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

[ClipperFan]

24 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

It has been a very slow couple of weeks.  I was on holiday then we had an extreme heat wave for half a week (112 deg).  So I was out of commission for a while.

But I'm slowly getting back into it.   I measured and cut both gunwales and cut in their sheers to meet along the planksheer curve.

 

I first painted the blue/grey waterways first...because that would be pretty tough to do cleanly after the install of the gunwales and framing...that are painted pearl white.  I'm in the process of cutting all the framing.  I will paint them first prior to install...and I will paint the joining edge of the gunwales and  planksheer union.   Just makes the finish so much nicer.  I'm using maple veneer for the gunwales.

 

I began with the port side first....measuring, cutting , gluing and painting.....then I'll move to the port side.  I get more satisfaction and a sense of greater accomplishment, if I tackle and complete one small project at a time then if I were to do both sides at the same time.

 

I failed to take images during this work, but I will make up for it tonight, when I can put in several hours.

 

Still lots of sanding to do and the addition of another coat of latex grey primer to fill in gaps and identify any more irregularities in the hull.

 

It's a process...but as I move along I'll draw closer and closer to the final black finish.....but fist I'll have added all the moldings and channels and the naval hood.

 

Thanks for looking in.

 

Rob

Rob, I'm relieved to hear that you're ok after the worst historic heat wave in the Northwest coast ever. Never in my wildest imagination would I ever conceive of Seattle, Washington having a early Summer temperature of 118 degrees. Had I seen that in a SciFi film, I would have dismissed it as pure fantasy. I hope to God cooler temperatures prevail soon for all of you.

Excessive heat, combined with high humidity can be crushing. It can be hard to breathe, even moving around can be very tiring. In such excessive conditions, a good reliable air conditioning system is a godsend. Staying immersed in water, either by swimming or frequent cool showers helps too. Sunburns can be very painful and dangerous too. If you have to be outside, cover yourself especially the back of your neck and behind your knees. Heat frustration leading to heat exhaustion can be subtle at first than hit you all at once. It starts with having trouble concentrating, can lead to godawful headaches, even light headedness and dizziness. It's best to lay down with knees bent and cold wet compresses on your head. Drink cold water like a fish. Gatorade is especially helpful as it replaces electrolytes lost to sweat. 

Meanwhile the progress you described on your Glory build is very exciting to read. I can't wait to see pictures!

I'm finally home from the hospital after spending 19 days there. Now continues the difficult road to full recovery. Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. They mean a lot!

 

[Vladimir_Wairoa]

On 6/22/2021 at 11:07 PM, rwiederrich said:

I did take some time yesterday to add the sub deck.  I still need to finish it off and sand it in preparation for the planks.

 

Still working on the final contour of the hull.  will add a bit more filler and do some more sanding.

 

I'm off for holiday for the rest of the week...so I won't be doing much on Glory till next week.

 

Thanks for looking in.

 

Rob

you did spectacular job on stem planking Rob. straight line. I am about to attach knightsheads no process witll be different fingers crossed. V. 

[rwiederrich]

Spent a little time working on the port bulwarks and adding the planksheer and the port Naval hood and its moldings

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Here are images of the construction of the port naval hood and its trim and planksheer trim.

 

Lots more to do...but I'm getting there.

 

Rob

[Tony Hunt]

Looking good Rob!  I like the idea of using brass for the naval hood.

[rwiederrich]

Well.    I needed a material that was flexible but still rigid enough to resist distortion.     I was able to roll the edge that abuts the hull. The trim makes the hood very convincing.    I still have the main rail to finish and then addition of the monkey rail.  I’ll add the main rail sheer trim as well.    I will complete all the trim and flashing for the port side before I move to the port side

[My Fathers Son]

2 hours ago, Tony Hunt said:

Looking good Rob!  I like the idea of using brass for the naval hood.

 

I like that idea too, think I might use that on my Cutty, dad did not actually have that decoration on her and that is why the front stem doesn't scan right. 

[rwiederrich]

Thanks everyone.  I just used what I had...and it was exactly what I needed.

 

Well today I did a bit of work...I first finished up some work left over from yesterday and I then added the main rail.

 

After that I began a bit of deviation work and I proceed to put my shaky hands to the task of making the scroll work on the Hood.

 

I primed it after I was done.  I also made some mods to the stem.  I didn't like the abrupt curve that was in the bulkhead...so i added a shim and readjusted the stem entry  to a more sleek profile.  I have to now begin the monkey rail and the 18" upper gunwale that sits on top of the main rail.

 

Lots of little things...but here are some images.

[rwiederrich]

Here are some images showing the figurehead mocked up next to the hood(I'm holding it)

[rwiederrich]

Here are some images of my scroll work on the hood....I have more refining to do for sure.  Cameras make things look worse then you think they are.

 

I surely have to get better at this.

