The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht designed by Nathanael G. Herreschof - Half-Hull Presentation Model Build Log

[Ignatius27]

I don’t believe that your poster is of Gloriana. The boat in your picture has a Bermuda (aka Marconi) rig. T(e photo shows a gaff rig; much more usual for 1882.

Roger

Right you are, Roger! I think I was seduced by that distinctive overhang at the stern. But I got the rigging and sails of the "Gloriana" completely wrong. The Gloriana (unlike the New York 30) has a jackyard topsail above a gaff rig. That's nowhere close to the yacht in the Herreshoff poster, which you correctly point out has a Bermuda / Marconi sail rig. So what does the line at the bottom of the poster, "Herreshoff Classic Yacht" even mean?

One "Big brother AI" platform says that the Herreshoff Museum only used two subject yachts for their commercial posters, the "Mariette of 1915" and the "Elena of London." Problem is that both "Mariette of 1915" and "Elena of London" clearly have two masts, whereas the yacht in the poster has only a single main Bermuda / Marconi mast with two jibs attached to the bowsprit. This Big Brother AI platform is wrong - Again!

Another AI platform makes the more defensible claim that it is either a "New York 30 (1905)" of a "New York 50" but the hull dimensions are way off. The real New York 30s were much larger, longer and wider than the yacht in the poster. Strike two for AI.

The New York 30 claim is disputed by a 3rd AI platform, which says: "The poster shows an idealized Herreshoff‑type yacht, not a photograph or rendering of any particular historic Herreshoff design."

So three AI platforms disagree, surprise surprise. Goes to show that AI may not always be a model boat builder's best friend.

I seem to agree with the third assessment, that it's an "idealized" Herreshoff yacht, because the poster itself doesn't identify the particular vessel. What do you think, Roger? Is it an "idealized" Herreshoff-type yacht? I value your opinion because you have proven to be a careful steward of all things Herreshoff.

The first picture is the Gloriana in all her glory, sporting the gaff mainsail and jackyard topsail. Not sure if this shows two jibs or a jib and a main mast stay sail.



The second picture is a "New York 30" with two jibs, but the main sail is gaff rigged also. No jackyard topsail.



AND here is the poster again, most likely the work of naval artist Russ Kramer (https://www.russkramer.com).

 

[Ignatius27]

Right you are, Roger! I think I was seduced by that distinctive overhang at the stern. But I got the rigging and sails of the "Gloriana" completely wrong. The Gloriana (unlike the New York 30) has a jackyard topsail above a gaff rig. That's nowhere close to the yacht in the Herreshoff poster, which you correctly point out has a Bermuda / Marconi sail rig. So what does the line at the bottom of the poster, "Herreshoff Classic Yacht" even mean?

One "Big brother AI" platform says that the Herreshoff Museum only used two subject yachts for their commercial posters, the "Mariette of 1915" and the "Elena of London." Problem is that both "Mariette of 1915" and "Elena of London" clearly have two masts, whereas the yacht in the poster has only a single main Bermuda / Marconi mast with two jibs attached to the bowsprit. This Big Brother AI platform is wrong - Again!

Another AI platform makes the more defensible claim that it is either a "New York 30 (1905)" of a "New York 50" but the hull dimensions are way off. The real New York 30s were much larger, longer and wider than the yacht in the poster. Strike two for AI.

The New York 30 claim is disputed by a 3rd AI platform, which says: "The poster shows an idealized Herreshoff‑type yacht, not a photograph or rendering of any particular historic Herreshoff design."

So three AI platforms disagree, surprise surprise. Goes to show that AI may not always be a model boat builder's best friend.

I seem to agree with the third assessment, that it's an "idealized" Herreshoff yacht, because the poster itself doesn't identify the particular vessel. What do you think, Roger? Is it an "idealized" Herreshoff-type yacht? I value your opinion because you have proven to be a careful steward of all things Herreshoff.

The first picture is the Gloriana in all her glory, sporting the gaff mainsail and jackyard topsail. Not sure if this shows two jibs or a jib and a main mast stay sail.

