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

[rwiederrich]

House in place.  
 

Rob

Edited September 22, 2021 by rwiederrich

[rwiederrich]

A little paint to trim it up.   
 

Rob

[BANYAN]

Looks great Rob, a really nice job.

 

WRT the the colour on the bottom, this was more to hide the build up of grime etc (from swabin' the decks etc) rather than hide an woodwork etc.   As such they tended to be a darker colour to achieve this.

 

cheers

 

Pat

[ClipperFan]

1 hour ago, rwiederrich said:

House in place.  
 

Rob

Rob, I showed these pics of your latest construction to my wife. Peggy was in awe and simply said "Oh my God, that's beautiful!" I couldn't agree with her any more. 

I particularly like the corner brackets which really ties it all together nicely.

1 hour ago, BANYAN said:

Looks great Rob, a really nice job.

 

WRT the the colour on the bottom, this was more to hide the build up of grime etc (from swabin' the decks etc) rather than hide an woodwork etc.   As such they tended to be a darker colour to achieve this.

 

cheers

 

Pat

Rob, what Pat said makes total sense. It also explains why all structures had the same double molding painted the same blue. A few months ago I found an 1800s Era mirror supposedly with correct original blue. It's definitely a darker shade. Again I'm not suggesting any changes be made to your current color choices which I really like. I just thought you might appreciate seeing this.

[Vladimir_Wairoa]

my goodness thats beyond beautiful Rob. Hat off sir. 

[rwiederrich]

11 hours ago, BANYAN said:

Looks great Rob, a really nice job.

 

WRT the the colour on the bottom, this was more to hide the build up of grime etc (from swabin' the decks etc) rather than hide an woodwork etc.   As such they tended to be a darker colour to achieve this.

 

cheers

 

Pat

Thanks Pat.

Yes I've read about that practice......plus the constant shuffle through the doors made a real scuff.

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

10 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob, I showed these pics of your latest construction to my wife. Peggy was in awe and simply said "Oh my God, that's beautiful!" I couldn't agree with her any more. 

I particularly like the corner brackets which really ties it all together nicely.

Rob, what Pat said makes total sense. It also explains why all structures had the same double molding painted the same blue. A few months ago I found an 1800s Era mirror supposedly with correct original blue. It's definitely a darker shade. Again I'm not suggesting any changes be made to your current color choices which I really like. I just thought you might appreciate seeing this.

Thanks Rich and tell your wife thanks as well.

The corner brackets took some doing, since they are roughly only 3/8ish in length and have ample carving relief on them.

The windows are all made from hand cut parts.....crown, sides and sashes.  The windows are roughly 3/8 in height as well.  And don't talk to me about the doors...they consist of way too many parts.

 

I opted on the color blue that I did, solely based on age represented.....limited photographic evidence, and preference.

 

I struggled with the idea of sucha dark blue.  It seamed so un characteristic of the simple color schemes typical of clippers.   Though some extreme color combinations have been written about.

 

I'm also striving to retain what I gather as the colors of her after her major refits and good weathered use.

 

The image of her from astern with one of her cabin boys, demonstrates the extreme weathering she saw....by way of paint chipping and scuffing.

It is clearly evident on her cabin doors and walls.....not to mention her boats.   And this was in her heyday. 

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

4 hours ago, Vladimir_Wairoa said:

my goodness thats beyond beautiful Rob. Hat off sir. 

Thanks Vlad.  It took a couple of hours of focused uninterrupted work.

 

I just hope all that detail will be able to be seen and appreciated after the boys house, gangway and boat skid are added.

 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

36 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

Thanks Rich and tell your wife thanks as well.

The corner brackets took some doing, since they are roughly only 3/8ish in length and have ample carving relief on them.

The windows are all made from hand cut parts.....crown, sides and sashes.  The windows are roughly 3/8 in height as well.  And don't talk to me about the doors...they consist of way too many parts.

 

I opted on the color blue that I did, solely based on age represented.....limited photographic evidence, and preference.

 

I struggled with the idea of sucha dark blue.  It seamed so un characteristic of the simple color schemes typical of clippers.   Though some extreme color combinations have been written about.

 

I'm also striving to retain what I gather as the colors of her after her major refits and good weathered use.

 

The image of her from astern with one of her cabin boys, demonstrates the extreme weathering she saw....by way of paint chipping and scuffing.

It is clearly evident on her cabin doors and walls.....not to mention her boats.   And this was in her heyday. 

 

Rob

Rob, your results speak for themselves. After having collaborated with you, Vlad and others who have participated in this fascinating journey, I have no doubt that absolute fealty to authenticity and accuracy is your North Star in your miniature recreation. I highly doubt that anyone will fault a color choice when your vessel is complete.

[ClipperFan]

38 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

Thanks Vlad.  It took a couple of hours of focused uninterrupted work.

 

I just hope all that detail will be able to be seen and appreciated after the boys house, gangway and boat skid are added.

