J H Crawford by LJP (Lawrence Paplham) - Scale 1:64 - an 1894 to 1898 Wisconsin sternwheeler

[LJP]

After three years since the start of my MSW build of the Thistle, I have decided to build the J. H. Crawford (JHC).  As with my Thistle build, this will not be a fast process.   I learned a lot from the Thistle build, and will need to be creative in making new mistakes on building JHC.  I have also stolen ideas presented by others (Hi Cathead!) which will improve the quality of JHC.

 

The J. H. Crawford was built in 1894 by Ryan Brothers of Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the Wolf River Transportation and Merchandising Company.  

 

George Ryan and his brother were Canadians who learned shipbuilding at Short Brothers in Maine.  They later built Great Lake boats in Sheboygan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin before they finally began ship building in Oshkosh.  Their Eastern and Great Lakes background had a profound effect upon the vessels they built.  They modeled and lofted their boats which was unusual for these design-build boats.  And George never referred to their creations as boats, they were always “ships”. Their long-lived boats were strongly constructed to weather the shallow but tempestuous Lake Winnebago but showed their earlier career influences.

 

 JHC was described as a “working boat” although it carried passengers.  It had a 10 by 15 forward men’s “smoker” along with a same size women’s saloon aft. Initially it was designed for the circuitous Lower Wolf River at an overall nominal length of 130 feet by 25-foot beam.  JHC’s entire life was spent on a section of the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway.  This included the Lower Wolf up to New London, the Lower Fox up to Green Bay, the Upper Fox to Berlin, and Lakes Winnebago, Winneconne, Poygan and Butte des Morts.

 

The new owners immediately had a falling out over the proposed Wolf River route for the JHC. Eight months later JHC was sold to the company of McKenzie & [ Captain John H.] Crawford.  In May 1898 they in turn sold the JHC to Clark and LeFevre. Clark & LeFevre lengthened the boat by 14 feet and renamed it Thistle. At an overall 144 feet length, the now Thistle just fit into the 145 by 36-foot Fox River locks.  Clark & LeFevre combined interests with the Oshkosh Steamboat Company in 1906.   Thistle was finally dismantled at Green Bay in 1915 after a long 21-year life. 

 

There are only two known photos of JHC.  One was a photo bomb at distance that was not useful. The other, presented below, is a wonderful quartering stern view that truly shows the difference between much simpler JHC and the latter Thistle.  I first obtained this photo while building Thistle, or I probably would have built JHC first.

Photo published courtesy of Dave Thompson Collection at Steamboats.com.

 

Below is the bow view of Thistle but what the J. H. Crawford probably looked like, albeit 14 feet shorter and without the bow bulwarks.  Note the double stairs to the saloon deck and main deck with bull rails.

Thistle at Berlin, Wisconsin in 1901. Reprinted with permission from the Berlin (Wisconsin) Area Historical Society

 

My next posting will show the profile drawings of JHC and Thistle, which really shows the differences between the two boats.  I will again build in 1:64 scale. 

[KeithAug]

Wonderful subject. I do like paddle driven riverboats. I will follow with interest.

[LJP]

These are comparative 1:64 profiles of J. H. Crawford (upper) versus Thistle (lower).   

The obvious differences in the much simpler JHC is the 14-foot shorter length, but also an old type double stairs compared to a grand stairway.  Most main deck windows are omitted as are the fancier bulwarks - including the bow bulwark.  No electric in the early years, so a “railroad type” light was installed on the hurricane deck by 1895.  Note the reduction or absence of lifesaving equipment: no rafts or life planks, only 2 yawls, and no boiler deck ladder.  There are numerous subtle differences which will be evident later.  

 

Now I need to get started on cutting out the frames for my plank-on-bulkhead model.  One of the things I did learn is that I really do not need as many frames as I used in Thistle.  If I wanted to build a true framed model that would be different, but I do not want that much detail. I hope to build a stronger but more cohesive p-o-f model.  What most are unaware of, is that the Thistle had an early launch that resulted in sprung planks, a destroyed stem post and a broken keel.  Those type redo repairs I hope to avoid.

 

[LJP]

I cut out the frames and began to build the hull structure. Nothing below has been glued in place yet.  The cylinder timbers are at the stern and additional longitudinal supports inserted.  The supports will outline the boiler pit.  JHC had a single Scotch Marine boiler below the main deck.  It was noted that the engineer’s ladder slipped when he was going to inspect the boiler during construction.  The engineer ended up with a broken arm and his left ear nearly torn off. 

Next steps will be cutting out the boiler pit and actually gluing things together.  Things are going slower due to summer months and life's little adventures.

