US BRIG NIAGARA MODEL ca. 1813 FINE SCALE MODEL
3/16" = 1'-0" or 1/64 Scale
BY: JOHN FLEMING
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WEBSITE STARTED: 02-12-2017
BUILD LOG PART I STARTED 02-12-2017
BUILD LOG - PART I COMPLETED 03-29-2017
BUILD LOG - PART II STARTED 03-30-2017
BUILD LOG - PART II COMPLETED 8-22-2017
BUILD LOG - PART III STARTED 04-09-2017
BUILD LOG - PART III COMPLETED 11-08-2017
BUILD LOG - PART IV STARTED 08-18-2017
CONTINUING
BUILD LOG - PART V STARTED 11-26-2017
BUILD LOG - PART VI STARTED 11-26-2017
BUILD LOG - PART VII STARTED 11-08-2017
CONTINUING
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LAST UPDATE: 12-12-2017
IN BUILD LOG - PART VII
I will try to indicate which BUILD LOG I am currently working in here as some stages require switching back and forth between logs. This might seem confusing, but I am trying to indicate that certain construction items are logically built at times as needed but documented in categories within the log.
SPONSOR: NAUTICAL RESEARCH GUILD
MODEL SHIP WORLD
MODEL SHIP WORLD
This Website is a complete step by step Build Log from Start to Finish for constructing this model.
Please explore the site. You will find many photographs and discussions that hopefully will guide one to building a magnificent scale model of your dreams. There are pages listed above under the "More" button above that will take you to the various pages of the website. The "Build Log" pages are a visual, logical sequence that should serve as a supplement to the Drawing Sheets and Manual that are provided or help in scratch building the model, which is the preferred method of construction. I found that the Drawing Sheets (6) are good but the Manual is quite lacking and extremely basic, especially in the step by step areas and order of assembly which don't exist. I hardly ever referred to it during this build as it was of no use. I referred to pictures of the areas when I had questions.
The "Gallery - US Brig Niagara August 2015" Page, contains photographs of the Niagara in Erie, Pa., and the museum. These photos are taken with the modeler in mind showing details that could be missed by a snapshot photographer.
I have found that over time, many people that are involved in ship modeling have difficulty finding tools, adhesives, parts, wood, and many items needed for a build and have no resources available to locate them. Some have disabilities and are unable to drive to a local hobby store or the distance is too great. With respect to that I am providing a "Ship's Store" page to assist in having an easy means of obtaining those items like a "one stop shop" type of resource. There is a "Tools & Resources" page with links that will take you to a discussion, description and the source to find them easily.
The BUILD LOG is divided into 7 sections of construction. BUILD LOG PART I is devoted to building the Hull, BUILD LOG PART II is Decking and Deck Structures to the stage of rigging the ship, BUILD LOG PART III is devoted to the Guns: Cannons and Carronades. BUILD LOG PART IV is Masting or "Stepping the Masts" & Bowsprit. BUILD LOG PART V, is the Standing Rigging and Spars, BUILD LOG PART VI Running Rigging. BUILD LOG PART VII deals with the Bowsprit, boats and finishing Details and the Base for mounting the model. The files are large so allow a little time for them to download.
Enjoy.....and should you have comments or questions feel free to contact me using the "Contact" button. Please fill out the Contact Form on the Contact Page to get on my mailing list. I will attempt to email major updates and perhaps in time do a News Letter pertaining to not only the Niagara but Model Ship Building in General, as well as a Blog Page.
I have 1 more websites:
1) Charles W Morgan Model Ship
On the Morgan Site is also a page devoted to the building of a 1/16" Scale New Bedford Whaleboat
Use the buttons below to go to these sites.
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Please explore the site. You will find many photographs and discussions that hopefully will guide one to building a magnificent scale model of your dreams. There are pages listed above under the "More" button above that will take you to the various pages of the website. The "Build Log" pages are a visual, logical sequence that should serve as a supplement to the Drawing Sheets and Manual that are provided or help in scratch building the model, which is the preferred method of construction. I found that the Drawing Sheets (6) are good but the Manual is quite lacking and extremely basic, especially in the step by step areas and order of assembly which don't exist. I hardly ever referred to it during this build as it was of no use. I referred to pictures of the areas when I had questions.
The "Gallery - US Brig Niagara August 2015" Page, contains photographs of the Niagara in Erie, Pa., and the museum. These photos are taken with the modeler in mind showing details that could be missed by a snapshot photographer.
I have found that over time, many people that are involved in ship modeling have difficulty finding tools, adhesives, parts, wood, and many items needed for a build and have no resources available to locate them. Some have disabilities and are unable to drive to a local hobby store or the distance is too great. With respect to that I am providing a "Ship's Store" page to assist in having an easy means of obtaining those items like a "one stop shop" type of resource. There is a "Tools & Resources" page with links that will take you to a discussion, description and the source to find them easily.
