Royal Canadian Mint releases Special Edition Silver Dollar Proof Set – 150th Anniversary of the Transatlantic Cable (2016)

The Royal Canadian Mint released a new dollar coin depicting S.S. Great Eastern. The earlier coin showed the starboard side of the ship. The new coin shows the port side. It is only available in the 2016 proof coin set, of which 12,500 will be available. See more on the Mint's web site.

"This coin takes you back 150 years to Heart's Content, Newfoundland, when the transatlantic telegraph cable was laid. Imagine the excitement as people gathered on shore to admire the gargantuan ship that completed the epic task—recreated here in stunning detail on a coloured silver dollar that's not available with any other set. A must-have collectible!

"The Special Proof Dollar Coin Design:

"This special proof dollar reverse design by Canadian marine artist Yves Bérubé features a three-quarter port-side view of S.S. Great Eastern anchored offshore in the natural harbour of Heart's Content, N.L. Selective colour over engraving recreates the appearance of this great iron steamer, whose impressive size easily dwarfs the local gaff-rigged fishing boat (known as a Jack Boat) that sits off her port bow. Her four funnels and six masts rise up to fill the upper portion of the reverse, while the rolling hills that surround Trinity Bay can be seen in the background. On the beach, local residents gather to admire and study this historic ship, while two of her officers proudly stand on the rocks that line the shore."

May 2016 Meeting

The May CMMG will happen on May 3, 2016, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley. Bring your show and tell items. Work in progress always helps everyone.

West Lake Pleasure Boat

This is a 1/30 (?) scale all-wood model of a Chinese pleasure boat still seen on West Lake near Beijing.
It is a plank-on-frame construction without metal parts. I added the brass bolts for look and strength. The hull wood is dark, possibly mahogany, but has been stained with furniture repair felt pens, then coated with clear varnish. I am very pleased with the outcome of this Chinese wood model kit I acquired from AliExpress for about $20.
John Clearwater

Chinese War Junk

Here is my newly-finished Chinese War Junk with five masts.
I know nothing about the actual ship as the instructions (seen in the first image) are totally and completely in Chinese, without even dates showing in English. This would have been a huge ship, and until the ruling class forbade distant sea travel, would have been the battleships of their time ranging around Asia prior to 1490.
It is an all-wood, plank-on-frame laser-cut kit I bought on AliExpress for about $15.
The colouration of the hull was accomplished with furniture repair felt pens which have various wood stain dyes, and are excellent for adding colour and depth to the actual wood. The deck was rubbed with grey powder to wear and wash out the new wood look. 
Now that I have more experience with Asian sails, I was able to build the sails and masts and rigging in a single weekend.
John Clearwater
Ottawa