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

[rwiederrich]

Few more pics.  
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Placing the bumkins.  
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

I finished up some painting and some touch ups.  So much more to do.   
 

 

Rob

Edited October 2, 2021 by rwiederrich

[rwiederrich]

A bit more work. 
 

Rob

[BANYAN]

This model is coming along beautifully Rob, some lovely detail.

 

cheers

 

Pat

[rwiederrich]

2 hours ago, BANYAN said:

This model is coming along beautifully Rob, some lovely detail.

 

cheers

 

Pat

Thanks Pat…….I’m trying, but I still am not at the level of your crisp clean Victoria.  It could be the scale or just my old hands, but your build is the bar setter…..I’m sure.  
 

Rob

[TheAuthorsDaughter]

On 10/1/2021 at 6:33 PM, rwiederrich said:

A bit more work. 
 

Rob

Shared your latest photos with my dad, he said “very impressed” with your progress and the fine attention to detail. He truly respects the time and effort you and the others are putting into getting this as accurate as possible  😁

[rwiederrich]

Thank you so much and for the fine comments.  Please remind your father I am most honored by his kind remarks.  
I am compelled to recreate Glory as best as I can and to honor her by doing my utmost to fully translate photographic evidence into a scaled model.

She is my passion. 
 

Rob
 

[ClipperFan]

On 10/1/2021 at 8:20 PM, rwiederrich said:

Placing the bumkins.  
 

Rob

Rob, my annual licensing studies have kept me from being able to participate as much as preferred. Your bumpkin work details are just beautiful.

[ClipperFan]

18 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Thank you so much and for the fine comments.  Please remind your father I am most honored by his kind remarks.  
I am compelled to recreate Glory as best as I can and to honor her by doing my utmost to fully translate photographic evidence into a scaled model.

She is my passion. 
 

Rob
 

Rob, perfectly said. I believe that concept, of seeking to recreate Glory as accurately as possible through the use of Michael Mjelde's rare and beautifully clear photos can be the basis for our NRG article. We can walk readers through the step by step process we have taken to literally "reverse engineer" McKay's last, longest lived Clipper.

[rwiederrich]

13 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob, perfectly said. I believe that concept, of seeking to recreate Glory as accurately as possible through the use of Michael Mjelde's rare and beautifully clear photos can be the basis for our NRG article. We can walk readers through the step by step process we have taken to literally "reverse engineer" McKay's last, longest lived Clipper.

I was thinking about your comments, and I couldn't let it go without pointing out one overlooked issue.

 

Transcription errors.

 

Though we have a far better collection of images provided by Mike...it still relies in the hands of the modeler to translate or transcribe that photographic imagery into a believable 3D model.  The biomechanic correlation, coupled with synaptic agitation can indeed be an inhibitor when translating what the optic nerve bundle sees to what the brain perceives.  Not to mention what the hand creates from all of this.

 

*Reverse Engineering* is a great descriptor, though we do not have the original to handle and measure directly.

An NRG article would be a fascinating read if done thoughtful and well.

 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

53 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

I was thinking about your comments, and I couldn't let it go without pointing out one overlooked issue.

 

Transcription errors.

 

Though we have a far better collection of images provided by Mike...it still relies in the hands of the modeler to translate or transcribe that photographic imagery into a believable 3D model.  The biomechanic correlation, coupled with synaptic agitation can indeed be an inhibitor when translating what the optic nerve bundle sees to what the brain perceives.  Not to mention what the hand creates from all of this.

 

*Reverse Engineering* is a great descriptor, though we do not have the original to handle and measure directly.

An NRG article would be a fascinating read if done thoughtful and well.

 

Rob

Rob, the only item that you referred to which is vague to me was your reference to "transcription errors." 

To me that usually refers to either translating from one language to another or when a transcriber is reproducing spoken communication into written word.

Since we've constantly referred to actual photos in order to reconstruct Glory's true dimensions, I feel like a fascinating NRG article would bring our readers along, as we relive this joy of discovery with each new revelation which leads us to evermore specifically accurate recreations of Glory's true appearance. Taking pictures of your and Vladimir's models in exact same positions as the images which helped us achieve these exacting dimensions will also benefit readers in being able to realize what we've discovered.

[rwiederrich]

4 hours ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob, the only item that you referred to which is vague to me was your reference to "transcription errors." 

To me that usually refers to either translating from one language to another or when a transcriber is reproducing spoken communication into written word.

Since we've constantly referred to actual photos in order to reconstruct Glory's true dimensions, I feel like a fascinating NRG article would bring our readers along, as we relive this joy of discovery with each new revelation which leads us to evermore specifically accurate recreations of Glory's true appearance. Taking pictures of your and Vladimir's models in exact same positions as the images which helped us achieve these exacting dimensions will also benefit readers in being able to realize what we've discovered.