 

[KeithAug]

On 9/5/2024 at 5:12 PM, LJP said:

The engineer ended up with a broken arm and his left ear nearly torn off. 

Ouch! - Lets hope the current builder has better luck.

[LJP]

I have gotten things glued in and starting the planking   It will take some time for the full planked hull due to other duties as assigned.

I temporarily put the boiler in the pit. Again, it will be a while before I get to the boiler. The gauges for the boiler will have a bit different layout than what is normally seen on the boiler itself. I have a Marine Iron Works of Chicago USA brochure (one of several that I have) that shows a lithograph from a boiler that was reproduced from a photograph – so that layout actually existed.  Stay tuned.

 

JHC will have eleven wider bottom planks just like its younger sister boat, the 1907 Paul L had.  The Oshkosh Public Museum has numerous online photos of the capsized Paul L in May 1910. The Paul L capsized when the coal cargo was unloaded from the starboard side but not the port.  Predictable result.  Over Paul L went, throwing crew into the cold Fox River. The Museum photos show not only the normal bow shots but there are two of the upturned stern views which prove invaluable.  I obtained several of these Museum photos of excellent clarity, but I am not permitted to publish them here.  I also own some postcard photos of the capsizing but not the stern shots.

The actual JHC bottom planks were of locally sourced oak, while the Paul L were southern cyprus.  The narrower JHC side planks were locally sourced Eastern white pine while the Paul L were Washington or Oregon Douglas fir.  The change in material speaks to the rapid deforestation of Wisconsin in a less than fifteen-year period of time due to intensive and destructive logging.  I used basswood throughout my model. 

[LJP]

Well, its been a few months but my “other duties as assigned” are winding down.  This has allowed me time to finally get the planking done.  This has not been with out a few re-do’s on some of the individual planks but the product is now acceptable.

I now need to paint the hull.  If you recall, Thistle was historically accurate with a green upper and “two coats of boiled linseed oil” below the waterline, circa 1908.  I do not know what JHC’s colours were.  For below the waterline, I have seen discussions for white, black and oxide red. Above the waterline, later Thistle photos seem to be white, black and grey.  Or so it seems, given these were black and white photos or colourized.  The JHC photo at the beginning of this article seems to be grey.  I would appreciate if anyone has insight into hull colour schemes.  Otherwise I will pick period appropriate colours. 

 

Hopefully, my next entry will not take so much time as we head toward the holidays.

[LJP]

I decided to paint the entire hull white for want of a better decision.  This is the hull colour of many of the museum steamboats. Likewise, this was probably the most economical as no tinting was required. So white it is.

 

I used Alan Bates’ method of combining the deck beams and the guard’s outriggers into a single beam.  Much simpler and stronger.  This is different from the Bertrand which had the outriggers separate from the deck beams.  This is what my early gluing and clamping looked like. Lots of clamps…

Another deviation was the outriggers at the stern where the wheel was located.  Again, Bertrand had separate outriggers. However, JHC’s sister ship, the Paul L, had that area blocked in with timbers.  This was evident with the Oshkosh Public Museum online photo of the Paul L when capsized. [I am not permitted to publish that photo here, but you can check their website.] So, I used solid blocking.

 

This is what the final product looks like.

My next project is to complete the main deck decking.  There are a few issues there:

1.       If the bow did not have a canvas or tarpaper cover, I would suspect the deck needed to be caulked.  You would not want water draining into the hold where the coal bunkers are.  Over the guards it makes no difference.

2.       I may try something different for the hog chain braces.  The braces really get in the way as you build the boiler deck and the staterooms.  Maybe a guide in the hull where the braces can be removed during construction.

3.       The same is true for the inner cylinder timbers with their support braces for the sternwheel.  On Thistle, I completed them in situ – which was a horror story.  Now I may make them a separate and removable component.

[LJP]

I ended up with another step before I can begin planking the deck.

 

As I mentioned earlier, I had problems with the hog chain braces getting in the way of later construction.  So what I tried this time is epoxying 5/32 x 5/15 K&S brass tube as a guide in the hull.  The 4/32 x 8/32 basswood hog chain braces are removable and just slide into the guides.  It is hard to see from the photo, but the braces are all at 60 degrees.  Hopefully, this will work better.  I left the braces long and will cut down to length later.

 

I also added the rudders.  I needed to add these now because of the decking over the false transom. 

 

Lastly, I added the strake around the outside of the deck.  I do not know what this is called – let me know if you know the correct name.  On a clipper ship, the bow section is a nibbling strake – no idea what it is on a steamboat.