 

I primed it to protect it.

 

Rob

[Keith Black]

Rob, the hull is looking great! Question, how did you make the scroll work stand proud? 

[BANYAN]

Hi Rob, nice work on the detail; looks very effective.  We used threads (soaked in PVA) for the scroll work; I'll be interested in seeing how you did it?  

 

cheers

 

Pat

[rwiederrich]

Keith and Pat…….   We’ll thanks.   I used a dental material called DuraLay.   It is actually a temp job.   I already replaced it with a good crown and bridge compound material.   I also made the scroll work under the hood too.  Images later

[rwiederrich]

Here is the corrected scrolling for the hood and stem.....

[Tony Hunt]

Nice work Rob. The scrollwork looks much better. The challenge is to get the curves to flow, yes?

 

[Vladimir_Wairoa]

Rob you are artisan! i like ornamenatation very much and molding is spot on, at this scale it is so so difficult to achieve what youve  done its fantastic ! V. 

[ClipperFan]

Rob, you have no idea how much it thrills me to see the amazing progress you've made on your exacting 1:96 scale "GLORY of the SEAS". Daily I look to see if there's been any new images of your build. Each time there is, it uplifts my day. It's making my recent difficult surgical procedure recovery so much easier to endure. 

I've wanted to make more frequent observations but just didn't feel well enough to do so. This latest, most refined version of Glory is so beautiful. Her Hull form now so closely resembles photos of the actual vessel that it's uncanny. You can see the brilliance of Donald McKay's design, in that he has a very sharp entrance yet a full massive hold in order to accommodate substantial cargo needs as well. 

Your carved Naval Hoods and Cutwater do an impressive representation of this very lovely aspect of her Bow entrance.

My sole nitpick is you just need to somehow squeeze in a sole carved ropeline at the base of her Cutwater which so gracefully echoes the lower Naval Hood triple curved arch. As I said to Vlad, this line doesn't impede on the lovely continuous curve of the Cutwater itself.

Then I can hardly wait to see this section fully realized with 24kt gold leaf which embossed all carved relief for this section. Again, thank you so much for your single minded devotion to realizing McKay's final Clipper Ship in all her true glory. It's such an uplifting and inspiring process to observe.

[GrandpaPhil]

Looking good!

[rwiederrich]

Slowly but surely 

[rwiederrich]

Rich…..have you talked to Mike lately?  He got the drawings back from Ron.   I’m curious about your impressions 

[ClipperFan]

Rob, I just now opened up Mike's email & viewed Ron Haug's "Glory of the Seas" lines impressions. After our solid year of exhausting, in depth research, utilizing some of the sharpest, clear images, courtesy of Michael Mjelde's incredible collection of images of Glory's Hull, I have to admit I'm disappointed and somewhat baffled as to how Mr Haug has come to his conclusions. It makes me seriously wonder, is he even seeing the same pictures we have been given? I hope this doesn't upset Mike but I vehemently disagree with Ron's Bow interpretation. His rough drawn Nava Hoods alone don't match the crystal clear image of that device as seen in the 1912 extreme broadside close up. The Cutwater is way too thick below. Then the graceful flowing curve of the Cutwater which transitions to the sharp, slightly backwards angled prow is completely missing. Instead, Ron's prow appears to bulge slightly forward which completely contradicts the 1912 Seattle scene where Glory's sharp Clipper prow can be evidently seen, with much of her re-coppered below waterline Hull visible as well. Meanwhile, I also totally disagree with Ron's much thicker Stern as well. Again, it's like he's not seeing the slimmer, graceful refined Counter and Stern that we have worked so hard to replicate. There's definitely a defining line most likely 3'6" below the sheerline which can be clearly seen in both the Alaska towing scene and even the 1869 fitting out image. Then there's the sheerline itself. Again, the amount of drop from the Stern going forward appears to be more significant than that seen on the vessel herself. 

Then there's the ship's dimensions written on Ron's lines. Keel, depth of hold and beam all agree precisely with those published by MacLean but deck length of 235' is 20' shy of that published and 258' overall length is 7' shorter than that published of knightheads to Taffrail of 265'.

I'm going to redouble my efforts to produce lines of my own, incorporating everything we have discovered with our concentrated efforts to realize a far more accurate Clipper Ship. Donald McKay deserves to finally have his last Clipper Ship done faithfully.

[rwiederrich]

17 minutes ago, ClipperFan said:

I'm disappointed and somewhat baffled as to how Mr Haug has come to his conclusions. It makes me seriously wonder, is he even seeing the same pictures we have been given?

Pretty much what I was thinking.

