New Bedford Whaleboat

**Sakrison** · #1 10-21-2020, 08:42 AM

Fiddler's Green Whaleboat with a lot of added detail. The model is 11 inches long, roughly 1:30 scale. Whaleboats generally varied from 28 to 33 feet in length and were manned by a crew of 5: a bosun, four oarsmen, and a harpooner.

I tapered the mast and spar, scratchbuilt the harpoon and lance, carved a wooden tiller, added standing and running rigging, and rigged the whale line, including coils in the line tubs and at the bow. Other added details include paddles, a water pail for lubricating the whale line, a "firkin" to hold drinking water, a "crotch" to hold the ready harpoon, and a wooden drag (beside the tiller) used to help tire a harpooned whale.

**Don Boose** · #2 10-21-2020, 08:55 AM

Another outstanding model, David. It looks entirely historically accurate and is a real treat for the eye.

I think I see Starbuck, Queequeg, and Ishmael approaching.

Don

**birder** · #3 10-21-2020, 12:42 PM

That is a cool job with that kit, nice. Did you add some planking?

**Sakrison** · #4 10-21-2020, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birder

That is a cool job with that kit, nice. Did you add some planking?

No, the hull is built straight from the kit. I did add stripwood reinforcements under the seats.

I tried building the hull plank by plank but it was too hard to keep everything properly aligned. The result would have sailed in circles, and probably upside down.

**Michael Mash** · #5 10-21-2020, 05:49 PM

The first image "appears" to be plank by plank. Excellent work.
It is an uncomplicated, yet very masterful rendition.
Mike

**Bob Penikas** · #6 10-21-2020, 07:51 PM

Nicely done along with great pictures.

BP

**Sakrison** · #7 10-21-2020, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Mash

The first image "appears" to be plank by plank. Excellent work.
It is an uncomplicated, yet very masterful rendition.
Mike

The hull is some of the best artwork from Fiddler's Green. The kit is short on details but the basic boat is a good platform for scratchbuilt detailing. The whaleboats were equipped with all sorts of tools and gadgets. I modeled about half of them.

**Philip** · #8 10-22-2020, 02:08 PM

Beautifully done.

**Tapcho** · #9 11-14-2021, 03:31 AM

Fine model Sakrison. And congrats on the FSM appearance too.

BR Tapani

**Sakrison** · #10 11-14-2021, 12:08 PM

Thanks, everyone!