HIGH HOPES, WILD MEN AND THE DEVIL’S JAW - Willem Barentsz Kolderstok 1:50

Dear Friends

I had hoped to show you progress on the rigging - but my research has taken on another dimension today by unearthing tons of information on the actual archeological expeditions, findings and results of the Russian Research. Included is actual footage of the expeditions, the excavations and a n interview with Dmitry Feyodor Kravchenko, the leader of expeditions. Bear with me while I sift through everything and sort it out in a comprehensive and concise format.

In 90% of the information the name "Mercury" is repeatedly mentioned while the final radio-carbon analysis of the hull fragments that have been discovered, conclusively date them as being of the late sixteenth century!

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Interview with Kravchenko

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Radio-Carbon Analysis

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Dean62 said:
View attachment 355128

You can see the eye that is seized to the shroud, as was shown previously by Frank. It is how it was done, but doing it at scale is the challenge! ;)
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I did try this on my 1:72 BN but it does not worked at that small scale. So I agree fully with Dean.
In this case: Size does Matters!
 
Dear Friends

The Meaning of Life is something which psychologists, philosophers and Everyman have debated since the very early days of humanity. The fact of the matter is that for some people this is more of a burning issue than for others. Some of these men (and women) do not always verbalize their thoughts; rather it is manifested in their deeds; in their actions and in the burning passion that drives them. Such a man was Willem Barents who was prepared to die while looking for what he believed in, such a man is Dmitry Fedorovich Kravchenko who through his actions attempted to honor Barentsz's achievements in the only way that he knew - that of finding Barentsz's ship.

You will understand therefore when I say it is no longer about building a model of the Willem Barentsz for me - it has progressed far beyond that. For sure, I will continue my build, but my main priority now is to share with you a story. It will not be Barentsz's story (that has been done often enough); rather it will be to tell the story of the unsung Russian heroes as they have endeavored to find Barentsz's ship, and in the process, fulfil Kravchenko's vision. In doing so, they have contributed to history in their own inimitable way. I hope to share with you the beautiful moments, the sad moments, the successes and failures, but above all - the will of these men and women never to give up on their dream. You see, my friends, once you do that, you give up on yourself, you give up on the very reason why you exist; you give up on the meaning of life.

Please join me as we Follow behind the Mercury.

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The famous Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz sought to find the Northeast Sea Passage from Europe to Indochina. For this purpose, he organized three Arctic expeditions. Severe trials, ridicule of skeptics, and the failures of the first two attempts did not stop the fearless "Columbus of the North Seas". Even when the Dutch government refused to sponsor another campaign, Willem Barentsz’s faith in the project was infectious and soon a third expedition was organized. In May 1596, the Barentsz again went to the Arctic, this time as navigator on the Mercury, one of the two ships.

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The Mercury fell into icy captivity at the northern tip of Novaya Zemlya in a bay that the Barents called the "Ice Harbor". Sandwiched between the ice floes, the ship slowly filled with water and sailors leaving the Ice Harbor on boats could still see the icy hull of their ship, which remained a monument to their hopes and their courage. Presumably, the ship gradually sank there, and its remains have been buried under a layer of soil for more than 400 years.

In order to survive, sailors had to build a shelter on the shore and spent 10 long months in it. By the time the conditions allowed the team the opportunity of attempting to return home, Barents was seriously ill. Eventually the surviving Dutch sailors returned home without their navigator, and leader.

How ironic that a man whose dream was deemed “unrealistic at the time is now called - four centuries later - "The Bravest of the Brave". His name bears not only the Barents Sea, but also a city on the Spitsbergen archipelago and the islands off the west coast of Novaya Zemlya. That is how history rewards devotion to a dream.

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Het Behouden Huys was rebuilt in 2009 by the Russian expedition and now, rightfully, a Russian flag flies above it.
 
pingu57 said:
Heinrich, i almost can't wait to read the rest of your Russian story, and when i read your first part of the Russians, you already seem to be convinced that the name of Barentsz ship was the Mercurius.
Have fun with your ratlines :) :)
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Dear Peter. I am very happy if you are interested in the Russian expeditions. It is incredibly interesting and gives us a behind-the-scenes-look into what goes into such expeditions and what it entails. What is written above comes directly from Dmitry Kravchenko - so the references to the Mercury as well as the articles are all Russian-based.
 
Daniel20 said:
Hello Heinrich, the preponderance of evidence you have come up with so far does point to Mercurius as Barentsz last ship.
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Hello Daniel. For sure, my friend and even though there are questions that will probably remain unanswered forever, it certainly makes for a more convincing argument than any other that has come before it.
 
The question of life is interesting, as some try to make their mark on this world, while others seem content to just survive. Exploration was one way, invention another way to contribute. Just the size of the ships and the craftsmanship is impressive. Add to that the ability to navigate across the open ocean and weather storms without any way of knowing what was ahead, was definitely an act of courage and dedication!
The forefathers were many times leaders and doers. Todays modern society has breed contention and indifference. However there are still those, who through invention and exploration, help mankind move forward to hopefully a better world, and a better understanding of our world and the rich history and lessons to be learned from it.
I think your passion for knowledge concerning William Barents is understandable.
I look forward to hearing more about this. ;)
 
Dean62 said:
The question of life is interesting, as some try to make their mark on this world, while others seem content to just survive. Exploration was one way, invention another way to contribute. Just the size of the ships and the craftsmanship is impressive. Add to that the ability to navigate across the open ocean and weather storms without any way of knowing what was ahead, was definitely an act of courage and dedication!
The forefathers were many times leaders and doers. Todays modern society has breed contention and indifference. However there are still those, who through invention and exploration, help mankind move forward to hopefully a better world, and a better understanding of our world and the rich history and lessons to be learned from it.
I think your passion for knowledge concerning William Barents is understandable.
I look forward to hearing more about this. ;)
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Dear Dean. Your posting makes me want to add a "double-love button" as part of the emojis. You said exactly how I feel - thank you for that! Your post has made my day! Thumbsup
 
Dean62 said:
The question of life is interesting, as some try to make their mark on this world, while others seem content to just survive. Exploration was one way, invention another way to contribute. Just the size of the ships and the craftsmanship is impressive. Add to that the ability to navigate across the open ocean and weather storms without any way of knowing what was ahead, was definitely an act of courage and dedication!
The forefathers were many times leaders and doers. Todays modern society has breed contention and indifference. However there are still those, who through invention and exploration, help mankind move forward to hopefully a better world, and a better understanding of our world and the rich history and lessons to be learned from it.
I think your passion for knowledge concerning William Barents is understandable.
I look forward to hearing more about this. ;)
Click to expand...
This is a true story!
 
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