The BUILD LOG is divided into 7 sections of construction. BUILD LOG PART I is devoted to building the Hull, BUILD LOG PART II is Decking and Deck Structures to the stage of rigging the ship, BUILD LOG PART III is devoted to the Guns: Cannons and Carronades. BUILD LOG PART IV is Masting or "Stepping the Masts" & Bowsprit. BUILD LOG PART V, is the Standing Rigging and Spars, BUILD LOG PART VI Running Rigging. BUILD LOG PART VII deals with the Bowsprit, boats and finishing Details and the Base for mounting the model. The files are large so allow a little time for them to download.
Enjoy.....and should you have comments or questions feel free to contact me using the "Contact" button. Please fill out the Contact Form on the Contact Page to get on my mailing list. I will attempt to email major updates and perhaps in time do a News Letter pertaining to not only the Niagara but Model Ship Building in General, as well as a Blog Page.
I have 1 more websites:
1) Charles W Morgan Model Ship
On the Morgan Site is also a page devoted to the building of a 1/16" Scale New Bedford Whaleboat
Use the buttons below to go to these sites.
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The "Buttons" below will allow you to Navigate the Site by clicking on the desired Log (Section) you wish to go to as well as using the "More" Tab above. Hold your curser above the "More" Tab and it will allow for Navigating the Site also.
SEVERAL OF THE PAGES BELOW ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION. WORK HAS NOT PROGRESSED TO THESE PAGES YET, ONLY THE INITIAL SETUP FOR THIS WEBSITE. THE DATE WORK IS FEATURED ON THESE PAGES WILL BE UPDATED HERE AS WELL AS ON THE PAGE.
SEVERAL OF THE PAGES BELOW ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION. WORK HAS NOT PROGRESSED TO THESE PAGES YET, ONLY THE INITIAL SETUP FOR THIS WEBSITE. THE DATE WORK IS FEATURED ON THESE PAGES WILL BE UPDATED HERE AS WELL AS ON THE PAGE.
BRIEF HISTORY:
WAR OF 1812 - BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE
The United States Brig Niagara in Erie, Pennsylvania is a reconstruction of an early 19th century warship of the United States Navy. On September 10, 1813, nine small ships defeated a British squadron of six vessels in the Battle of Lake Erie. This pivotal event in the War of 1812 secured the Northwest Territory, opened supply lines and lifted the nation's morale. Six vessels in Perry's Fleet, including Niagara were constructed in Erie.
Building of the American squadron was a remarkable feat, given Erie's mere five hundred inhabitants and remote location. Shipwrights, blockmakers, blacksmiths, caulkers, boat builders, and laborers were recruited from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and elsewhere. Materials to construct the vessels were imported from other regions of Pennsylvania including iron from Meadville and Pittsburgh; canvas for sails from Philadelphia; rigging, cannon shot and anchors crafted in Pittsburgh. The cannon were brought from Washington, D.C. and Sacketts Harbor N.Y. Because there were no sawmills, the lumber had to be cut, hewed, and squared by hand. Daniel Dobbins, a Great Lakes shipmaster living in Erie, was assigned by the Navy to direct construction until experienced builders arrived.
In February 1813, Commodore Isaac Chauncey, Great Lakes Naval Commander, hired Noah Brown, a New York shipbuilder to complete the six vessels. Brown also designed two of the four schooners and the two brigs, Lawrence and Niagara. In March 1813, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry took command. By late July, Perry completed the vessels and raised volunteers to augment his sailors. A significant number of the skilled sailors were free blacks, many landsmen and soldiers were also enlisted due to a shortage of men.
On August 1, the British squadron withdrew its blockade and the American ships emerged from Erie harbor. For the next month Perry trained his crews and watched the British squadron at Fort Malden, Ontario (Amherstburg, near the mouth of the Detroit River). On September 10, the British under Commodore Robert Heriot Barclay and the Americans under Perry met in battle near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Perry's flagship Lawrence engaged her counterpart, while Niagara, for unknown reasons, did not close the enemy. Nevertheless, the Lawrence held fast and continued a heavy bombardment. After she was completely disabled, with most of her crew wounded or killed, Perry transferred by boat to the undamaged Niagara, sailed her into close action, broke the British battle line, and forced Barclay to surrender.
In the aftermath, Commodore Perry wrote his famous report to General William Henry Harrison: " We have met the enemy and they are ours: two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop." After the war, Niagara served as a station ship in Erie until 1820, then was scuttled there in Misery Bay. To celebrate the centennial of the battle in 1913, Erie citizens raised the hulk and rebuilt her, using many of the old timbers. Niagara, towed by the USS Wolverine, visited Great Lakes ports and participated in ceremonies at Put-in-Bay on September 10, 1913. Following the commemoration, Niagara returned to Erie.