I completely agree with you.  It is the only way we can express our actions.  *Transcription errors* in the context of this particular subject constitutes the actual error induced by the human ability or inability and the error that is nearly impossible to eliminate...*scaling*.  Sure, I can deduce a prototype measurement of a foot and scale that to 1/8".....but here comes the Rub of the matter.....accurately translating that 1/8" via rule/scale/micrometer/Bowley gauge to the media.  Wood, plastic, whatever.  And the issue of *closeness* and mental acceptance.

 

I know for a fact that my own skill set limits me at times to accurately replicate in whatever material I'm using....the identical scaled  item.

 So many items that I build, either are slightly compromised or altered to suite my mental limitations of biases.

In most cases it translates to my inherent laziness.    THAT is the Transcription error, I speak of.

 

To the casual viewer it appears that an *Exact* scaled model is before them...when in reality all it really is, is a good representation based upon the actual vessel that has certain characteristics one may identify with the prototype.

 

All one can do as a modeler is make their model looks as closely to the vessel they are modeling.

 

I hope I have not driven a wedge of confusion into the subject.  I'm just anal that way, I guess.

 

Rob 

[ClipperFan]

5 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

I completely agree with you.  It is the only way we can express our actions.  *Transcription errors* in the context of this particular subject constitutes the actual error induced by the human ability or inability and the error that is nearly impossible to eliminate...*scaling*.  Sure, I can deduce a prototype measurement of a foot and scale that to 1/8".....but here comes the Rub of the matter.....accurately translating that 1/8" via rule/scale/micrometer/Bowley gauge to the media.  Wood, plastic, whatever.  And the issue of *closeness* and mental acceptance.

 

I know for a fact that my own skill set limits me at times to accurately replicate in whatever material I'm using....the identical scaled  item.

 So many items that I build, either are slightly compromised or altered to suite my mental limitations of biases.

In most cases it translates to my inherent laziness.    THAT is the Transcription error, I speak of.

 

To the casual viewer it appears that an *Exact* scaled model is before them...when in reality all it really is, is a good representation based upon the actual vessel that has certain characteristics one may identify with the prototype.

 

All one can do as a modeler is make their model looks as closely to the vessel they are modeling.

 

I hope I have not driven a wedge of confusion into the subject.  I'm just anal that way, I guess.

 

Rob 

Rob, I bet if I were to take a survey from just those who are following your inspirational build, that you would be pleasantly surprised how many would confirm that you are being very precise in your continuing attempts to replicate "GLORY of the SEAS" in faithful detail.

After all Arina "TheAuthorsDaughter" herself just shared with you that Michael Mjelde is impressed with your progress. 

[rwiederrich]

All I had was a half an hour,  so I placed the aft rail iron works.  
 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

Rob, nicely done. Just this tiny detail reveals how substantially our good friend and author Michael Mjelde's contributions to this reconstruction effort has been. It was this remarkable image, that at least I had never seen before that contained the wrought iron bar end rail. I've posted the image and an edited close up to show this neat, distinctive detail.

[rwiederrich]

I opted to slightly use a greater bend to the iron rail end, because from my own perceptions it just flowed better on the model.

 

On the prototype from the angle we are able to see, the curves appear softer....but that might only be the oblique angle creating that effect.

 

In later images I don't even see the wrought iron sections.....

 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

2 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

I opted to slightly use a greater bend to the iron rail end, because from my own perceptions it just flowed better on the model.

 

On the prototype from the angle we are able to see, the curves appear softer....but that might only be the oblique angle creating that effect.

 

In later images I don't even see the wrought iron sections.....

 

Rob

Rob, the fact that we were able to discover it at all, I feel was serendipitous. You're right that the shape of this fascinating rail is softer on Glory herself. Yours look just fine and in my opinion adds just another distinctive detail that further delineates the uniqueness of this McKay Clipper. As for not being seen in later images, it wouldn't surprise me that the rugged work she was involved in most likely cost her this sharp little detail...

 

[rwiederrich]

I began to install the carriage house deck stanchions.  First, each stanchion had to be measured and trimmed(If necessary), to make sure they all were the same height(Length).

 

Of course, I needed enough for the catwalk that leads from the carriage house to the boy cabin.

I will not place stanchions or rail where the catwalk will go, but will place the rail on all the other stanchions.

 

Unlike the images of her being modified for canary duty, 9 stanchions will not be used....but 4 per side of the catwalk

 

Painting will also be done too.

 

When I get home, I will finish up the work and I will provide pics too.

 

Rob

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  Rob, were there scuppers on extreme clippers?  Also, did the 'doors' that resemble 'gun ports' along the bulwark simply open outward to discharge water from heavy seas that might spill over on the deck?

[ClipperFan]

11 minutes ago, Snug Harbor Johnny said:

  Rob, were there scuppers on extreme clippers?  Also, did the 'doors' that resemble 'gun ports' along the bulwark simply open outward to discharge water from heavy seas that might spill over on the deck?

Snug Harbor Johnny, as far as I know, all Clippers had scuppers (on Glory they appear as oval outlets) and freeing ports, which could swing outward to allow water to flow out from the deck. From the San Pedro dock scene, it's apparent the first Starboard freeing port is triced open.