 

Rob

Rob, as a teenager I had the distinct priviledge of spending hours visiting a fantastic, incredibly powerful miniature city in Amsterdam, Holland called "Maudorodam." One of the most exciting discoveries in this magical fantasyland was the phenomenal detail in every "nook and cranny" of the place.

I'm just as sure that observers will also notice the beautiful details you've built into your replica as well.

[Vladimir_Wairoa]

6 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Thanks Vlad.  It took a couple of hours of focused uninterrupted work.

 

I just hope all that detail will be able to be seen and appreciated after the boys house, gangway and boat skid are added.

 

Rob

it sure will be . Spare  some strength for long cabin - thats madness i can tell you already as im digging into it..... suddenly captain cabin looks quite simple to me...:) my gosh....

[rwiederrich]

5 hours ago, Vladimir_Wairoa said:

it sure will be . Spare  some strength for long cabin - thats madness i can tell you already as im digging into it..... suddenly captain cabin looks quite simple to me...:) my gosh....

Fun times ahead.  
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Worked a bit on several things.   
 

I cut out the base material for the two skylights.  Simple approach really.  
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

I also made these two grates that rest under the side ladders that leads to the roof.  
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Lastly,  I touched up some paint issues on the front of the carriage house.  
 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

5 hours ago, Vladimir_Wairoa said:

it sure will be . Spare  some strength for long cabin - thats madness i can tell you already as im digging into it..... suddenly captain cabin looks quite simple to me...:) my gosh....

Vladimir, actually, while the long cabin abaft the Foremast is larger, it's actually a simpler rectangular design. While there's some sculpture on the upper level, the lower one is pretty plain in comparison, so it should be easier than what you already built.

[BANYAN]

Classy work mate; looks good!

 

cheers

 

Pat

[ClipperFan]

1 hour ago, ClipperFan said:

Vladimir, actually, while the long cabin abaft the Foremast is larger, it's actually a simpler rectangular design. While there's some sculpture on the upper level, the lower one is pretty plain in comparison, so it should be easier than what you already built.

 

2 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Worked a bit on several things.   
 

I cut out the base material for the two skylights.  Simple approach really.  
 

Rob

Rob, the "gingerbread effect" of your Rear Carriage House facade is just gorgeous. I'm sure it must be even more impressive in person.

Mike confirmed to me that the twin skylights were 6' long x 4' wide (3/4" × 1/4") had 4' (1/4") between them, were 5' (5/8") away from the center of the Mizzenmast and 12' (1 & 1/2") away from the rear roofline to the rear of the skylight closest to the it. That's in accordance with Mike's Rear House layout, pg 175 "Clipper Ship Captain." From the same book, Appendix B ship's plans, the skylights appear to be 3' (3/8") tall at their centers. The front and rear insets, from the little photographic evidence available appears to be much less than the two sides, which appear to be deep enough to double as benches. 

If we assign 18" (3/16ths") height for the base, that leaves us 18" for skylight height, 12" (1/8") for the upper base & 6" (1/16th") for peaked center. Insetting each side by 1' (1/8th") +3" (1/32") overhang for minimum 15" (5/32nds") bench depth leaves 2' (1/4") width. 

I'll get some sketches to you tomorrow.

[rwiederrich]

Thank Rich.

 

Rob

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

   Rob, I'm with you on the light blue color choice for waterways and trim.  From a recent book:  The American Clipper Ship 1845 - 1920: A comprehensive History with a Listing go Builders and their Ships (p.54)    "Aboard ship, most clipper deck houses were painted white, as were cabin interiors and bulwarks, while waterways were painted a variety of colors, including pearl, lead, light blue or buff color."

 

  I'm not a paint expert, but in the 19th century oil-based (linseed) were the best exterior paints, while interior work was often done with 'distemper' paint (water based) containing varying amounts of casein or hide glue.  To get color, super-fine ground pigment had to be added.  Less expensive pigments like carbon, red ochre and yellow ochre could be had - but blue (there were several types) cost a lot more, and it took a lot of added pigment to get a 'darker' paint of any color.  Hence there prevalence of 'lighter' to mid-range blue paints used for architecture.  I'm not talking artists colors for fine art, which had intense colors, but in much smaller quantities.

 

These charts post date many mid-19th c. clipper builds, but you get the picture.  Binghamton #17 or Coverall 'deep blue' might be the darkest shades when new, and would fade some with strong UV exposure.  Bing. #32, #28, Coverall ocean blue or sky blue are more likely candidates based on the shades cited in the aforementioned book.  I wondered what "lead" colored paint looked like, and you can see it on the  Coverall chart as well as pearl (gray).

 

  Fair sailing ...   Johnny

 

 

  

[rwiederrich]

Thank Rich.

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Worked a bit on the aft skylight. 
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Worked on the aft roof ladders.  
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Still working on the trim and stuff.  
 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

6 hours ago, Snug Harbor Johnny said:

   Rob, I'm with you on the light blue color choice for waterways and trim.  From a recent book:  The American Clipper Ship 1845 - 1920: A comprehensive History with a Listing go Builders and their Ships (p.54)    "Aboard ship, most clipper deck houses were painted white, as were cabin interiors and bulwarks, while waterways were painted a variety of colors, including pearl, lead, light blue or buff color."