View attachment 627158

The second picture is a "New York 30" with two jibs, but the main sail is gaff rigged also. No jackyard topsail.

View attachment 627134

AND here is the poster again.

View attachment 627103

The naval artist Russ Kramer is the copyright holder of the attached

 

[Ignatius27]

The artist Russ Kramer painted many Herreshoff yachts and this copyrighted image of "Gloriana" is one of his finest paintings of a Herreshoff yacht in action, with Capt. Nat Herreshoff at the tiller. This image is copyrighted to Russ Kramer and can be purchased at:

"The Wizard and the Queen" - Russ Kramer - Marine Artist

www.russkramer.com

 

[Ignatius27]

24. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Raring to go...Fairing.

I promised my self that I would not start fairing the hulls of Shadow 1 and Shadow 2 until I had all of the proper hand tools in my workshop.

So in the last 2 weeks or so I've picked up:

Chisel set.



Small rasps.



And Wood scapers.



Next, I set up my shop for the fairing work, which starts tomorrow.





So now I don't have any more excuses to start fairing the hulls of Shadow 1 and Shadow 2! Raring to go!

 

[Ignatius27]

25. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

A few more pictures of my workshop setup with some new tools and my shop vac setup to keep the sawdust and wood shavings under control.

I finally finished a couple of copies of lift 8, which is the highest lift in the half-hull model. Will need to glue lift 8 on top of the sheer plank.

And practicing with my new wood scrapers, planes and spokeshaves before I start fairing in earnest.

I had to add weight to my fairing table/clamp because it was too heavy on the table clamp side, so I added weight to the contra side by attaching Bessey clamps.

Also, set up my shadow box with all 3 design drawings so I can use them during the big carve.

 

[Ignatius27]

26. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Today's labors on the Shadow 1 and Shadow 2. Much practice with new tools - chisels, wood scrapers, planes and spokeshaves.

Setting myself a few fabricated carves to get good practice for fairing the Shadow(s). A transom cut out of basswood blocks. A circular chisel to make a round carve in a square block. And a block carve that recreates the famous tumblehome of the Shadow.

Really enjoy how some of the tools are feeling more natural, especially the mini spokeshave and the Japanese pull saw. The larger planes are working better for me now.

Just getting my practice on some wood scraps before I launch into fairing my first half-hull model.

Finally, assembling a mockup of the Shadow lifts to practice fairing before I commit to the real hull. I need as much tumblehome practice as possible!

 

[Ignatius27]

27A. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Some videos of my woodworking tool practice. Working the chisel, larger spokeshave and larger plane.

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[Ignatius27]

27B. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Working out with the smaller spokeshave, larger plane and wood scrapers.

Getting well shaped and consistent shavings. Moving a small amount of wood with each pass.

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[Ignatius27]

28A. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Today I accomplished 3 things:

1. Made 2 separate maquettes, or mock-ups, of the top 4 lifts (the tumblehome part) and the bottom 4 lifts (the keel and centerboard part). I will fair the maquettes separately in preparation for fairing the two Shadow 1 and Shadow 2 later in the week.

2. Faired the centerline edge of the half-hull model maquettes so that the lift edges facing the centerline looks clean and well faired. This requires planing the centerline surface so that we can use a 3/16 to 1/4 inch stand-off mount (3 wood screws 1 1/4 inch counter sunk into the back of the backboard.)

3. Planed down starboard facing lift edges so that the maquettes have clean lift edges so that all station lines are visible and the lifts are ready to accept the planes, spokeshaves and wood scrapers.

Tomorrow we spend time with the 1/16 inch cherry veneer, fabricating the top deck in one laminated sheer of cherry cambered athwartships from the centerline to the sheer line and cambered saddleback front to back.

Then, using 1/16 cherry veneer carve the keel, centerboard, rudder and stem and attach while planing down the surface at the rabbet line.

Combined with the tumblehome this is a particularly difficult model to start my half-hull career with!













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[Ignatius27]

28B. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

And I made some sandpaper jigs with 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch dowels and 80 grit, 120 grit and 220 grit sandpaper.