[rwiederrich]

17 minutes ago, Snug Harbor Johnny said:

  Rob, were there scuppers on extreme clippers?  Also, did the 'doors' that resemble 'gun ports' along the bulwark simply open outward to discharge water from heavy seas that might spill over on the deck?

If you see on the Glory, there are four *Scupper* doors or freeway/freeing doors(Similar to those found on the CS).  These could be held open, but I assume they were simple hinged and opened when water was on deck and opened when water pushed against it.  Some wooden ships had scuppers that were copper or lead lined holes that ran from deck level, through the gunwale, discharging outboard.  Many clippers did indeed have scupper ports, but from what I have identified, Glory of the Seas bulwarks were just over 6ft tall and thus large ports were used to remove *wash* from the decks.

 

Rob

Edited October 6, 2021 by rwiederrich

[ClipperFan]

Rob, Vladimir,

I just received this lovely detail shot of the Stern from my favorite oil by Samuel Walters. Per Michael Mjelde's specific instructions, credit for this image belongs to San Francisco Maritime NHP. 

Besides being a beautiful close up, this image confirms a wealth of Glory's details. At the time of the painting , her stanchions were all left natural varnished wood while rails themselves were White. Meanwhile all along the sides of the Rear Carriage House, the fine sculpted raised surfaces are depicted, matching a similar pattern on the extended wheelhouse. Twin skylights appear to have 6 upper roof segments instead of the 8 which I erroneously depicted in my initial sketch. 

Incidentally, I have a topic idea for our pending NRG article with this suggested headline "Rediscovering the glory in 'GLORY of the SEAS' (with a subheading of) "a culmination of Michael Mjelde's over six decades of exhaustive research into Donald McKays last, longest lived Clipper Ship". Let me know what you think.

 

 

[rwiederrich]

I also received this image and I am pleasantly pleased with much of the details, however some errors still persist.  
Note the absence of the wheelhouse vent and the missformed iron rail detail.  
 

I agree it is wonderful,  but other photographic evidence is preferred.   
 

I finished up the top stanchions and rail for the carriage house roof.  
 

The gap if for the addition of the catwalk after I finish the boy house. 
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Few more pics. 
 

Rob

Edited October 6, 2021 by rwiederrich

[ClipperFan]

2 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Few more pics. 
 

Rob

Rob, once again my wife Peg has the best reactions, just one sentence "Oh wow, that's awesome!" She did follow up teasingly with a silly question. "Ask him if he'd like to build a little house for me?" 

Honestly, adding the Carriage House surrounding rail with a fresh coat of white paint really ties the entire Stern area together nicely.

As for the Walters' painting, I also noticed the missing vent structure and inaccurate iron rail shape. I have no good answer for why that fascinating item is missing. At least the addition of the rail proves it was there. Photos are more accurate, which is why we have focused so much of our efforts in diagnosing them as our main means of reconstructing Glory. 

[ClipperFan]

Rob, Vladimir months ago, back when we were learning about Glory's nameboard, Michael Mjelde shared a pdf file of an August 1970 San Francisco Maritime Museum News Letter. In it he discusses discovery of the Port Bow nameboard which fortunately survived being extracted from the vessel as well as being stored mounted to a garage wall in Tacoma. It's a fascinating read.

[rwiederrich]

1 hour ago, ClipperFan said:

Rob, once again my wife Peg has the best reactions, just one sentence "Oh wow, that's awesome!" She did follow up teasingly with a silly question. "Ask him if he'd like to build a little house for me?" 

Honestly, adding the Carriage House surrounding rail with a fresh coat of white paint really ties the entire Stern area together nicely.

As for the Walters' painting, I also noticed the missing vent structure and inaccurate iron rail shape. I have no good answer for why that fascinating item is missing. At least the addition of the rail proves it was there. Photos are more accurate, which is why we have focused so much of our efforts in diagnosing them as our main means of reconstructing Glory. 

This is why I use paintings to validate but not to draw from.  They are great paintings, for the most part accurate, but photos don’t lie.   Well not these ones anyway.  
 

Thank your wife again for me.    I’m glad it  came out so well.  
 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

Great read. 
 

Did you notice that I was able to fit two stanchions at the aft ladders/steps leading down to the poop deck?  
 

Now  I’ll add the stove chimney and the begin on the aft hatchway and cover. 
 

I’ll still be adding lots of minor details to the stern as I go along. 
 

Rob

[ClipperFan]

14 minutes ago, rwiederrich said:

Great read. 
 

Did you notice that I was able to fit two stanchions at the aft ladders/steps leading down to the poop deck?  
 

Now  I’ll add the stove chimney and the begin on the aft hatchway and cover. 
 

I’ll still be adding lots of minor details to the stern as I go along. 
 

Rob

Rob, I passed on your compliment to my wife. She replied that your amazing and that she wishes she had the talent you do. Yes, I was pleased to see you managed to get the corner posts in that tight area. Well done.