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Hello from the UK - anyone got a set of Ronnenberg's plans for the Kate Cory?

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RGM

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Hi all

A quick introduction say hello from the UK. I've recently got started my ship modelling after many years of building all sorts of stuff at full scale, but very much enjoying the challenge of scale wood modelling.

With a family background in things nautical and military I thought I would loyally head towards British Navy subjects of the 18th & 19th century, but getting to know a bit more about the projects out there I've become more interested in American vessels - not least whaling craft.

I've recently got hold of the now Model Shipways version of the Kate Cory (MS2031) after working on their larger scale New Bedford Whaleboat (MS2033). (Thanks to Tom Lauria for the inspiration). As a keen kit basher I've been trying to learn more about the Kate Cory by getting hold of the plans drawn up by Eric Ronenberg. I've contacted the New Bedford Whaling Museum who tell me that the plans are no longer available other than visiting the museum to look at the originals. Generally I'be be keen, but that's a long way to go from the UK!

Can anyone help me out where I might get a copy of these? if anyone could help I'd be really grateful.

Thanks, and good to meet you all.

RGM
 
First of all a warm welcome here on board of our forum.

I guess you mean these drawings?

1724685795216.png

This is a photo of a building log by our member @Quint

Quint

Thread 'Model Shipways Kate Cory Whaling Brig'

Bought this kit along with a set of plans from New Bedford Whaling Museum many years ago and finally decided to build it. I saw the kit listed in the first Model Shipways catalog I received in 1986 when I was considering the hobby. I decided on a starting with their KATY, 1/4" scale Virginia Pilot Boat. Since then, I have built several other kits along with my other hobby interests. However, completing the Kate Cory has always been one of my primary goals. I needed motivation.

Unlike the Charles W. Morgan, there is not a great deal of historical documentation available regarding this...
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Hi Uwek

Thank you for your message

Yes - those are the plans. In all the research I've done into past builds there are so many modellers who reference them, but sadly it appears they are no longer generally available which I s why I thought someone might know where I could get a set!

Once again many thanks for your reply

RGM
 
The Taubmanservice is often very helpful - otherwise try to get in contact with @Quint - maybe there is a possibility to make some copies or also photos of the drawings - or the details on the drawings are already helpful - if you make photos with a ruler you can even get the measures (appr.)
 

Shipbuilders, Allen and Sisson and the Kate Cory​

Posted on April 27, 2008 by Greg Stone

In the shipyard behind the Cory store, Frank Sisson and Eli Allen built the Kate Cory in 1856. The specifications have been transcribed from the original document in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Carpenter’s certificate for the Mermaid built for Andrew Hicks in 1855.

[Courtesy New Bedford Whaling Museum]

Kate Cory Specifications

This is a transcription from a very faint , at times illegible, original document in the NBWM collection detailing the specifications for the Kate Cory which was built by Allen and Sisson at Westport Point. The bark Mattapoisett is noted here as a standard of work to which this vessel aspired. The Mattapoisett was built in Rochester in 1836.

We the subscribers hereby agree to build for Alex. H. Cory a Schooner of the following Dimensions and description for …. three Dollars, per ton, as follows,

Length on Deck Seventy five feet,

Depth of Hold Nine feet,

Breadth of Beam Twenty two feet,

The …, Stern, Sternpost, Apron, Transoms, Night …, …, and Stauntions, to be of good White oak.

….good White or Yellow oak.

….

Outside Bottom Plank to be White oak two and half inches thick.

Rail to be White Oak, three and a half inches thick.

Plankshears to beYellow Pine six inches thick.

Clamp to be Yellow Pine four inches thick.

Deck frame to be Yellow Pine, stout and well … and fastened in a thorough manner, with five and six eighth inch bolt of good iron.

Deck to be of three inch White Pine No. 1 Plank Fastened with good iron spikes of suitable size and length,….

Floor timber to be bolted with seven eighth inch copper bolts.

… bolt to be of seven eighth inch copper.

Bottom spikes to be good composition of suitable size and length.

Bottom to be fastened two thirds with …nails, one half to be locust and drove through and ….be bolted with three quarters inch copper.

Nine sixteenths of inch copper Bolt in … wood ends.

Shoeing to be put in the keel three inches thick. To be a break in the deck ….

The Cabin to be built of clean and handsome White Pine stuff, with Black Walnut tops to the lockers.

The arrangements of the cabin, Forecastle and Deck Work, to be subject to the directions of the owners and to be finished and furnished as well as those of the Barque Mattapoisett.

Windlass, …. And Winch to be attached in a suitable and substantial manner, the owner to furnish the same.

An entire sett of Board Gear to be furnished and attached to the vessel in a proper manner.

The Bottom to be graved, sheathed and coppered, the owner to furnish Paper, Sheathing Boards, Sheathing copper, and sheathing and coppering nails.

The Hull of the vessel to be thoroughly copper fastened throughout, with the exception of the Deck, Deck Frame, and ceiling as heretofore named and entirely completed in a workmanlike manner, and together with an entire sett of spars to be delivered on or before the first day of March eighteen hundred and fifty six.

The Hull and Spars to have two coats or good Paint… with

the best Navy oakum.

Twenty dollars to be allowed by the builders for Carved work, the same to be attached by them.

The owners to furnish Pumps, Bull Eyes … for Boat Davits and catheads.

Westport Point

Jan. 5, 1856

Allen & Sisson
 
Thank you all for your rapid responses. I've being going around in circles with this over the past month or so so your help is much appreciated.

Many thanks

RGM
 
another source is the Nautical Research Journal i would look into it but i sold all my issues of the journal. But if someone here has the issue they might want to contact you

kate1.JPG
 
Eric Ronnberg was the editor of the Nautical Research Journal from about 1988 into the 1990’s. Hem often published his research and drawings in it. The journal is published by the Nautical Research Guild and they have an online index of past issues on their website. If Ronnberg published anything about Kate Cory you should be able to find it there. The NRG office can provide inexpensive emailed downloads of most back issue articles.

Or you might try contacting Eric Ronnberg. He would be 81 years old this year and I haves seen no announcement of his demise. If you look him up on the web you may find some information.

PS: I just looked up Ronnberg on the internet. His last employment has been at the Cape Ann Museum. Their EMail is capeannmuseum.org.

Roger
 
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