Lynx 1812 by SaltyScot - Manuta-Panart - 1:62 - building as Mosquidobit

[SaltyScot]

I have decided to embark on an exciting new project that promises to be both challenging and rewarding for me, the Panart "Lynx" 1812 Baltimore Clipper/Schooner build. 

 

Stock Image

 

In preparation, I have thoroughly examined numerous build logs of the Lynx from both MSW (including Gaffrig's build, and this one from Don) and other platforms. A common theme among these logs seemed to be the need for modifications to the kit to enhance historical fidelity. This has prompted me to conduct extensive research on the Lynx, because the historical significance of this vessel has certainly fueled my enthusiasm for accuracy.

 

One of the more challenging realizations is the lack of original build plans for the Lynx itself. The only substantial drawings available are the draughts drawn up by the English after capturing her, renaming her Mosquidobit and sending her to England. (You can read her history here. Source: Wikipedia) I have found invaluable insights (including said drawings) in Howard Irving Chapelle's book, “The Baltimore Clipper,” as well as from the generous contributions of fellow forum members here who have provided references and resources - thank you all for your support!

 

My intention is to model this ship based on Chapelle’s plans for the Mosquidobit, (from pages 82 through 85 of his book), in order to achieve the highest level of historical accuracy possible.

 

And so, my journey begins anew…

[Knocklouder]

Good luck on your journey  with this build.

                     Bob  M. 

[SaltyScot]

17 minutes ago, Knocklouder said:

Good luck on your journey  with this build.

                     Bob  M. 

 

Thank you, Bob, and thanks for dropping by sir. Always appreciated.

[SaltyScot]

The first order of business was to identify the relevant bulkhead pieces and match them to the ones in the plans. A few of these pieces are extremely similar in size and I had to do some precise measuring to be able to determine exactly which one was which (which is why there is more than one number on some of the pieces).

 

 

 

The pieces were then carefully removed, lightly sanded to remove any leftover burrs and dry fitted to the keel.

 

 

It all looked good and straight but it was evident that some of the bulkheads were not sitting flush with the top of the false keel. The worst bulkhead was # 11. I will shim all the necessary ones once I finally glue them all in place.
 

 

 

I clamped a spare plank along the bulkheads to get a feel for the run of the planking lines. It didn’t look all that bad actually. Once I raise bulkhead #11 to its rightful place this may change somewhat. I will also first fit and shape the bow fillers and see how it all looks then.

 

Edited yesterday at 08:10 PM by SaltyScot
Image added

[SardonicMeow]

I've been looking forward to it since you mentioned you'd be working on this one.  I'll be following along.

Edited yesterday at 11:14 PM by SardonicMeow

[Dr PR]

Mark,

 

Good choice for a subject to model. I almost bashed my Albatros build as the Lynx/Mosquidobit.

 

However, the picture of the model you posted has a lot of errors. Whoever built it knew nothing about the topsail schooners of the early 1800s! The rigging of the fore mast yards is just weird! The spreader yard (course yard) lifts are tied to the mast about halfway up the mast??? The topsail lifts are tied to the base of the topmast??? There are stunsail yards on the topgallant yard!

 

The main gaff topsail spars are totally wrong. The jackyard on the gaff didn't appear until the late 1800s or early 1900s. The vertical spar for the head/luff appears to be tied to the topmast and not suspended by a halliard.  The peak halliards are rigged incorrectly (not far enough out to the end of the gaffs). The pin rails on the bulwarks are in the wrong places and I don't see the stays for the bowsprit and jib boom.

 

I would also check the hull dimensions. It looks to be too narrow. The beam was about 1/4 the length of the hull, and on the American two mast topsail schooners the widest part of the hull was forward close to the position of the fore mast, and not midships between the masts. This was because the square sail and fore sails rigging added more weight on the foremast than on the main mast. A caveat here is that some schooners also had topsails on the main mast, so the widest part of the beam would be closer to midships.

[SaltyScot]

13 hours ago, SardonicMeow said:

I've been looking forward to it since you mentioned you'd be working on this one.  I'll be following along.

 

I am honored, Peter. Thank you.

[SaltyScot]

6 hours ago, Dr PR said:

Mark,

 

Good choice for a subject to model. I almost bashed my Albatros build as the Lynx/Mosquidobit.

 

However, the picture of the model you posted has a lot of errors. Whoever built it knew nothing about the topsail schooners of the early 1800s! The rigging of the fore mast yards is just weird! The spreader yard (course yard) lifts are tied to the mast about halfway up the mast??? The topsail lifts are tied to the base of the topmast??? There are stunsail yards on the topgallant yard!

 

The main gaff topsail spars are totally wrong. The jackyard on the gaff didn't appear until the late 1800s or early 1900s. The vertical spar for the head/luff appears to be tied to the topmast and not suspended by a halliard.  The peak halliards are rigged incorrectly (not far enough out to the end of the gaffs). The pin rails on the bulwarks are in the wrong places and I don't see the stays for the bowsprit and jib boom.

 

I would also check the hull dimensions. It looks to be too narrow. The beam was about 1/4 the length of the hull, and on the American two mast topsail schooners the widest part of the hull was forward close to the position of the fore mast, and not midships between the masts. This was because the square sail and fore sails rigging added more weight on the foremast than on the main mast. A caveat here is that some schooners also had topsails on the main mast, so the widest part of the beam would be closer to midships.

 

Wow, Phil, I am amazed at your knowledge sir! I think you and I will be in close contact throughout this build, I will need to pick your brain if I may. Firstly, I will dissect this reply here and see if I can see what you saw. Thank you, truly, it is evident I have an awful lot to learn about these vessels and I am looking forward to it.