The Model Boatyard

Model Shipway's Armed Virginia Sloop
Armed Virginia SloopThese models represent my work over the past several years. I took up the hobby again several years ago after many failed attempts earlier in my life. Although I built lots of plastic models as a kid, I only built one wooden ship - Bluenose. Back then, I thought it came out pretty great. I always knew I had it in me to build ship models but as an adult, I typically couldn't seem to get much farther along than getting the hull built. At that point I seemed to lose interest or get distracted by other things and one more kit went into storage, eventually to be tossed out in some move.

Many years ago, I picked up a Midwest Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack kit in a yard sale. It too seemed destined for failure. I started it - got the framework for the hull built - then put it away when other things distracted me. Several years and two moves later, the bug hit me again and I wanted a short-term project. I dug out that kit and actually managed to finish it within a few weeks. That was a turning point for me and I have been modeling ever since (with a few breaks here and there for other pursuits).

The models are presented more or less in their order of completion, as best I can recall. In some cases, there's a bit of overlap. For example, I built the Sakonnet Day Sailer while I was working on Smuggler because I just needed a break from Smuggler. I have tried to build my skills gradually by starting with simple models and working my way up to more complex ones. I still have a very long way to go but I'm enoying the journey!

My preference now is to scratch-build models. It's more challenging but more rewarding.
I recently finished a model of the buyboat F. D. Crockett and an early deck boat, Princess. I'm currently working on a model of a Chesapeake Bay tug boat, Delaware.