In 1931, the state took custody of her and began a major restoration that was delayed by the Great Depression. Her hull was completed in 1943; masts and rigging were finally installed in 1963. By the early 1980s the Niagara was again severely decayed. International Historic Watercraft Society was contracted to design and build a reconstruction of the Niagara. The present ship is a new vessel, incorporating both known and conjectural design features. Some original timber is installed in non-structural places. On September 10, 1988, the Niagara was launched in Erie ceremonies marking 175th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie and the ensuing peace between the United Kingdom and the United States.
WAR OF 1812 - BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE
The United States Brig Niagara in Erie, Pennsylvania is a reconstruction of an early 19th century warship of the United States Navy. On September 10, 1813, nine small ships defeated a British squadron of six vessels in the Battle of Lake Erie. This pivotal event in the War of 1812 secured the Northwest Territory, opened supply lines and lifted the nation's morale. Six vessels in Perry's Fleet, including Niagara were constructed in Erie.
Building of the American squadron was a remarkable feat, given Erie's mere five hundred inhabitants and remote location. Shipwrights, blockmakers, blacksmiths, caulkers, boat builders, and laborers were recruited from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and elsewhere. Materials to construct the vessels were imported from other regions of Pennsylvania including iron from Meadville and Pittsburgh; canvas for sails from Philadelphia; rigging, cannon shot and anchors crafted in Pittsburgh. The cannon were brought from Washington, D.C. and Sacketts Harbor N.Y. Because there were no sawmills, the lumber had to be cut, hewed, and squared by hand. Daniel Dobbins, a Great Lakes shipmaster living in Erie, was assigned by the Navy to direct construction until experienced builders arrived.
In February 1813, Commodore Isaac Chauncey, Great Lakes Naval Commander, hired Noah Brown, a New York shipbuilder to complete the six vessels. Brown also designed two of the four schooners and the two brigs, Lawrence and Niagara. In March 1813, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry took command. By late July, Perry completed the vessels and raised volunteers to augment his sailors. A significant number of the skilled sailors were free blacks, many landsmen and soldiers were also enlisted due to a shortage of men.
On August 1, the British squadron withdrew its blockade and the American ships emerged from Erie harbor. For the next month Perry trained his crews and watched the British squadron at Fort Malden, Ontario (Amherstburg, near the mouth of the Detroit River). On September 10, the British under Commodore Robert Heriot Barclay and the Americans under Perry met in battle near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Perry's flagship Lawrence engaged her counterpart, while Niagara, for unknown reasons, did not close the enemy. Nevertheless, the Lawrence held fast and continued a heavy bombardment. After she was completely disabled, with most of her crew wounded or killed, Perry transferred by boat to the undamaged Niagara, sailed her into close action, broke the British battle line, and forced Barclay to surrender.
In the aftermath, Commodore Perry wrote his famous report to General William Henry Harrison: " We have met the enemy and they are ours: two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop." After the war, Niagara served as a station ship in Erie until 1820, then was scuttled there in Misery Bay. To celebrate the centennial of the battle in 1913, Erie citizens raised the hulk and rebuilt her, using many of the old timbers. Niagara, towed by the USS Wolverine, visited Great Lakes ports and participated in ceremonies at Put-in-Bay on September 10, 1913. Following the commemoration, Niagara returned to Erie.
In 1931, the state took custody of her and began a major restoration that was delayed by the Great Depression. Her hull was completed in 1943; masts and rigging were finally installed in 1963. By the early 1980s the Niagara was again severely decayed. International Historic Watercraft Society was contracted to design and build a reconstruction of the Niagara. The present ship is a new vessel, incorporating both known and conjectural design features. Some original timber is installed in non-structural places. On September 10, 1988, the Niagara was launched in Erie ceremonies marking 175th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie and the ensuing peace between the United Kingdom and the United States.
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Member & Sponsor of THE NAUTICAL RESEARCH GUILD
Member & Sponsor of MODEL SHIP WORLD
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THIS IS A BUILD IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY.
LOG IS CURRENT AS OF: 12-12-2017
THIS IS A BUILD IN PROGRESS. PLEASE CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY.
LOG IS CURRENT AS OF: 12-12-2017
Copyright 2017, all rights reserved.
The content of this website is copyrighted by the owner of this site and no portion of any photograph, or content may be used without the express written consent of the owner.
The content of this website is copyrighted by the owner of this site and no portion of any photograph, or content may be used without the express written consent of the owner.