russ Posted February 17, 2013 #1 Posted February 17, 2013 Hello everyone. When I first reposted this log, I did so in a hurried fashion and did not include any background details on this vessel type or the nature of this build. Here is a short thumbnail of the history behind this vessel type. The Biloxi schooner is a two masted gaff rigged, centerboard working schooner. These schooners were built along the Mississippi coast as early as the 1830s and the last pure sailing schooner was built at Biloxi in 1929. The hull form is characterized by a markedly shallow draft, broad beam, with a midsection having a low, hard turn of bilge. The cross sections were most always rounded with no hard chine. The stern is usually flat or slightly curved across its face and set with a moderate rake. The stem is usually a clipper style stem with a stem head reaching out under the bowsprit. Sometimes, we see a more upright stem, and in a few cases, the stem was rounded and called a spoon bow. In the more usual clipper bows, there is a simple head trim. The sheer in the earlier schooners was more marked than in later boats. These boats were used for fishing, harvesting mostly shrimp and oysters, but also some other types of seafood in local waters. With the development of the local seafood canning industry in the 1880s, fishing schooners were built larger over time. While earlier fishing schooners averaged about 40-45 ft in length, the later schooners of the 1920s averaged around 60-65 ft. The fishing schooners were built in large numbers in the early 1900s because of a 1902 state law that prohibited oyster dredging under motor power. The Bowers oyster law shaped the way the seafood industry did business and inadvertently kept the fishing schooners around for another 30-40 years. The law allowed shrimping under motor power and so there was a trend towards building auxiliary schooners in the period beginning in the early 1900s, but the development of purely motor powered shrimpers developed alongside the schooners. During the mid to late 19th century, freight schooners were built larger and heavier than the smaller fishing schooners, carrying, lumber, charcoal, and locally produced naval stores. They were either carried out to the deep water harbor at Ship Island, about 10 miles off the coast for shipment abroad, or over to New Orleans, by way of Lake Ponchartrain and the basin canals for local sale. With the development of railroads and trucking, these schooners lost their place in the coastal freight industry. Many of them were abandoned in local rivers etc, but some found a new life in the seafood industry in the 1920s and 30s. Although this type of schooner was built in several different locations In Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida pan handle, Biloxi was a single place where more were built than anywhere else. That is why it became known as the Biloxi schooner. In fact, in the Smithsonian's National Watercraft Collection, Howard Chapelle applied that name to this type of schooner. This model is a commission, but the client is a good friend of mine who is allowing me to build at my own speed. The model is intended as a gift and it will be named for the recipient. Thus I will withold the model's name until the end. The plans were developed from a several years study of customs house records, local contemporary photographs, newspapers, builder's half models, various private collections, and some personal archaelogical studies. The most interesting and useful documents I have found are the old tonnage admeasurements from the customs house. These admeasurements contain detailed internal measurements of the hull that were used to determine tonnage. I have studied these documents and the federal regulations that governed them and I can now use them to "reconstruct" plans for some of these schooners. This is how the plans for this model were developed. The model is loosely based on a design for a Biloxi fishing schooner built in 1900 by Martin Fountain, Sr., called American Girl. I have reduced the size of the model to fit what the client wants in an overal finished model. The plans for this model yield a schooner about 41 ft on deck and about 8 tons. This would be a typical schooner for the 1890s. Here are some pics of the components and the beginning of the construction. Comments welcomed. Russ Daniel KF, NigelT, torpedochief and 1 other 4 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #2 Posted February 17, 2013 (edited) Planking the hull was a fun experience. More to come. Questions and comments welcomed. Russ Edited April 17, 2018 by russ Daniel KF, riverboat, janet bode and 1 other 4 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