So now I finally can begin the planking.  [ I promise I will do it this time] You can also see the center plank that I laid for a reference point. It will be trimmed for the boiler pit and hatches.

[Keith Black]

 LJP, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. 

[LJP]

Merry Christmas (albeit a few days late...) and a Happy New Year to you Keith and your family.  I really enjoyed your Pile Driver and am following your Lula build.  I totally like unusual subjects. And your YouTube on a steam engine is absolutely unbelievable.  Great find!

[LJP]

As promised, I finished planking the main deck.

Earlier I had mentioned that I was uncertain if the deck at the bow had a canvas or tarpaper cover.  I recently obtained a clear photo postcard of the J H Crawford’s sister boat the Paul L. The Paul L capsized in May 1910 after being unloaded of coal on only the starboard side.   It may be difficult to see here but the bow is clearly planked without canvas or tarpaper.  Contrast that with the canvas used on the hurricane deck

This is my early process on planking.  I added six access or storage hatches.  I built those up on a maple veneer base and then placed them. All the planking was 1/32 by 1/8 basswood. The holes in the decking are where the mid-deck stationaries will be placed. The orange dot will place a capstan.

The finished product. I included numerous slots in the deck for the stationaries, hog chain braces and bits.  This will be stronger than simply gluing them to the deck like I did on Thistle.

Next step is to begin building all of the “stuff” on the main deck.  This includes machinery, engine room crew quarters, and of course, the Scotch Marine Boiler.  Many thanks to Keith Black in his Lula build for finding a YouTube on an operating Scotch Marine boiler video. That will be a great help in building my boiler.

 

[Jim Lad]

I'm not sure how I missed the start of this log, but I've just read through it and will continue to follow your beautiful work.

 

River boats of all kinds are always fascinating!

 

John

[LJP]

Hi John.

 

Welcome aboard!  Trust me, you are not the only one who misses builds.  I have been known to do so on occasion....

LJP

[Cathead]

On 12/17/2024 at 10:33 AM, LJP said:

 

Lastly, I added the strake around the outside of the deck.  I do not know what this is called – let me know if you know the correct name.

The term "rubbing rail" comes to mind...not sure if it was used for steamboats specifically but it certainly refers to an extra wale-like strake that provides protection around a hull.

 

Like Jim, I'm astonished and dismayed that it took me this long to discover your new build. Apologies! You do great and fascinating work and I'm so excited to finally be following along.

[LJP]

Hi Cathead!

 

Glad to have you aboard also! I have really enjoyed your builds and have stolen many of your methods.  And I will steal more of your ideas!   

 

LJP

[druxey]

And I've only just stumbled across your build as well! How did we all miss this? Lovely work.

[LJP]

druxey,

 

Welcome aboard!  As I mentioned before, I am very good at missing builds. Glad to have you here.

 

LJP

[LJP]

 

Building the boiler assembly turned into  a project onto itself.

 

The J H Crawford had a single Scotch Marine boiler that had been built by Burns of Fort Howard (Green Bay) per period publications. The Milwaukee Public Library, Great Lakes Marine Collection, lists the boiler as a 6 foot  diameter by 12 feet long Firebox boiler. At my 1/64 scale, this is 1 1/8 by 2 ¼ - which is large enough to include some simplified detail. The 12 foot length was noted on other Ryan built boats but diameters and number of boilers varied.

 

I used several sources to pattern the boiler. Like my Thistle build,  I used Marine Iron Works of Chicago USA sales brochures and of course Bates.  There are literally thousands of boiler photos in books and periodicals.  

 

I also used Keith Black’s YouTube screen shots (below) of an actual 1887 Scotch Marine boiler which was immeasurably helpful.  The screen shot of the actual boiler has been heavily enhanced to show the detail. 

Source: YouTube Part 2:1887 Scotch Marine boiler and plant steam test and operation by A.E.Karnes

 

I started the boiler project by drawing simplified scale plans based upon my research. The face of the boiler looks a lot like the 1887 YouTube video while the boiler itself resembles the Marine Iron Works. These are the plans with an early start on the boiler.

  I simulated the boiler rivets using small nails.  I used a ponce wheel for the spacing, but lots of drilling.  I do like what the final result was even given the work to get there.

Next up, all the detail and painting.

[Keith Black]

 The boiler looks great, LJP.

 

The below won't help you with this build but at least you'll have the information for next time. Yesterday I became aware of transfer rivets by Archer, they sell several patterns in five? different scales. 

 

https://www.archertransfers.com/pages/surface-details-n-scale

 

 Example image of one of the patterns.

Edited January 8 by Keith Black

[LJP]

Keith,

 

Thanks for the info.  I definitely would use this in the future. One of the issues using small nails is lack of quality control - heads misaligned, etc. Love your Lula, but the scale is beyond my abilities to do detailing like you have.

 

LJP

[Keith Black]

13 minutes ago, LJP said:

Thanks for the info.  I definitely would use this in the future. One of the issues using small nails is lack of quality control - heads misaligned, etc. Love your Lula, but the scale is beyond my abilities to do detailing like you have.

 Thank you, LJP. Archer sells S scale (1:64) rivets. 1:120 is between HO and N scale so I'll probably go with the N scale. I learned of Archer through mcb's Blairstown build, see his rivet images on page four. 

 

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/32170-blairstown-by-mcb-1160-plastic-steam-derrick-lighter-ny-harbor/

[Jim Lad]

That's a very nice looking boiler you're building there.

 

John

[LJP]

Hi John,

 

Thanks for liking it.  I have been spending time on the water glass/stop cocks/pressure gauge setup. This is taking me much more time than anticipated and a few re-dos.  Some of the other details should go faster.

 

LJP

 

 

[LJP]

I got to working on some of the tiny boiler assembly detail.

The door to the firebox was a challenge.  I used plastic for the top layer and detail while there is a wood backing.  The dime gives some sense of size. 

Another tiny addition was the safety valve.   I used a safety valve litho from the International Library of Technology book from the 1890s.  This was one of the books for engineers. It contains way more information (and mathematical formulas) then I ever want to attack. The part used six different type and size Evergreen plastics. Same dime, different boiler part.

An unusual construct on my boiler is the layout for the glass, stop cocks and water gauge. Marine Iron Works has a print from a photo (which means it actually was built) where all of the items were on a separate pipe apart for the boiler.  I simply had to use this layout. As noted on Keith’s YouTube schematic, gauges &c. were often attached to the boiler itself.

Source: Marine Iron Works of Chicago USA. 

 

This is what I ended up with. This is a temporary layout that still needs to be painted, trimmed and then secured.  I had to rearrange the components because of the dual stack breeching. This was a horrible build with redos and many conversations with myself.  For the glass, I used a section of straight hobby bead .  The gauge was a brass part from my possible box (everything possible is found in there). The pins will be trimmed after painting. Yup, same dime put to use again. 

An issue I could not completely resolve was the breeching layout for dual stacks on the bolier.  There were lots of single stack examples for a single Scotch Marine boiler, and numerous examples of multiple Western Marine boilers on dual stacks – but no dual stacks on a single boiler.  I used a poor quality photo of the 1922 burnt Valley Queen (Ryan built ex- Leander Choate) from the Oskosh Public Museum for my layout. The breeching will seem huge in relation to the boiler.  This may be due in part to the boiler being situated in a boiler pit within the hull as opposed to on the main deck. No dime, no photo. 

The final boiler will also include the upper & lower blow-outs and main and auxiliary water feeds.

On to assembly and painting. This should not take too long.
 

 

[Keith Black]

 Nice micro detail work, LJP. 

[LJP]

Thanks Keith!  Your Lula is still MUCH smaller and I have to hand to you on all of the detail.

 

And another thanks, as I have ordered the rivets from the link you provided.  I hope to have these before I need to construct the pitman arms.  

 

LJP

[Keith Black]

43 minutes ago, LJP said:

I have ordered the rivets

 Thank you, LJP. I look forward to a review on the rivets.

[Jim Lad]

Looking forward to seeing the boiler embellished with these delightful details!

 

John

[LJP]

Hi John,

Here is the finished boiler assembly.

 

And John’s comment in Keith Black’s Lula build on painting saving the day is right on the money.  

 

Here is my final painted ( a/k/a “saved”) boiler assembly.  The actual boiler colour is a dark black. I enhanced some of the photos to show the detail as dark black obscures the detail.. 

This one is slightly enhanced.  The gauges are on the right. The curved pipe on the rear of the boiler is the blow out pipe. The breechings are overly large due to photo perspective and have been cut off.

Side view, unenhanced.  The safety valve and man hole cover are prominent.  There is another view of the gauges and blow-outs.

Quartering rear view.  This has been enhanced to show detail.  This view shows the main and auxiliary water feeds.

 

And here is how it looks in the hull.  It has not been glued in yet as I do not want to damage it as I am working on other things. The black squares in the foreground are coal hatches. 

Now onto the other machinery: engines, feed pumps, hand pumps & such.  Still tiny stuff, probable re-dos and much more self-discussions. These are each little mini-projects so I will do a few at a time.  I will start with the hand pumps.