Steamboat modelmaking has been one of my professional niches for well over forty years. Many of these gems have graced the homes of collectors, galleries, museums, and corporate offices throughout America and abroad. But what make this particular model so special is that the namesake celebrate the Hudson River where HENDRICK HUDSON operated -and the fact that Henry Hudson sailed the Dutch ship HALF MOON up this scenic river in 1609.
I had the honor of meeting a Newburgh native who amassed a beautiful collection of steamboats which became quite prolific as he carefully selected projects representing the gradual development of steamboat construction from the early 1830s to the 1970s -with all models accurately researched and built to 3/32 scale.
To this end HENDRICK HUDSON became the 100th steamboat model built during my forty year tenure.
The plans shown here were enlarged from a previous build which was at a smaller scale. That particular project was for the former heir of the Hudson River Day Line -basing the model on the vessel's 1940 configuration. This build will feature the steamer as she appeared on the river in 1909.
The beautiful and spacious HENDRICK HUDSON departs the Capitol City of Albany, New York enroute to all ports of call before ending her eight hour run at New York City c.1912.
After reviewing all the data, with the support of the Collector's references, I started putting into place the schematics for a more updated and accurate build...beginning with the hull and decks. The hull would be hand-chiseled out of select yellow pine and the decks shaped from basswood sheets.
Here, I carefully chisel and shape the stern...
After chiseling and shaping, sanding is performed and the keel is attached.
The next two images show the knee and strake system...
The next step of the build is planning the deck layout. Two different versions were made, so careful attention had to be centered on the doors and cabin arrangements. Changes were made in these areas and proper alignment of these features will guarantee proper spacing of windows and rails throughout the entire build. The plans are not absolute (which I learned years ago when pursuing the first HENDRICK HUDSON model). It was by far the best model ever made, but there were flaws based on the architectural drawings of those times.
With the fleet of steamboat models to my credit, I wanted to make sure this 100th model was my very best.
After mapping out the interior main deck with balsa compartments, the bass cabins are next to be addressed -followed by the chock, kevel, cleat and rail systems. This now present the build for the entire model.
As I worked on the model for several weeks, I paid much attention to HENDRICK HUDSON's superstructure and the international flags that graced her staffs over the hurricane deck. I and the Collector discussed this in length -and basically used the references he provided, along with the notes of Mr.Van Olcott (formerly of Princeton, New Jersey) and Herman Boyle (formerly of Kingston, New York). Both were knowledgeable concerning the Day Line and both had references that helped get the accuracy of the flags in correct order.
From photos, only ten cultures were celebrated in the Hudson Valley; but the vessel only carried eight staffs -so the two remaining flags were probably rotated at different occasions. However, the legacy of the Hudson River Day Line was that it supported all peoples of the valley, regardless of heritage.
Photo of HENDRICK HUDSON steaming past Coxsackie flying the international flags circa 1912. This was printed from a glass plate by Herman Boyle c.1983
Another view of the balsa compartments...
This photo image show the compartments supporting the main deck cabin area and stanchions. Everything is perfectly aligned as a result. This partial view of cabin work took approximately five full days to finish.
So not to mar the hull that has been painted and treated, I hold tissue between it and my hand while carefully cutting away excess paper that enclose the cabin acetate windows. The paper covering is layered for each deck so that the windows are shown to perfection without dust or debris. Since sliding doors are usually open, these are lightly taped while I finish the cabin(s)...The tape is removed after the deck is completed -working this process with each deck application.
Stern main deck cabins being painted while the paper covering is turned back for adding the acetate windows. The balsa compartments and inner stanchions are painted a deep grey so to obstruct any viewing of adhesion around the windows. Sliding doors are then placed, followed by cabin painting to also divert attention to the interior windows. Finally the paper covering is glued to the cabins for easier placement of the saloon deck.
Port profile showing the sleek and graceful lines of Day Line steamer HENDRICK HUDSON. This work in progress photo salute all the writings concerning this vessel. She was, in fact, beautiful and was a luxury to river travel at a cost of nearly one million dollars at the time of her build. She had an advertised length of over 400 feet and was licensed to carry 5,500 passengers.
Art was commissioned for interior decoration. Murals depicting Henry Hudson's HALF MOON, Washington Irving's home, the Senate House at Kingston, and the Capitol at Albany were part of the interior displays. She was, in fact, New York's finest Dayliner.
This port bow view shows the steady progress of construction. There is much more to reveal in Part Two of this build; that along with exceptional detail to follow. All my models (past and present) are uniquely one of a kind. They are worth viewing ; if not for the beauty then for the detail.
The Hudson Valley has many hidden gems, especially the steamboat models which is available to any discerning collector.
Commissioned work can be honored for any and all Hudson River steamboats. These are fine, one of a kind models that accurately define the vessel as it appeared at any given time of its career. For contact please email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137 for details. To view my work and credentials please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart and https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals
Thank you for viewing!