Chuck Posted February 17, 2013 #3 Posted February 17, 2013 Well done Russ. Its great to see the log being started again. Its kind of nice to see your progress as if it was for the first time again. Chuck Quote Chuck Passaro - MSW Admin Sloop Speedwell - POF scratch Block Island Boat - POF scratch HMS Winchelsea - POB scratch build HM Cutter Cheerful - POB scratch build Royal Barge - POF scratch Medway Longboat- POF Scratch SYREN SHIP MODEL COMPANY
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #4 Posted February 17, 2013 Chuck: Posting it like this makes me look really fast. That is a nice, although entirely erroneous, image. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
Elia Posted February 17, 2013 #5 Posted February 17, 2013 Russ, It is good to see you're Biloxi Schooner build again. Thanks for rebuilding... Cheers, Elia Quote Elia Rose Valley, PA Arethusa: 1907 Gloucester Knockabout
Jim Lad Posted February 17, 2013 #6 Posted February 17, 2013 It's nice to see you back, Russ! John Quote
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #7 Posted February 17, 2013 (edited) Here is some more planking. Questions and comments welcomed. Russ Edited April 17, 2018 by russ phonedudeak, riverboat, tasmanian and 2 others 5 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #8 Posted February 17, 2013 Elia and John: Thanks for looking in. This is fun, revisiting the progress thus far. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #9 Posted February 17, 2013 (edited) Planking almost complete. Russ Edited April 17, 2018 by russ Fright, riverboat, Mirabell61 and 3 others 6 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #10 Posted February 17, 2013 (edited) Here is a look at the fitting of the spar blanks. You can see the overall scale of the model. The bowsprit has been shaped, but the others are just square stock of the proper length. More to come. Questions and comments welcomed. Russ Edited April 17, 2018 by russ riverboat, NigelT, Daniel KF and 2 others 5 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
michael mott Posted February 17, 2013 #11 Posted February 17, 2013 Good to see your back up and running Russ. Michael Quote Current builds Bristol Pilot Cutter 1:8; Skipjack 19 foot Launch 1:8; Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 14 1:8 Other projects Pilot Cutter 1:500 ; Maria, 1:2 Now just a memory Future model Gill Smith Catboat Pauline 1:8 Finished projects A Bassett Lowke steamship Albertic 1:100 Anything you can imagine is possible, when you put your mind to it.
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #12 Posted February 17, 2013 (edited) Michael and Mark: Thanks for looking in. Here is a look at the bulwarks planking. More to come. Questions and comments welcomed. Russ Edited April 17, 2018 by russ Daniel KF 1 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
newbuilder101 Posted February 17, 2013 #13 Posted February 17, 2013 Great to see this log here again too! mnolasco132 1 Quote Sherry Every goodbye is the birth of a memory... Current Build: San Felipe Finished Builds: Mayflower Build Log Gallery: Mayflower
russ Posted February 17, 2013 Author #14 Posted February 17, 2013 Sherry: Thanks. I am hoping to get a little more done on this project in the not too distant future. Russ ken thomson 1 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
rhcronan Posted February 18, 2013 #15 Posted February 18, 2013 Hello Russ: Oh, this is wonderful! You backed this build up. Wonderful! Forgive me, I'm speachless. Wonderful. What it is, is, DEDICATION! Kindest regards. Dick Quote
russ Posted February 18, 2013 Author #16 Posted February 18, 2013 Dick: Thanks for the kind words. However, I just have the pics and I am reposting. I did not save the entire build log, just the photos. The good news is maybe I can find a spot of time to make some progress on this model. Russ SkerryAmp 1 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
sawdust Posted February 18, 2013 #17 Posted February 18, 2013 Hello Russ it is great to see your build log almost completely intact . A great inspiration to both old and new members. I must admit in this last week its like walking around after a disaster and experiencing a sense of relief when one encounters a familiar face. Thank you, Kip Quote
bhermann Posted February 18, 2013 #18 Posted February 18, 2013 Russ - good to see you back onboard. I am just catching up after being away for the weekend. Your work continues to be something to aspire to and to enjoy. Bob Quote Current build -- MS Bluenose Future build - MS Flying Fish "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." - William G. T. Shedd
Dida Posted February 18, 2013 #19 Posted February 18, 2013 Very nice build Russ! Good planking. Quote Kind regards, Hrvoje Finished: Leut by Dida My current build: Leut II My forum dealing with traditional Croatian and Mediterranean shipbuilding: http://drvenibrodovi.forumotion.eu.
