SCRATCH MODELMAKING
Ship model building for beginners to advanced as taught by a master.
- STEVE ROGERS — September 12–18
We have built models of ships throughout history for many reasons, but the simplest is that it brings great pleasure. It doesn’t matter if your interests lie in a Beetle Cat or the BONHOMME RICHARD, you can learn how these boats were constructed and build yourself a model. Whether your interest is ethnological, historical, or technical, modelmaking will prove to be fascinating and an excellent learning exercise.
Steve’s course has been designed to appeal to the advanced builder, as well as the beginner. First-time model-makers will be able to work on a Core Sound sailing skiff that not only teaches model building, but the techniques of full-sized traditional wooden boat construction. You will touch on all the basics of scratch modelmaking, along with advanced procedures and finishing techniques. Advanced students will be able to choose from a large selection of master molds of traditional sailing and working craft. Each master mold builds a specific boat in a specific scale, using plank-on-frame construction. The necessary plans for each boat will be provided by the instructor. All of these boats are traditional, historic, interesting, and challenging. Since there is only one building master for each boat, they will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis after the student registers for the course and is contacted by Steve. A complete list of the molds is available from the instructor by calling 302–645–9030.
Some of the available building master molds include:
- RAINBOW, a Stonington dragger in ¾" scale
- Barnegat Bay sneak box in 1" scale
- Stone horse in ¾″ scale
- Delaware Ducker in 1″ scale
- GEORGE W. BEALE, a menhaden steamer in ⅜″ or ¾″ scale
- Beals Island lobster boat in ¾″ scale
- ADA C. LORE, Delaware Bay oyster schooner in ¾″ scale
- Cape Cod catboat in ½″ scale
- Herreshoff 12½ in 1″ scale
- Wianno Senior in ½″ scale
- EDNA LOCKWOOD, a bugeye in 3/8″ scale
- VICTORY CHIMES, a three-masted schooner in ¼″ scale
At the end of the week, you will have an excellent foundation to build on and quite a bit of valuable information to take home. And you will have some of the skill and knowledge, but more important, all of the enthusiasm you can imagine to pursue the hobby of a lifetime! This course is intended for novice as well as experienced builders.
Tuition: $700
Materials: $100