The sandpaper jigs are to fair the convex curve of the hull below the waterline (lifts 1, 2, 3 and 4). No round sandpaper jigs above the waterline lest they round the tumblehome!

 

[Ignatius27]

29. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

After 5 months writing this build log, I finally moved some wood on my "below the waterline lifts" maquette and IT FEELS SO GOOD TO FINALLY MOVE WOOD WITH MY MINI SPOKESHAVE TODAY!

I probably should have stopped after the first 20 minutes or so to size up the body templates along stations 3-6, but I just could not believe how fun it was to move that spokeshave. I did check the body templates and we are a far way off from getting closer to the real curves...but the battens come out tomorrow to measure the true curve along the waterlines.

Tomorrow, reversing the curve on each leading edge to introduce the reverse curve using a "baby plane" with rounded bottom cutting edge to maintain the concave hull geometry below the waterline (compared to the convex tumblehome above the waterline - different maquettes).

Checking along my Body Plan drawings and our half-breadths and waterlines are lining up nicely. Bodes well for when we start on the "above the waterline lifts" tumblehome fairing in short order.

 

[GrantTyler]

Good morning. So cool and very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Grant

 

[Ignatius27]

30. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

And just like that...

6 hours of carving with the scoop chisel and hammer, the mini planer, the large spokeshave, the mini spokeshave, wood scrapers of various shapes and sizes and my dowel sandpaper jigs. And a few cms of wood putty.

And here's what you end up with. A carefully worked maquette of the lower poplar and maple lifts (below the LWL) that started the day basically uncarved. It's nice how the 3 design plans lead one to this cool result when you follow them to the 1/32nd (or so). A very satisfying day of work indeed.



Here is today's carve against the 3 drawings. Remember, the upper lifts are in their own maquette so I can practice carving (or not carving) the tumblehome above the water line, at this rate, maybe next week.

1. Sheer plan


2. Half-breadth plan


3. Body plan



The lower lift maquette is faired against the body templates (which are derived from the Body Plan) at the Station lines:

Station 3: Spot on.


Station 4: Spot on.



Station 5. 1.5 mm from fair, and



Station 6. 3 mm from fair, so a little shaping left to do to fair against the body templates at all 4 Stations.



Adding some other progress pics from today's bench session. Honestly, it took 6 hours to remove about 5/8 inch of wood. This is going to be hard to do 3 times without my "baby plane" with the beveled sole, which is still a few days away.

Moving thin curls of wood with a scoop chisel for 30 minutes straight... Maybe I do 1 Shadow for now (the Maple version, painted hull) and the second (poplar version, stained hull) when I get my patience back!

 

[Ignatius27]

31. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Several more hours moving wood. I am in need of better tools...will be getting a convex plane for keeping the lower lifts concave. We rough carved the top lifts maquette, leaving the tumblehome bulge between Stations 2 and 6 and between Lifts 4 and 7.

The bottom lifts maquette will require a few more hours at the bench. Not coming in tight to the sheer plan, but will aim for a better match to the design drawings with Shadow 1 (painted hull) coming up next.

The next big chapter in the Shadow 1 build is to cut and join the 1/16th inch cherry veneer we sourced for the keel, centerboard, rudder and stem. Then start to collect the screws and dowels to fabricate the 3 stand-off mounts between the backboard and the centerline of the half hull with cherry bits attached.

 

[JacquesCousteau]

Coming along nicely! Looks like there's still a bit to trim from the lower hull so it matches with the upper in length.

 

[Ignatius27]

Coming along nicely! Looks like there's still a bit to trim from the lower hull so it matches with the upper in length.

Thanks. It was because I started with two different maquettes for upper and lower lifts. I will incorporate the transom, keel, centerboard, rudder and stem next. Still planning on experimenting with the stand-off mount method - lifting the half-hull model about 1/4" above the backboard so there is no visible overlap when the keel parts are added at the end. Haven't seen another build log use the method, so crossing my fingers it will work!

 

[Ignatius27]

32. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Here we go! Shadow 1 is on the fairing bench.

