, the connection is there and to drive home the collection....she was the only floating canary.

 

I hope Michael Mjelde can create a more persuasive argument.

I'm still convinced they could be enticed.

 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

23 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

I'm sure it was my presentation......If they could grasp the idea that Glory has a rich connection to the PSW and Tacoma....besides, they recognize and have a display honoring the local and state Salmon canning business.  I'm sure if another with more elegant and persuasive words could aid them in seeing the light that Glory and a quality display of her would indeed benefit their display and collection.  Their museum is the first place I had seen a large collection of salmon can labels on display.  Very impressive.  Glory's labels were not found among them....probably because her salmon was primarily sold over seas to England and, though her outfit was home ported out of Tacoma, she operated out of Alaska.  Still, the connection is there and to drive home the collection....she was the only floating canary.

 

I hope Michael Mjelde can create a more persuasive argument.

I'm still convinced they could be enticed.

 

Rob

Rob,

I had a great email contact with the Librarian Curator of the San Francisco Maritime Museum which Mike provided. She's the reason we were able to get those beautiful full color images of Glory's nameboard. In addition she supplied a nice color photo of the framed Samuel Walters oil, which I still consider to be the most beautiful work, as well as the best representation of Glory of the Seas. I'm sure she would be thrilled to see the stunning results of your two year effort. Since McKay's clipper was a popular visitor in San Francisco, they might be more receptive to your offer. However, maybe we should consult Mike first, to get his feedback.

[rwiederrich]

2 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob,

I had a great email contact with the Librarian Curator of the San Francisco Maritime Museum which Mike provided. She's the reason we were able to get those beautiful full color images of Glory's nameboard. In addition she supplied a nice color photo of the framed Samuel Walters oil, which I still consider to be the most beautiful work, as well as the best representation of Glory of the Seas. I'm sure she would be thrilled to see the stunning results of your two year effort. Since McKay's clipper was a popular visitor in San Francisco, they might be more receptive to your offer. However, maybe we should consult Mike first, to get his feedback.

I threw an email out to Mike and he is considering getting involved himself...since his own collection could accent the entire exhibit....making his own efforts (Books) more visible to the public.

 

If you are willing, I am... So please feel free to extend to her finished images of my model.  Since you are the primary contact at this point.  Again...thanks.

 

Rob

[BANYAN]

Good luck Rob, I wish you every success in your efforts.

 

cheers

 

Pat

[Rick310]

Extraordinary Rob!! Incredibly well done!!!  It’s an absolute masterpiece!!!

[ClipperFan]

7 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

I threw an email out to Mike and he is considering getting involved himself...since his own collection could accent the entire exhibit....making his own efforts (Books) more visible to the public.

 

If you are willing, I am... So please feel free to extend to her finished images of my model.  Since you are the primary contact at this point.  Again...thanks.

 

Rob

Rob,

As I first mentioned, in a tribute to McKay's long lost final Medium Clipper, I believe what would really draw viewers in would be an inspirational display with your magnificent model as the centerpiece but not the sole piece. Mike has a lifetime collection of ultra rare images. How exciting would it be to see enlargements of the most crystal clear ones? Imagine if we could display her original 14' name board. How dramatic an overall backdrop that would make? Then think if we could gather some of the finest paintings done of her as well. I believe the best displays tell a story, they pull in the viewers with a compelling narrative. We have more than enough actual artifacts, as well as the fascinating two year collaboration to ascertain the authentic appearance of Glory of the Seas which has proven to be radically different, far more advanced than the rather dumpy image of her we started out with. I will relocate my Librarian's contact info, share some of your incredible images and see if I can get her to catch fire with this compelling idea.