Finished model - Pitcairn Island longboat

[James M. Norton]

I will be posting here in-progress photos of my current project, a 1930's era Pitcairn Island wooden longboat. These boats were based on whaleboats given to Pitcairn by Queen Victoria, and the design of the boats was modified by the islanders to handle the heavy surf at the island's only landing place. The only way to get goods and people on and off the island, even today, is by longboat. The modern boats are motorized and made of aluminum, but I've chosen to model one of the earlier, wooden, more "romantic" versions. There are no plans to follow, because the boats were hand-made by the islanders, but I started with plans of a British lifeboat and modified these plans to match historical photos. In my opinion, the lifeboat resembled the Pitcairn longboats more closely than a whaleboat. Parts of my model will be made from a piece of Miro wood sent to me by a Pitcairn Island resident. This wood is native to Pitcairn and the surrounding islands, and was frequently used in boat construction. The islanders use Miro wood today to make the beautiful carvings of birds, fish, and ships that they sell to tourists as well as online. Hope you enjoy the photos.

[James M. Norton]

Initial stages of planking

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[James M. Norton]

Further progress with planking

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[James M. Norton]

Planking completed

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[James M. Norton]

gluing ribs in place

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[James M. Norton]

Ribs and gunwale in place and interior painted.

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[James M. Norton]

Rudder in place, made from Miro wood. I may keep this part unpainted, to reflect the source of the wood.

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[James M. Norton]

Overhead view of interior of boat, with floorboards and thwarts in place and with mockups of steering and rowing oars.

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[Kirby Francis]

Wow! These are really looking sharp. Sorry for not having noticed this before.

This is a fascinating case of a purpose-built craft. The inclusion of a bit of the "island" itself makes it all the more interesting.

For the sake of scale, how long is the boat?

[Kirby Francis]

Just noticing the rudder. Is that shading a natural feature of the wood? Amazing.

[James M. Norton]

The scale is 1/24, and the model is about 16 inches long. The originals varied inlength from 30-40 feet. The piece of wood I used for the rudder contains both the core darker grain, and the more superficial, lighter grain. I've decided to leave natural and unpainted the rudder, base, mast, and other parts of the model made from Pitcairn wood, to reflect its origin and connection with the island.

[James M. Norton]

The base for the longboat model, shown in the photo here, is made from a section of a Miro wood beam from the now-demolished Pitcairn Island home of Thursday October Christian, Fletcher Christian's son and the first child born on Pitcairn Island after the mutineers landed there.

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[Kirby Francis]

This model is going to have quite the pedigree. I'm just noticing the steepness of the sheer in this latest photo. Doesn't look like easy.

It was great to meet you this morning. Sorry that your first visit had to be on a day of somewhat unpleasant business. I hope you were able to catch a sense of the normal, light-hearted mood that prevails in our meetings. Did you catch the change of venue for our next meeting?

[lafrostjr]

Hi James,

After reading Kirby's comment about the last meeting, I remember meeting you, Welcome!

I need to start a project post, and after looking at yours, and enjoying very much, I'm going to do so. Your skills are far advanced than mine, but it's about the process of learning.

I've been trying to do some planking and I'm amazed at how yours looks. I was trying to butt the planks side by side, but I see you have a bit of overlap. Giving a stepped look to the planks. Can you comment, pros/cons - right/wrong or anything you have learned about both styles?

Thanks again for sharing.

[James M. Norton]

This is my first planking project, so I have nothing to compare it to. The lapstrake planking method I used in the longboat is tricky, and it took a while to get it right. My next project will involve carvel planking, where the planks but up against each other with no overlap. Once I finish that one, I'll be able to compare the two methods. I had hoped to talk with other members of the club about planking in general, to get some tips and some constructive comments about the longboat planking job.

Thanks for your comments, by the way. This forum could really be fun if others join in!

[Kirby Francis]

James - I'd be really interested in reading your comparison. My one experience with planking didn't go well at all. That's why my current project, Katy of Norfolk, is a solid hull hit. Working with Bill, I've been able to learn a lot about Hull shapes. Definitely where I should have started, but hindsight is 20-20. I'm looking forward to getting back to work in the new year, as soon as these trains I'm making for nephews and nieces are all done.

Larry - do start a project thread! We're all in awe at the speed at which you're able to get stuff put together, so it would be fun to be able to track your progress. I have often trolled boards for walk-throughs like the one James has started here. I always learn a ton from them.

[lafrostjr]

Kirby, I will very soon. I'm packing tonight for a two week trip. I have a red eye from San Jose Dec 7/8. I plan to go straight to our Dec meeting from the Bus stop.

See you then.

[Kirby Francis]

Wow - now THAT is dedication! Look forward to seeing you then.

James, will you bringing the Longboat to the next meeting? I haven't heard definitively where we're having it yet. I guess we should check with Kevin to make sure that there will be room for a show & tell meeting.

[James M. Norton]

I'd like to bring the model to the meeting, if there is the time and space for show-and-tell.

[Kirby Francis]

I spoke with Bill yesterday. Sounds like there will be plenty of room for show and tell at the Starboard Galley.

I look forward to seein the model up close!