 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

Fortunately, Mike's going to be concentrating much of his time promoting his latest book "Down East Captain." That should give us valuable time to build a strong case to refute, then hopefully refine Ron Haug's interpretation of Glory's Hull, section by section. Meanwhile I have far more confidence in the vessel's lines as we have scientifically arrived at through full utilization of every possible resource available to us. After seeing Ron Haug's stunning half hull of "Donald McKay" and his beautiful model of the Downeaster "Benj F Packard" I respect his talents and ability. How he has so far so badly misinterpreted "Glory of the Seas" is maddeningly frustrating.

[rwiederrich]

3 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Fortunately, Mike's going to be concentrating much of his time promoting his latest book "Down East Captain." That should give us valuable time to build a strong case to refute, then hopefully refine Ron Haug's interpretation of Glory's Hull, section by section. Meanwhile I have far more confidence in the vessel's lines as we have scientifically arrived at through full utilization of every possible resource available to us. After seeing Ron Haug's stunning half hull of "Donald McKay" and his beautiful model of the Downeaster "Benj F Packard" I respect his talents and ability. How he has so far so badly misinterpreted "Glory of the Seas" is maddeningly frustrating.

Again...I came to the same conclusion.  I did have an epiphany....though.  I realized that no matter what we do...you...myself or Vladimir.  We are building our interpretations of the Glory....based upon the latest information...COUPLED...with our own unique skill set to bring her alive as we understand her.  Modeling  what we see is not always accurate to others perspectives.

How Ron Haug interpreted Glory's bow from the same images I see is....well.....beyond me.  But he has a different perspective then I,  one constructed from years of shipwright design and experience.  

So since we are all attempting to reconstruct what we see in photographs to what should be her design, We all have the freedom to *Interpret* what we see differently.  It's not like choosing your own facts..but more like describing to a policeman what you saw.

 

Like I'm fond of repeating.......*Perception is EVERYTHING*.  I'm also fond of doing it my way, .....unless I'm demonstrably proven incorrect. 

 

Rob(Pushing forward)

 

[ClipperFan]

        1869 Donald McKay Clipper

    "GLORY of the SEAS" 2,102 tons

                     Specifications

Length of Keel: 240'2"

Line of the wales between perpendiculars: 250'

Overall length, Knightheads to taffrails: 265'

Breadth of beam: 44'

Depth of hold: 28'6"

Height between decks: 8'2"

Deadrise at half floor: 8 1/2"

Overall sheer: 7'

 

As I race to incorporate all the particular specifics Rob, I and others of our dedicated group have confirmed, these are the historic, published specifics I will be relying on. Besides length of keel, sourced from Glory's official registry admeasurement, all other measurements are from Duncan MacLean's 1869 published description of the vessel in the Boston Daily Atlas.

 

[ClipperFan]

Ron Haug's proposed new line impressions for Donald McKay's Clipper Ship "GLORY of the SEAS" as sent to Rob and I a few days ago. Ron told Mike that in this design, he believes that somehow McKay has "drifted back to his old Packet Ship days of the 1830s even with the stem" with this design. 

Honestly, I'm personally very sad to say "here we go again." My impressions of Shipwright Ron Haug's lines are that he either never saw the incredibly detailed photos Michael Mjelde's shared with us or he doesn't see the same svelte vessel we see. Our past year's collaborative effort has led me to hope for so much more than... this. While this group has been concentrating on reconstructing Glory's true form for about a year, my own journey of discovering Donald McKay's last Clipper Ship has now been just over a dozen. I don't know how Mike will react but as I've always consistently said, my first loyalty is to the memory of Donald McKay and his lovely vessel. Mr McKay deserves better.....

[rwiederrich]

Well I spent some time in the shop and I decided several things.....

One:  I do not like the second attempt at the scroll work on both the hood and the stem.  So I removed it all and started over.  I primed it black after the rework.

[rwiederrich]

While working the hull....it just bothered  me.  It appears the bulkheads still needed filling in and I must have missed it...but once I primed and sanded...it became clear to me that further filling was needed.  the aft 1/4 to the fantail is spot on.but slightly forward of amidships..forward to the forkastle, there still is a depression.  Kinda like the hull loses its fullness.   So I applied more filler to compensate for the error.

Edited July 9, 2021 by rwiederrich

[rwiederrich]

While working the scroll work I also added the top planksheer trim and the lower rail trim.   All of these trim had to be made by using a precut metal scribe(I made) for scraping the material into the right contour.

I still need to add the monkey rail to the main rail to finish off this side.  Before that, however I must finish off the sub floor for the poop deck and the main rail that goes around it.

 

Once the filler is dry, I'll sand that into contour and hopefully I can get to that work.

[ClipperFan]

Rob, your progress is so exciting to watch. "GLORY of the SEAS" is now definitely looking like the Clipper Ship I see in the many impressive images Mike has shared with us. I'm glad you revised the scrollwork for her Cutwater and Naval Hoods. This image here is my favorite one of your latest ones. The form is simply beautiful. Great work!