PAMIR 1905 by Mirabell61 - FINISHED - 1:96 - four-masted barque as she appeared since 1951/1952

[Mirabell61]

Sailing ship, fourmast-barque PAMIR in scale 1:96


Introduction to this build log, by Nils Langemann


For modeling one of the famous “Flying P-Liners” of the last century, my choice fell on the PAMIR because that ship probably would be supported with most available information one can get in the appropriate media. Much has been written about the various owners, the crews,the routes, etc, and all this illustrated on the web, in literature, reports, photos, paintings and models in all qualities and scales, without here considering many various very good moulded plastic kit models.

Most of all was reported about the tragic loss in Sept. 1957 when the hurricane “Carrie” called for its tribute. 80 of 86 crew members, mostly young men, lost their lives after their ship had finally capsized and sank within minutes, southwest of the Azores islands of the Atlantic, this causing the to date largest and most intensive post WW2 international coordinated search and rescue operation in the civil marine history. Trust the older MSW members still remember the news-clips and film reports of the 6 wounded roughbeaten survivers and their pictures as they told their story, after being rescued from their broken lifeboat wreck-hulks and after several days ongoing struggle for life.

Most of the available plans for modeling the 1905 at Blohm an Voss built and launched Pamir, as well as many models exhibited in worldwide museums show the Pamir in all versions as she looked like before 1951, several changes in paint and slight modifications, acc. To the owner and nations and to suit its owners cooperate identity appeal had been made.

I was looking for an authentic plan of the version after the major changes at the Howaltswerke- Deutsche Werft, Kiel in northern Germany in years 1951 /1952, and after which the ship was under the Hamburg based subsiduary of shipping company Zerssen & Co, whereby the homeport was Lübeck. A couple of german shipping companies founded an association that together with Zerssen as the ship relevant managing part, enabled the training of young civil nautical and sailor-handcraft in a win-win situation for both trainees and shipping companies. The old well known Laeisz colour of the P-liners had been chosen again, and the ship, still being a trade cargo vessel under sails routed to South American ports around the Cape Hoorn performed many trips. At the same time the Passat, (today still afloat as Museumship in Travemünde near Lübeck, Germany) was also changed and appointed for same further activities.
The plan of performed changes was available and purchased from the Howaltswerke shipyard, and for the Frame/ Bulkhead plan I found authentic original Blohm and Voss drawings in a book of Hamburgs sailing ships 1795-1945, Author Jürgen Meyer. This model took me two years to build, and it is comprising about 1950 manhours modeling. More about design, preparing for the build, construction as well as information on the model will be given along with the Build log sequences as they are posted….
The already completed model 1:96, length 119,5 cm, can be viewed in my album, topic “Gallery of completed scratch built models”, Pamir 4-mast barque version as 1957

For all that also love these wonderfull squarerigger tallships, enjyoy and stay tuned to the build log….

Nils


I ca`nt realy say today how many log-parts in total it will take, it depends on how much interest the fellow MSW members shall have as to the extension of the individual build sequences. If the interest should be like it was with the Heinrich Kayser build log, it probably would be the "whole program"

Nils


here we go....

Build log part 1


I am lucky to have my own hobby-room office


These are pics of the proud and sturdy built Pamir which hundreds of nautic Trainees may have in good rememberance




in Sept 1957 came the shocking flash-News of the foundering of the ship, and also over the to date greatest post WW2 search and rescue Operation in civil marine history.
This frightning realistic pencil drawing by Artist Franz Richter Johnsen I feel is so emotional touching. It is showing the Pamir in its agony just before capsizing (masts down) and thereafter to sink within minutes. That was an indication that the hull must have been broken, otherwise it would certainly have stayed afloat some hours, even in that illfated position, and the S&R Groups could have made her out better


I was often asked what plan-drawings I had for doing this project, and would like to bring attention to two very informative books... (I am in no way associated with the authors or its Distribution)
There is first : Hamburgs Segelschiffe 1795-1945, author, Jürgen Meyer, can be found preferably at book antiquariates
it contains amoungst many other beautiful Tallships, copies of original Blohm + Voss Pamir plans.


The Basic Frame / bulkheadplan was used for my model


There is second : a relatively new publication, Die Letzten Flying P-liner, by Andreas Gondesen, who I consider as one of the best knowledgeable authors of the famous P-Liners, their History, as well as pointing out the differences between Pamirs several "Sister" ships, hardly known to the public.
The great benefit of this book is the wonderful accurate detailed large plan in poster Formate of the Pamir in scale 1:100, that comes along included with the publication. (it is representing the Version before 1951 though), but never the less a must for Pamir modelers


outcut from Gondesens Pamir plan


many handscetches had been made by myself, here only some examples


for those of you who know how good the extruded quality and precision of the Heller plastic Pamir kit and its moulds are in scale 1:150, I took the measurements for the various deckhousings from a wrecked plastic torso I found in a bin, and magnified these ratings to scale 1:96
Whoever does not know the Heller kit, please be advised, it is representing the precise Pamir Version of 1951 /1952 in top quality, but on a high skill Level

Together with a plan comprising all the changes to the Pamir from Howaltswerke Deutsche Werft in Kiel, I was ready to get my project under steam at last......


