Scratch Built USS Monitor

[sharpieJack]

Wondering are there any examples of a scratchbuilt Monitor and how did they go about building the hull wood of course Thanks!

 

[AndyA]

I believe that there are good plans available online. As far as modeling technique, the simple shape of the vessel could be reproduced with almost any method: solid hull, plank on bulkhead, plank on frame. Have fun and let us know what you find out. If you build a model of the USS Monitor, I hope that you also build a model of the CSS Virginia. Fair winds!

 

[sharpieJack]

Yes have the 42 inch plans from Taubsman online Trying to decide how to change from the V bottom to the horizontal top for R/C The sold molds uses up a lot of wood Miss my old 20 inch bandsaw Now it's all coping saws and such for the curves Maybe find a small key hole type saw ? Saw one guy on Youtube in shaping a large 3/4 wood did the curve with a chisel That Paul guy Thanks Was wondering if there are any photos showing how some one made theirs in wood

 

[AndyA]

Ah ha! An R/C model! Very interesting. First you must decide if you want the underwater part of the hull to be scale (more or less). The Monitor had an upper hull that is dead flat with plumb sides and a lower hull that is essentially a dory with no sheer and no rocker. When in the water, the lower hull is not visible. For R/C use (where the lower hull can't be seen) the easier approach would be to form the lower hull with plumb sides. This would result in a hull form similar to a design by Phil Bolger form his book "Small Boats." However the Gloucester Yawl (picture below) has both sheer and rocker. First two photo are of R/C Batboat with plumb sides under construction that shows use of plywood frames and basswood planking.

If you want the lower hull to have a scale shape you would have set up some frames with the correct rake of the sides. Remaining photos are of two R/C dories, one sail and one powered. I built these on plywood frames set on a baseboard with basswood or plywood planking. In any case, I would be tempted to construct the upper and lower hulls separately before attaching them.

Have fun and please keep us informed of project progress.

 

[pebbleworm]

That's an easy way out, but bandsaws are relatively inexpensive new- but need some set-up, and better ones are on craigslist, also needing some set up

 

[Uwek]

Wondering are there any examples of a scratchbuilt Monitor and how did they go about building the hull wood of course Thanks!

Hallo @sharpieJack
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY