SS Naushon Ship Model Diorama Project...Part 8.

Steamboat Models In Contemporary Times -The View

           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. 

COMMONWEALTH c.1908 -Fall River Line Model / Rex Stewart

                      Fall River Line Stmr. COMMONWEALTH enroute to New York c.1925

COMMONWEALTH was the last great steamboat to operate on eastern waters between New England and New York. She was known as "The Giantess of the Sound" by her contemporaries, because of her 421 staterooms and overall length of 456 feet. At the time she was the world's largest sidewheeler -holding that distinction for several years.

Her lavish interior was created by the famous Pottier and Stymus Company of New York and featured several different architectural styles. Most noteworthy, making her a ship apart from her contemporaries, was having the attractive Louis XVI Dining Room and adjoining Grill Room on the upper deck, fifty feet above the water. This was especially desirable in a steamer essentially designed for summer service.

In the Spring of 1937 the Line ceased operations due to 'sit down' strikes that plagued the industry and ultimately placing an end to COMMONWEALTH's career. When reading the history and various stories about this vessel, it was evident that a model had to be made. Many hours were invested studying the steamers' design from bow to stern. I was intrigued by the beautiful upward sweep (at the bow) that this Line carried on its vessels. This distinquished the Fall River boats from their contemporaries.

With the assistance of several SSHSA members, I was able to acquire an outboard elevation of COMMONWEALTH's starboard profile -which would eventually ease the building process and make it simplistic from my past projects.

                     COMMONWEALTH work-in-progress showing the bow's upward sweep.

My first model build was given by Reverend Paul F. McCarrick out of Fall River, MA. When visiting him at Saint Joseph's Parish, we spent several hours pouring over many photos and documents relating to the ship. I was honored to be in his presence, as I had been with many others who had a close affiliation with these vessels. Aside from these materials, the Reverend provided sharp photoprints of paintings done by famed maritime artists Antonio Jacobsen and Fred Pansing. These were to assist the colorscheme.

Since he had limited space for display, we agreed on a 30" inch model...and not just any model. Reverend McCarrick wanted a detailed model that no one else had -a miniature that carried all the detail of the actual nightboat. There was a noted builder in the region that he made mention of, Charles Fox, who displayed at Mystic Seaport. He enjoyed his work but wasn't satisfied with Mr. Fox' style of painting in the windows. I had to agree on carving out real windows or lose the commission.

This work-in-progress photo show the windows realistic representation on the miniature. The paddlewheels were also a tedious process -constructed with many small pieces of wood.








This portside view of the paddlewheel shows the complicated feathering system which had to be copied and placed on the model.

The overall time process was three days.









It took a few trials and some wood-wasting before I discovered a technique that would eventually become not only time-tested, but an application that would benefit future models in the miniature class of 1:182 scale. I realized in this process that our flaws are truly our hidden jewels for discovery.

During the building, after shaping the hull and laying the decks; I found the basswood was too thick to cut out windows for the cabins and show them effectively. So to achieve this I sanded away a millimeter of surface -by hand.

 

Handpainted scroll work at the stern.

Because of the bow's upward sweep, the windows had to align properly with the decking so that they would not appear angled. This was also true for the panel work around the windows which had to be carved out with a pen knife.


To achieve this I worked each cabin in sections, including the decks. This way had I flawed, correction could be made. Yet, there were occasions when this wasn't possible and I regretfully had to trash an entire build...the price paid for 'haste'.

From those experiences I learned to adjust my time so to work on highly detailed pieces during the night when concentration and focus was more pliant to the surroundings.

I also found that this proceedure also made for better work -better presentation.

The most tedious work involved with the COMMONWEALTH Miniature were the rails, paddlewheels, boat and stack details. Sometimes these items can be ruined (without notice) when the excitement to finish takes precedent over patience.

The key to any project, whether personal or commissioned, is to start and complete it with one objective...and this must be developed, regardless of cost. That objective is PATIENCE.
Without it, quality is diminished and the work has little or no value. When patience is developed, building becomes enjoyable and timeless. Not just for the 'builder', but for all the participants, re: the builder, the collector/investor, the contributor, and the viewer.

                 Scratchbuilt custom wood model of Commonwealth c.1925 -Scale 1:182                     

COMMONWEALTH was, and is, a great project for any steamboat enthusiast willing to work with patience and precision. She's a beautiful vessel of which I'm sure was the mainstay of New England's steamboating industry of her day.

I've seen a few models of her nicely done in years past, but I decided to take a different route - making the 1:182 Scale Collection my own signature. To this end, I'm delighted to be part of the family of shipmodelbuilders who can make a difference in preserving an American era by way of this artform.

Kudos to the forerunners that were before me.