captainbob Posted February 18, 2013 #20 Posted February 18, 2013 Russ, Good to see you again. Still finding my way around but I'll be building soon. Bob Quote Every build is a learning experience. Current build: SS_ Mariefred Completed builds: US Coast Guard Pequot Friendship-sloop, Schooner Lettie-G.-Howard, Spray, Grand-Banks-dory, a gaff rigged yawl, HOGA (YT-146), Int'l Dragon Class II, Two Edwardian Launches In the Gallery: Catboat, International-Dragon-Class, Spray
russ Posted February 18, 2013 Author #21 Posted February 18, 2013 Kip: Things are recovering around here very quickly. I think it will be no time at all before we are back to normal. Bob: Thanks for those very kind words. It is appreciated. Dida: Thanks. I enjoyed the planking on this hull very much. Bob: Look forward to seeing your build. Have fun. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
BANYAN Posted February 18, 2013 #22 Posted February 18, 2013 Nice to see this fine lady gracing our build-logs again Russ. Such sweet lines don't deserve to be hidden away on some HDD or the like cheers Pat Quote If at first you do not suceed, try, and then try again!Current build: HMCSS Victoria (Scratch) Next build: HMAS Vampire (3D printed resin, scratch 1:350) Built: Battle Station (Scratch) and HM Bark Endeavour 1768 (kit 1:64)
russ Posted February 19, 2013 Author #23 Posted February 19, 2013 Pat: Thanks for those kind words. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
russ Posted February 19, 2013 Author #24 Posted February 19, 2013 (edited) Here is a little more "old" progress. The hawse pipe lips for this model need to be very delicate indeed. I decided to see what I could accomplish with making them out of boxwood. The first one is not too bad, I think. Russ Edited April 17, 2018 by russ SkerryAmp 1 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
src Posted February 19, 2013 #25 Posted February 19, 2013 Russ, Good to see you back. That is some tiny carving! I think my eyes would have fallen out. Nice! Thanks for reposting this. I would never ask for the circumstances that required it, but I am kind of enjoying all the "Reader Digest Condensed" versions of f the couple of build logs I have had a chance to look at. Sam Quote Current Build Constructo Enterprise
russ Posted February 19, 2013 Author #26 Posted February 19, 2013 Sam: Thanks for those kind words. I made that carving with a lot of magnification. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
jpeghiny Posted February 23, 2013 #27 Posted February 23, 2013 Russ, She looks great!Thanks for all your help and encouragement with Smuggler. I'm back up and running again. Jamie Quote Jamie Peghiny Current Build: Smuggler - 1877 Gloucester Fishing Schooner Future Build: US Navy Brig Eagle 1814
russ Posted February 23, 2013 Author #28 Posted February 23, 2013 Jamie: It is good to see you get back in here. Thanks for the kind words. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
michael mott Posted February 24, 2013 #29 Posted February 24, 2013 Nice work on the carving Russ. Michael Quote Current builds Bristol Pilot Cutter 1:8; Skipjack 19 foot Launch 1:8; Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 14 1:8 Other projects Pilot Cutter 1:500 ; Maria, 1:2 Now just a memory Future model Gill Smith Catboat Pauline 1:8 Finished projects A Bassett Lowke steamship Albertic 1:100 Anything you can imagine is possible, when you put your mind to it.
russ Posted February 24, 2013 Author #30 Posted February 24, 2013 Michael: Thanks. It was actually very enjoyable to do. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB
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