Model Shipways #MS2033 New Bedford Whaleboat Ship Kit, 1/16

New Bedford Whaleboat c. 1850-1870 Kit: 1/16 Scale, Plank-on-Frame Construction

• Authentic plank-on-frame construction
• Laser-cut basswood components
• Photo-etched copper and cast Britannia metal fittings
• Sailcloth and rigging line
• 150 page illustrated instruction book
  

From 1720 to 1920 nearly 60,000 whaleboats were constructed by the American whaling industry. Whaleboat endured a rigorous life and lasted no more than three years and were discarded throughout the coastal U.S. and around the world. Remarkably, only a dozen or two have survived to become part of today's museum collections.

In 1916, the Dartmouth Historical Society commissioned the building of a half-sized model of the bark LAGODA. Local whaleboat builder Joshua Delano was retained to build the seven half-sized model whaleboats needed for the project. Delano built these models according to the design of the full-sized boats he had built for the whaling industry for more than forty years.

More information is available at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Whaling historian Erik A.R. Ronnberg, Jr. made a thorough study of Delano s half-sized boats in order to produce this kit of a uniquely American working craft.

The instructions include following the original plank-on-frame method of construction in building the model as used to build the original ship. Hull planks, oar and paddle blades, tubs, casks and rudder are accurately laser cut basswood. Authentic scale whaling gear gives this kit remarkable detail. Photo-etched copper fittings include harpoon, lance and cutting spade heads, knife blades, oarlocks and mast hinge hardware.

The New Bedford Whaleboat kit is supported by a superb set (6 sheets) of plans and a 150-page instruction book by Erik A.R. Ronnberg, Jr. The book, To Build a Whaleboat, gives you step-by-step building instructions, design and technical data. (Display base and pedestals not included.)

Previous modeling experience helpful.

Model Shipways no. MS2033

Dimensions:
Length: 24 inches
Beam: 4-5/8 inches
Height: 3 inches (mast down); 24 inches (mast raised)

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, including Wood Dust which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to: www.p65warnings.ca.gov