Mary Celeste build from the Matthew Turner kit

Peso Pete · Jan 25, 2024

Creeping along. Finished initial detail on masts. (Tying blocks and eyes, hinge points, etc.) glued masts in place. Added stern name plate (Ebay).
Finished ships' boat and lashed over main hatch as many reports indicated... (when found abandoned, ships' boat was missing.)
Next step is shaping and detailing the Yards. (Wish I had my young eyes back, challenging working with magnifier, Ha)

Peso Pete · Feb 5, 2024

Many hours in the shipyard, the Mary Celeste is taking shape. (Going to be hitting 79 this month, and the vision is lacking good depth perception. I only have sight in one eye and that is challenging to say the least). I finished modifying the bow sprit from the more modern Matthew Turner to look more like the 1860's type.
I am working on the rigging (which is not going as well as I'd like it), but I have slowed down out of necessity moving forward. I guess the curse of this "ghost ship" is following the name?

Uwek · Feb 6, 2024

very good work on the deck fittings - looking very good - good luck with the rigging works.
I can imagine, that it not easy to see only 2-dimensional ...... Thumbsup

Peso Pete · Feb 6, 2024

Thank you, much appreciated

Peso Pete · Feb 10, 2024

Heavy weather but making headway.
The Mary Celeste is starting to look like herself. Added the deck railing and
completed some of the standing rigging, set the main boom and mainsail spar. Mounted pedestal base as well.
Work on hold now as my last needle threader broke. (ordered new ones from Amazon, but not coming in til Wed.)

Heinrich · Feb 11, 2024

Pete you are building a lovely model here. I remember that as a university student I was all alone in my dormitory one night, when I listened to the radio drama of the Mary Celeste. Ever since that time I have gobbled up all possible theories and explanations and = very much like the Flying Dutchman - has remained a favorite naval mystery. Your model is bringing back a lot of memories!

Peso Pete · Feb 11, 2024

Heinrich,
Thank you.
I too have been always drawn to tragic ships of mystery.
My first model, the Titanic, 40 years ago, a ship of mystery. Then the HMS Terror- an amazing mystery. Now the Mary Celeste......
I have a Bluenose kit I received as a Christmas present, so that will be next up, however I think I might consider the Morro Castle after that...another mystery.

Peso Pete · Feb 11, 2024

Thanks Peter!

Peso Pete · Feb 20, 2024

Been working right through the Dog Watch, and nearing completion with the Mary Celeste. Honestly, haven't been rushing, she just came together smartly.
A few tweaks to the rigging needed, some touch up and maybe certain deck fittings to add. Not sure if I want to add crew figures, any suggestions?
But at this point I couldn't resist a start on the BlueNose. After I set her up on the workbench, I thought this was reminiscent of the picture of Titanic and Olympic in the gantry side by side. ......