 

  I'm not a paint expert, but in the 19th century oil-based (linseed) were the best exterior paints, while interior work was often done with 'distemper' paint (water based) containing varying amounts of casein or hide glue.  To get color, super-fine ground pigment had to be added.  Less expensive pigments like carbon, red ochre and yellow ochre could be had - but blue (there were several types) cost a lot more, and it took a lot of added pigment to get a 'darker' paint of any color.  Hence there prevalence of 'lighter' to mid-range blue paints used for architecture.  I'm not talking artists colors for fine art, which had intense colors, but in much smaller quantities.

 

These charts post date many mid-19th c. clipper builds, but you get the picture.  Binghamton #17 or Coverall 'deep blue' might be the darkest shades when new, and would fade some with strong UV exposure.  Bing. #32, #28, Coverall ocean blue or sky blue are more likely candidates based on the shades cited in the aforementioned book.  I wondered what "lead" colored paint looked like, and you can see it on the  Coverall chart as well as pearl (gray).

 

  Fair sailing ...   Johnny

 

 

  

Johnny, that's great information to have which helps those of us trying to accurately visualize what shade paints from the 1800s actually were. Thanks for your valuable input.

[ClipperFan]

Rob, as promised, here's my sketch of Glory's twin Skylights in 1" = 1' scale. The sole edited image which gave the best view is my major source for this reproduction. Next I'm going to finish the elaborate Stern carving which surrounds Glory's name.

[rwiederrich]

12 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob, as promised, here's my sketch of Glory's twin Skylights in 1" = 1' scale. The sole edited image which gave the best view is my major source for this reproduction. Next I'm going to finish the elaborate Stern carving which surrounds Glory's name.

Magnificent.  Mine are so small, it's tough to get in all the detail.   I  need to make some mods and correct some issues and clean them up.   Glad I only made one first.    We’ll see.  
 

Rob

Edited September 24, 2021 by rwiederrich

[rwiederrich]

19 hours ago, Snug Harbor Johnny said:

   Rob, I'm with you on the light blue color choice for waterways and trim.  From a recent book:  The American Clipper Ship 1845 - 1920: A comprehensive History with a Listing go Builders and their Ships (p.54)    "Aboard ship, most clipper deck houses were painted white, as were cabin interiors and bulwarks, while waterways were painted a variety of colors, including pearl, lead, light blue or buff color."

 

  I'm not a paint expert, but in the 19th century oil-based (linseed) were the best exterior paints, while interior work was often done with 'distemper' paint (water based) containing varying amounts of casein or hide glue.  To get color, super-fine ground pigment had to be added.  Less expensive pigments like carbon, red ochre and yellow ochre could be had - but blue (there were several types) cost a lot more, and it took a lot of added pigment to get a 'darker' paint of any color.  Hence there prevalence of 'lighter' to mid-range blue paints used for architecture.  I'm not talking artists colors for fine art, which had intense colors, but in much smaller quantities.

 

These charts post date many mid-19th c. clipper builds, but you get the picture.  Binghamton #17 or Coverall 'deep blue' might be the darkest shades when new, and would fade some with strong UV exposure.  Bing. #32, #28, Coverall ocean blue or sky blue are more likely candidates based on the shades cited in the aforementioned book.  I wondered what "lead" colored paint looked like, and you can see it on the  Coverall chart as well as pearl (gray).

 

  Fair sailing ...   Johnny

 

 

  

Thanks Johnny,

 

I think my selection best matches #32 and #28 for sure.  It's clean and crisp, but not over expressive.

 

Perception is truly everything.

 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

12 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Magnificent.  Mine are so small, I might need to make some mods.   Glad I only made one first.    We’ll see.  
 

Rob

Rob, thanks for the generous compliment, I really appreciate it. The only thing I might be inaccurate on is the number of skylight divisions on top. It might be 6 instead of 8. It's awful hard to tell from what limited information we have. The rest, especially the sides is very accurate. The front and rear dimensions appear to match the photos. As far as insets are concerned, it's apparent that there is one but from what I can tell, it's not deep enough to double for seating surfaces. 

It appears that the natural wooden slats are mounted Venetian blind style and probably were clear across, not individual per divider. They're most likely intended for protection against inclement weather and would have doubled for providing shade. Underneath would have been glass enclosures. They definitely would have provided plenty of light, as can be seen by these internal examples of the Scottish Clipper 'Cutty Sark' built the same year as Glory.

[rwiederrich]

By looking at the close-up of the skylight with the man in the way....it can be calculated that there are 6 on the top and six on each side.  They are of different size as can be seen.

 

I'm going to remake mine and add edge molding on the bottom and widen the top roofs to reduce the end extension and lower its height.

Good start, but needs refinement.  I can't live with it.

 

The prototype looks like it has recesses window panes and then the entire window is protected by a copper/brass wire cage.   That will be fun to replicate.

Lets see what I can come up with.

 

Thanks for the pics of the CS skylight interior, it brings continuity and aids in conception.

 

Rob