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The Fog Warning, painted by Winslow Homer in 1885
To end the 2023 year with finishing at least one model, hence helping novice scale modelers who are just new to the hobby or switching from plastic, I decided to assemble the Lowell Grand Banks Dory, the kit made by Model Shipways (beginner series). I went to the Model Expo and '
clicked the button'.
Sure enough, less than a week later, my kit has been arrived. The idea was to build this ship in a few days (weekend project)... so let's see what happened.
Dories. What is a Dory?
Information on dories is varied and contradictory. This is because there are many different styles of dories and boatbuilders have adapted the dory for local conditions. The name Dory usually brings to mind the Grand Banks Dory, with its straight sides, flat bottom, narrow transom, and characteristic straight bow. Relatively Light and simple to build and stackable they were used as fishing dinghies.
There are many types of dory type boats in the world. VanGogh left us a drawing of dory-like boats. Another example is the Portuguese fishing boats that have very similar lines.
John Gardener in his book The Dory Book, defines a dory as " A dory is a flat-bottomed boat, with sides and bottom planked lengthwise and with no keel structure other than the bottom planking". Dories were cheap and quick to make and as in the case of the Grand Banks Dory stackable. The mother ship would go out with large piles of dories on deck. When they reached the fishing grounds the dories would be launched. At the end of the day, the dories would be brought back on board.
Dories can vary a lot in shape. It seems that every locality has a brand of boat they call a dory. Various designs evolved depending on the use the dory was to be put to and the nature of the water in the area.
Grand Banks Dory
Thinking about Grand Banks Dory makes you want to break out in a rousing chorus of "
squid jigging ground". The legend is dear to modern boaters but the reality of these dories was harsher. They were tricky boats to handle until you had half a load of fish. Luckily they were rarely empty. Going out the boat would have fishing gear and bait, coming in they would have fish. Their great claim to fame was that they were quick and cheap to make and stackable. This was a great advantage.
The model
Model designed and instruction book written by David Antscher. Kit made in the USA by Model Shipways (a decision of Model Expo). Kit #MS1470 at scale 1:24 (1/2" 1'0"). All materials are basswood. If you decide to paint your Dory, then you will need to purchase the paint suggested.
Model overall length 10'
Width 3",
height 1 1/2"
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The assembly
I will build mostly as per instruction using suggested tools (listed on pages 26-28 manual) and the video listed in the Model Expo as New Model Shipways Shipwrights Series So...Let's begin...
Dories are bottom-flat, preparing the bottom first. Kit provides 2 versions of the bottom: making from a single piece or if you want to make from three laser-cut pieces (image below). I choose to use a three-piece bottom and glue them together. Make sure the engraving marks should match to create a solid line.
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The next step is to add the cleats (bottom reinforcement). I use one of my dyes to make the strip for cleats darker and cut the required sizes. I forgot to mention, that my Dorry will not be painted, as I have no skills necessary, I will play with different colors of the wood.
NOTE: I identify the bow with engraved dots.
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While the glue dried, I prepared the stern and stem posts.
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...and the manual suggested gluing them to the bottom. NOTE: the curvature at the bow and stern (I didn't take the photo, but the manual mentioned this.
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...to be continued...