Build log part 2 to follow...

[Jim Lad]

I'm glad that you've started a build log for the Pamir, Nils!

 

John

[Mirabell61]

Thanks John,

I trust it is the first Pamir on this Forum, or was there one in the lost MSW 1 ?

 

Nils

[Blue Ensign]

Great looking build Nils, I will follow your log with interest.

 

Love the photo of the Meister at work.

 

B.E.

[Mirabell61]

Well the horse had just been saddled by now... but thanks for yor words B.E.

The pics shall probably beginn tomorrow and the following...

 

Nils

[NenadM]

I ve just dropped, and follow ...

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 2

 

 

 

working out and drawing the individual Frames in order to suit this build

 

each Frame gets its own 1:1 drawing on paper

 

rough cut out of the paper and fix on 4 or 5 mm thick plywood

 

an obligatory base plate is set up to Keep all in alignment and to get (and keep) the keelline straight during the further build

 

cut out Frames in preliminary set up, to see if all Frames are straking well

cross check, yes it Looks like Pamirs lines of the early hull

 

the model is being built keelside up, the Frames complete cut out, and the notches for the stringers done

 

all looks well so far

 

due to the fix on the baseplate all frames bear Surplus height, to bring (only interim, will be cut to suit later on)to the same level

 

like a strong man Needs a strong Backbone, I have arranged for a "spine" 20 x 20 mm square beam to reinforce the hull for taking on the induced tensile stresses of all the stay and shrouds spanning, working on the hull later on. I never regretted to do this...

 

 

well under way now, the stringers as well as the ships lines clearly to be seen now

 

 

 

Build log part 3 to follow...

 

Nils

[Lou van Wijhe]

I'll follow your build log with great interest, Nils! The P-liners were very impressive ships.

 

Lou

[Mirabell61]

build log part 3

 

 

 

am satisfied with the result so far

 

making thoughts about prop outcut and rudder blade Arrangement, corresponding to one of the various changes after 1951

For manouvering in Harbor Areas, in South American ond other bay Locations, shallow Waters, and in lack of wind, a 1000 PSi Motor had been built in, as well as a 2,5 m dia 2-blade Propeller. The other Major changes after 1951 I shall Point out later on

 

the coming planking will be so much easier if the stringers can be used as Counterparts to fasten the clamps. These stringers also give enormous strength to the planking itsself

 

all well under way now

 

here Comes the first plank (pine as Long as the hull 2 x 10 mm)for single layer planking.

I cut These Planks myself out of fine structure boards from the crafters. This hull shall also be plated later, so the 2mm thick planking provides sufficient thickness for smoothing down the outer surface well enough for the plating

 

thats partiall enough for the starboard side, pull up the port side planking now....

 

same Status from bow view

 

both sides planking is heading for the keel

 

Little propshaft mounted and 2-blade Propeller fixed (M3 thread)

 

this is one of the three foreseen standbolts, because this weakens the keel there have been wooden reinforcement claddings fixed to it from both sides within the hull

 

 

 

Build log part 4 to follow....

 

Nils

Edited February 13, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

I'll follow your build log with great interest, Nils! The P-liners were very impressive ships.

 

Lou

Lou thank you

I`m happy that this meets your interest

 

Nils

[NenadM]

Nils, is there any, even minimal longitudinal and latitudinal deck curvature on your plans?

[Mirabell61]

Nenad,

the breadthwise curvature midships has 1,85 % height on midship centerline compared to the appropriate port / starboard deck edges (see enclosed Frame #8)

For the longitudinal value you Need to use the Frame overview plan I am enclosing and check out the height of port / starboard deck edges. Projected into a side view you would get the % of that curvature

 

Hope this is of help....

 

Nils

 

midship mainframe

 

use this plan for the longitudinal curvature, use CWL waterline as referance for distance to individual deck edges

 

These curvatures I used for main decks and mid upper deck

[captainbob]

Nice start to a fine build.

 

Bob

[Mirabell61]

well, I did my best Bob so Keep tuned.....

 

Nils

[Jim Lad]

That looks a very strong hull, Nils.

 

John

[Mirabell61]

You`re right John,

but knowing that there are 8 sets of shrouds, all those stays and appr. 64 backstays all under spanned stress it really takes the strong one to be on the safe side

 

Nils

Edited February 11, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Jeronimo]

Hi Nils,

fun and joy in the construction of this beautiful ship.

I can still remember the sinking in 1957,

was twelve years old.

Regards Karl

[Mirabell61]

Karl, yes I also remember,

I was 10 years old and the newspapers spread the Happenings and the newsflashes right down to Capetown as well...