After practicing with all my new carving tools on my 2 maquettes for about 10 hours, I jumped right into carving Shadow 1 (the painted one). After about 2 days in, here is where I stand after my first pass at fairing the hull.

I still need to eliminate few seams, prepare the stern to receive the transom, and carve the saddleback camber fore and aft about another 1/16th inch deeper. And I still need to dry fit my keel, centerboard, stem post and rudder. I have barely touched the tumblehome areas between Stations 2 and 6, and between Lifts 4 through 7.

By the end of this build I will have the forearms of Popeye! I am not sure I can spend another 20+ bench hours carving the Shadow 2 (the stained one), when Shadow 2 is made up of harder poplar wood. Having 2 new rasps are helping move the wood though.

My 1/32 inch thick mahogany veneers arrived yesterday from Volpe Veneers on Ebay and they look great. The Shadow plans call for 2 veneers, one glued and clamped on top of the other, so I have little margin for error if I cut through one of the 4 veneers I need.

SoS hive-mind: It's nice that they sent a complimentary "practice veneer" in a darker species so I can do a trial run on slicing the veneers. They came with explicit instructions not to use an X-acto knife or scissors to cut the veneers, so what do I use to cut the veneers into shape?

Also, made some longer sandpaper jigs in 80 and 120 grit. Who says you can't have too many sandpaper jigs?

 

[Ignatius27]

33. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

Spent the last couple of days getting Shadow 1 (the painted one) to catch up with Shadow 2 (the stained one). Mostly removing wood with a chisel and gouge, and shaping the lower 4 lifts by hand so they have the correct convex shape compared to the top 4 lifts.

I promised myself that I would try to minimize the use of power tools in this build because I want to learn how to move wood with just a chisel or gouge and a wooden mallet. So far, I have only used my scroll saw to cut out the initial lifts and shape the lifts according to the design drawings. Everything else has been with hand tools.

I found the most efficient way to remove wood from a thick model is to "feather" the surface with a gouge and chisel. I like this better than removing straps of wood with a planer or a spokeshave. It gives you more control as the wood is removed.

Still several days of fairing 2 hulls before I start working on the backboards and the 1/4 inch standoff mount to join the backboard and the hull. I've picked my two backboard colors (navy blue and natural cherry) and will need to cut a 1/4 inch bevel around all 4 edges of the backboard.

 

[Ignatius27]

Capt. Nat Herresoff fans - This just arrived from BlueJacket Shipcrafters! The Herreshoff 12 1/2 Daysailer! A sizable kit build (17" LOA) in a sizable 1/12 scale. Plank on bulkhead construction with a gaff rig (later 12 1/2s had Marconi rigs). The quality of the BlueJacket kit looks superb, with lasered parts, dark woods, brass fittings, different ropes, metal tackle and a full set of rigged sails. The instructions are thorough and the huge drawings are drawn 1:1 ratio with the model, so they will be very useful during the build (no scaling the drawings). The kit says it's a Level 1-2 build, but that's okay, I'm just finishing up what I think is a level 5 build in the Shadow! I am going to slot this build after my next Dutch paper and cardstock build, the Witsen's Pinas, so the Herreshoff 12 1/2 will come on the production line in a few weeks or so.

 

[Ignatius27]

34. Build Log: The "Shadow" 1871 Racing Yacht by Nathanael G. Herreshoff - Wooden Half-Hull Presentation model

A few more days of fairing both hulls to get the concave lower lifts and the convex tumblehome at the top wales to match up closely on Shadow 1 and Shadow 2. As you can see, the Shadow 1(the painted one) is still about 5% larger than Shadow 2 (the stained one), so there is still much more shaping and sanding to do.

You can now tell the difference between both boats: Shadow 1 is made out of poplar (with less visible grain) and will be painted. Shadow 2 is made of soft maple and will be stained to show off her grainy lifts.

Still a few days away from starting the backboards and fabricating the stand-off mounts. Plus adding the keel, rudder, stem and transom before mounting.

Have a great Labor Day friends!