Dioramas are some of the most challenging of subject matters when it come to design and format. What make this art form interesting to both viewer and artist are the details that bring together a moment in time. I learned this years ago with my first two wood creations when exhibiting in a group show at South Street Seaport in the early '90s.
The subjects that caught the attention of the general public (and news media) was a biblical diorama of Christ calming a fierce sea in the boat with his Apostles. The second was just as dramatic -the subject being whalers under the flapping flukes of a great sperm whale. That piece was titled "Judgement Call".
With the reception that was received at South Street; it was my initiation into the maritime arts.
Steamboat historian and shipmodel specialist Rex Stewart works attentively on a
scale replica of S.S. ARROW of New England's Colonial Line, showing her
appearance between 1936 - 1942. The ARROW first ran as the BELFAST for
for the Boston and Bangor Division of the Eastern Steamship Company.
Rex Stewart's profile plan drawing of Hudson River nightboat ONTEORA as
she appeared in 1906. At 1/8" = 1' scale, the actual length of this model was
30 7/8" inches. The plans were produced and copyrighted in 1992.
At last, there is now an amazing trend happening in the world of steamboat collecting - a resurgence of steamboat lore through the acquisitions of models that seem to grace boardrooms, libraries and homes in the Northeast Corridor. Deemed as part of the designer's methaphor to accent rooms which capture American maritime in its heydey of the prolific sidewheeler.
Observing this recent trend has brought me to realize the possibilities to open a door for contemporary collectibles that reflect America's past in its zenith of the Industrial Age. This being the maritime and the beautiful vessels that once graced its waters.
These replicas are reminscent of the sidewheelers that commuted on the Hudson River and throughout the New England Region during the heydey of steamboating. And though my material only address certain vessels, it doesn't limit my abilities to design and reconstruct custom models from other regions, provided there is enough available data.
As a craftsman, my first priority for undertaking a project is to aim for accuracy. Meaning, how can I provide the 'best' accuracy for bringing to the collector/investor a true and concise model.
Hudson River steamboat JOHN E. MOORE c.1853
Most plans for steamboats are non-existant and no hard rules apply to authenticate those plans/blueprints that are available. Plans were blueprints which defined a vessel, but seldom did the 19th century builder adhere to them. To assist my research I carefully scrutinize available documents such as literature, photos and paintings -information necessary for producing non-copied original drawings. Once these drawings are realized, I am then able to produce the model.
Each and every model, whether a reproduction of the first, or a custom 'original'; each has its own elegance and persona. My models are scratchbuilt at the highest standards, using the basic woods of pine and bass. The hull being of select pine and the remaining superstructure and deck details of basswood. The flags are handpainted on treated paper
to present a sense of 'movement' and 'free-flow' as if these were flapping in the wind.
I always attempt to build the models to portray a vessel as it may have appeared in that year. This, of course, is a paintstaking process but one which I enjoy pursuing. To this end I can say, with certainty, that these one-of-a-kind steamboats are truly for the collector who desires accuracy followed by quality and hands-on research.
Since coming into this unique genre in 1982, I obtained a much learned experience concerning the dynamics of Northeast steamboating in both configuratiuon and design.
The models serve as ambassadors of my artform.These are historical miniatures that represent the period and the vessel.
For more information about this line of work for a custom commission, email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. I would be most honored to serve your preferences.
PRISCILLA surprised skeptics by passing through the Cape Cod Canal, June 1937 - the widest vessel of any type to accomplish this.
Some years ago a Catholic priest from Saint Joseph's Parish at Fall River, MA contacted me and asked if I was able to build an exact replica of the Fall River Line stmr. COMMONWEALTH.
His request was the beginning of a new line of steamboats -a series of beautiful nightboats that operated on Long Island Sound from Fall River, Massachusetts to New York City, New York.
PRISCILLA was a complicated vessel to model. Few builders of my time had the ability to do this, but with this particular line I challenged myself to be the 'first'.
With the photo-prints Fr. Paul McCarrick supplied, it eased both the intimidation and tension I faced when approaching this endeavor.
In the words of naval architect-designer George Peirce to Commander Stephen Gardner: "Why Captain, the MARY POWELL -Fletcher built her engines, you know...and she's run on the Hudson River for thirty-two years, and she's good for many more. Our new steamboat is to be the 'Mary Powell' of Long Island Sound!"
"I see you're not aiming to joke, Mr. Peirce",replied Cmdr. Gardner.
PRISCILLA was, indeed, to become the 'Mary Powell' of the Sound...and it was then, when I read that piece of literature from Roger McAdam's book "Priscilla of Fall River", I knew I had to build this model. For the men of that day, PRISCILLA became a monumental endeavor. She was to be a state-of-the-art sidewheeler that would awe many in the year of 1894.
Built at Chester, PA by the Delaware Shipbuilding and Engine Works, she became the world's largest sidewheeler -having an unprecedented career. She was the acknowledged queen of the great ships that serviced the Line.
Fall River Line steamer PRISCILLA c.1894 - Detail, Stern Starboard
The 440 foot steamboat was the masterpiece of famed naval architect George Peirce -a magnificent vessel, the finet to sail on inland waters. Because of her beauty and dependability, the excellence of her service, and the romance and good will which attended her nightly trips, she was beloved by millions of Americans who knew her during the 43 years she sailed Long Island Sound. Because of the automobile and economic conditions, she ceased operations in 1937.
After reading several accounts on this majestic nightboat, I set out to get as much material I could so to build a presentable model. Size was the factor since space was limited, so I opted for a miniature work at 1:182 scale which calculated to 29 inches overall.
The challenging part of the build were the windows, doors and panel work. For the stern detail, I chose to draw 'free-hand' with handpainted application. I found that many serious collectors desired this over computerized templates.
Nightboat PRISCILLA -the custom model shown as she appeared in 1894.
As I proceeded with the model it was easy to appreciate what author Roger McAdam had revealed in his book.That this vessel was, indeed, a masterpiece which counter-balanced the miniature I produced. No distortions of any kind. Every bit of detail from hull to smokestacks came together to make a breathtaking artform that became the welcoming part of the build. The designer knew that PRISCILLA would look extremely attractive as both model and sailing vessel.
PRISCILLA is presented here as a handcrafted work, produced in two basic woods, pine and bass. The davits are shaped from paper-clips. Flags were cut and handpainted on soft foil. The steel rods were produced from soft annealed wire. Overall, this was an interesting build...with many more models to follow in the New England Series".