 

Nils

[Bedford]

From memory she used to frequent Sydney along with her fellow "P" line ship, the Passat. Not sure which but one of them was the last commercial tall ship to sail out of Sydney on 1957.

 

I will keep a close eye on this one.

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 4

 

 

 

3/4 planking done

 

waterline with preliminary pencil marking

 

vertical planking of spherical round upper Stern portion

 

waiting for the glue to dry off

 

this is a great Moment, the ship has been lifted off the baseplate for the first time, Hull sanded over, all Looks OK. Prop and shaft claddings as well as ruddershaft fitted

 

meantime the stand with its three brass Posts has been made and fitted

 

Planks just before the decklines left open for enabling Access underneath to the decks when they get mounted

 

 

 

all bukhead heights brout to appropriate deck levels

 

The decks are in preperation already...

 

 

 

Build log part 5 to follow

 

 

Nils

[Mirabell61]

From memory she used to frequent Sydney along with her fellow "P" line ship, the Passat. Not sure which but one of them was the last commercial tall ship to sail out of Sydney on 1957.

 

I will keep a close eye on this one.

Thanks for this Information Bedford

yes, I think the Pamir was wellknown in Australia an New Zealand....

 

Nils

[Mirabell61]

build log part 5

 

 

 

a good base for Fixing the poopdeck on

 

same for the midship high deck, on the "keel-spine" the counternut for one standbolt can be seen

 

bow bulwark planking also done vertical

 

the Forward main deck reaches well under the upper forecastle deck

 

Fitting vent tubes preliminary, to see if the frontside of poop bulkhead notches are adequate

 

here again the hull lines clearly to be seen

 

the decks are from 1,5 mm 4 layer aero plywood

 

handscetch for scaled heights of belaying pin racks and bulwarks

 

planking of poopdeck, with 1 x 3 mm Pitchpine (to be cleaned and sanded over later on)

 

length several lots of cut pre-bundled and clamped deckplanks pencil-charcoaled at their thin- and face edges only

 

 

 

 

Build log part 6 to follow....

 

 

Nils

Edited February 11, 2014 by Mirabell61

[captainbob]

I like the vertical planking. I'll have to remember that.

 

Bob

[Mirabell61]

Hi Crackers,

Thanks for your nice words, and yes, if this is the 1:150 Heller kit, it surely will be an ambitious model to complete, I`m not sure from the Picture if it is the Version before or after 1951 you are showing, it is difficult to make out.

 

Let me use this ocasion for pointing out the differences after the Pamir had been changed at Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel

 

Major changes after 1951:

 

- prolonged poopdeck

- additional 2 deckhouses with attached 4 ventposts to each housing that also act as the pillar co lumes for the cargo derricks

- 1000 PSi engine fitted

- 2,5 meter dia. 2-blade Propeller fitted

- modified rudder fitted

- additional 2 boats and Davits mounted on foreward deck, set behind the foremast shrouds and back stays on skid type cradle s enabling slip backwards on skid under the Position of the foredeck Davits

- three(of each 6-drum comprising) Jarvis bracing winches mounted, enabling easy bracing, to the f irst three lower Yards of the 3 mainmasts. The bracing rigging was changed accordingly

- modified catwalks from poop to the high middeck and on to the forecastle deck, for speedy and dr y Crew movement in rough water

 

 

These changes of corse required for space, so everything became more "crowded" on the decks, this also causing the 1:96 model to well place the changes....

 

If I have forgotten any Feature please feel free to advise...

 

Nils

Edited February 13, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Bugra]

Hey Nils ; 

 

Another beauty and great craftsmanship again! Thanks for sharing with us. 

 

Bugra.

[Mirabell61]

Thank you bugra,

 

stay tuned there are many more log parts to come...

 

Nils

[Jim Lad]

Your model's already looking like a beautiful lady, Nils.

 

Looks like another major change in 1951 was the addition of cargo derricks.

 

John

[Mirabell61]

I like the vertical planking. I'll have to remember that.

 

Bob

yes, you should try it Bob,

it saves many headaches and broken Planks..

 

Nils

Edited February 12, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

Your model's already looking like a beautiful lady, Nils.

 

Looks like another major change in 1951 was the addition of cargo derricks.

 

John

John,

Thanks for your Input...

when mentioning the load beams I meant cargo derricks, sorry for confusion..., and thanks for the correct term

 

Nils

Edited February 12, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Bedford]

Again, if memory serves, I seem to remember reading about her at the Sydney Maritime Museum - not to be confused with the Australian Maritime Museum in Sydney - that she was trying bulk loading for the first time like the non sail ships did and had a hold full of wheat. She encountered a storm and the hatches were letting water in. The grain on the leeward side of the hold became saturated which caused her to heel over more and the fact that the grain was free to move around in the hold meant it all tried to get to the lee side and she capsised.

 

I was there not long after the James Graig was brought to Sydney so that was about 20 years ago, I will therefore stand correction