Windows for HMS Bounty

Shown here are some of the windows being made for the model of HMS Bounty. As we now have two models of Bounty residing on this site, the Bounty these windows are for is the one shown in the post titled, 'Earlier pictures of HMS Bounty.'

Boston Whitehall Tender

This is the first wooden boat model that this modeller has built. The kit is by Midwest and the model is 1:14 scale or 7/8" to the foot. The history of the boat on the box top reads, "The Whitehall originated about 1820, around the New York waterfront, and takes its name from the nearby Whitehall Street. Commonly built in Boston boat shops of that era, Whitehalls were originally used by runners who would row out to incoming deep water vessels to accost the crews, pitching the local brothels, ship chandlers, and the like. Because of their grace and beauty, there has been a renewed interest in the Whitehall boats within the last fifty years."
The plans shown here, included in the kit, are drawn to the full size of the finished model and provide the builder with all the information needed to build the boat. The forms on the far right are used to make the shape of the hull while the planking is being done. Later on in the construction they are removed.
The transom and some of the interior detail near the stern can be seen here. The interior has been painted with a buff colour.
The oarlocks, visible in this picture, are metal castings included in the kit. The seats and other detail can also be seen. As well as the purpose described on the box top of the kit, these boats were also used to carry cargo to and from the ships anchored in the harbour.
The bottom of the hull is shown here with the oars and written instructions that come with the kit. The oars are made from two pieces.
This is an excellent model for a beginner or an old hand who wants to build something quickly. A model of this size and relative simplicity can be completed in a fairly short time, gives the builder practice at working with wood and plans and solidly builds the modeller's confidence in his skills.

Nonesuch Restarted

The pictures of the model of Nonsuch that were posted here earlier and the ebony parts from it are all that remain of that model. The builder decided he didn't like it, and said that he put it on the floor and crushed it under his boot.

The intent to make a black and white ship model was thwarted. When the ebony parts were put in place and sanded to their finished size, the black dust from the sanding got into the pores of the holly where it was then impossible to remove it.

There is a silver lining in this cloud. We get to see the construction method in better detail.
Here you can see the hull of the ship taking shape on the plug that has been carved to the inside dimension of the frames. The frames above the bilge line have had filler added between them, to strengthen them when it comes time to cut out the holes for the gun ports and scuppers. This filler will be covered up when the hull is planked.
In this top view you can see the plug as it has been cut into five sections. The centre part on the top is held in place with spacers on either side. The plug's extension well above the gunwale allows the plug and hull assembly to be held in a vise, which makes working on the hull much easier. The dowels extending from the sides are used to index the parts of the plug.

When the centre part is removed, the middle fore and aft parts can then move away from the bow and stern. When they are removed the two side pieces can then be removed.
This is the keel part, which is held in place temporarily with pins. In the final assembly the various parts will be glued permanently. The hull above the keel is pinned and comes apart in two halves. In the final assembly they will be glued as well.
In the final picture you can see that the tops of the frames are uneven. They will be evened out later. When the holly parts have been finished and before the next step of working with the ebony parts, the hull will get a thin coating of a clear flat varnish to seal the pores.