Great Republic 1853, 1/128 Extreme Clipper Barque by Rwiederrich [COMPLETED BUILD]

george hartford said:

I WOULD BE VERY INTERESTED IN YOUR GREAT REPUBLIC PLANS IF YOU HAVE THEM TO PURCHASE.I AM RESTORING A GREAT MODEL OF SHIP. IT MUST BE ABOUT 100 YEARS OLD AND 8 FEET LONG. THE RIGGING ON IT IS GREAT AND MOSTLY INTACT. PLEASE RESPOND GEORGE

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george hartford said:

If it's okay I will have my brother get in touch with you . The model and many photos are at his home.

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rwiederrich said:

I thought it would be interesting to share some of my observations and point out some inconsistencies so the readers can have a greater respect for the complexity needed when researching and evaluating that research.

First lets look at the contemporary drawings made(probably by Duncan Mcann and referenced by many, such as Crothers.
Here is an example of several interesting inconsistancies….we know the GR sported a modified Forbes double topsail rig as represented here. the mast and topmast doublings are extremely long....outlined by Forbes. to were he slung the lower topsail..and so it could run up and down the outer topmast doubling.
inconsistency #1, by measuring the height of the mast(In scale) it is determined the main yard is not long enough....thus creating a sequential step error in subsequent sail dimensions.
Inconsistency #2, this drawing depicts her with a bulwark, NOT a flush spar deck with her turned post railing. She did not have Forbes rigging when sporting bulwarks...she had Howes topsail rig.
Inconsistency #3, eyewitness accounts say she had no higher sails then Royals....which causes me to question this drawing because of the other blatant issues to include the extra long Royal masts.
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rwiederrich said:

I,m sorry for appearing to be *Hysterical* about her sail plan...but it has taken me many years to deduct...and in the end it is only my opinion and most really don't care. But I have to defend my position when asked why I didn't set skysails or six sails per mast...that everyone seams to know her with.
The real troubles comes with there is just not enough evidence..since she burned on her maiden evening....before she even got to prove anything.
This lithographic carving that was color enhanced depicts her as she arrived in New York and was etched by a reputable reported that was printed in the local paper from what I gather. Here she does sport a single skysail on the main mast...Forbes rig is present.

I have much more info on other folks build and restorations of models of the GReat Republic.

Most importantly..is that she doesn't fall into bolivian and is forgotten entirely........
She was magnificent in no matter what rig she is depicted.

Have you settled on the scale for your own version? 1/4=1ft is pretty significant.

RobView attachment 91815

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