Modelling HENDRICK HUDSON -Newburgh's Own...Part One

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.

Paddlewheels are usually the second feature addressed on these steamboats, due to the fact that errors can occur within spacing between hull and main deck guards. These feathering wheels are made solely of basswood.

The third feature of the build are the stacks which determine the height of each deck in proportion to the vessel's length. This procedure has given accurate models...even if scales are miscalculated.  From here, I move on to the knees and strakes beneath the main deck -making sure every piece of wood is  aligned properly. If off by 1/16 inch the entire project is ruined and can't be corrected.

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!

Building the towboat AMERICA c.1853 / A Maritime Collectible

                   Towboat AMERICA, New York c.1852 - James Bard. Collection of the
                 Albany Institute of History and Art c.1982


The Hudson River has been the subject of great admiration for many decades, both for its reminenscent beauty and prolific history. From Native-Americans to European Industrialists, the river has accumulated a notable wealth not matched. Historical accounts, especially from foreign dignitaries have attested of the river's beauty and pictureques towns along the shoreline.

With this stretch of water from New York City to Troy, New York, there came an invention of the steamboat monopoly. It was first tested in the southern tier of the United States , but its first successful run was on the Hudson River with the famed CLERMONT -built by Robert Fulton in 1807. From that day onward the river soon became a busy waterway for all types of
commercial craft, large and small.

One type of vessel entering this water highway was the sidewheel towboat. These magnificent machines would prove worthy in the annals of American maritime. The AMERICA was a steamboat that was built strictly for towing. Most steamboats of her time were passenger steamers converted into tow steamers , but AMERICA was one of several built exclusively for this type of service. She was a massive sidewheeler and ranked as the third largest tow to appear on the Hudson River in 1852.

       Profile plan of Hudson River towboat AMERICA c.1852, as researched and drawn by
      maritime artist, historian and craftsman Rex Stewart c.1987

I admired James Bard painting of AMERICA that hung in the East Wing of the Albany Institute of History and Art during my tenure as an art student. It was this painting which inspired my research, twenty years later, to develop a rare set of one-of-a-kind plans on the famous towboat.

What made AMERICA so special to research and build was that she was commissioned, built and owned by an American man of color in an age when the country was moving toward Civil War and racial division. It was unheard of in those times for any man of this background to own a commercial steamboat monopoly such as the one owned and operated by Samuel B. Schuyler out of Albany, New York. Even today, some 120 years later, it's unheard of in America's maritime that a contemporary man of color is designing and building unique one-of-a-kind steamboats of America's past. Yet, it's these events that has motivated my ability to grasp and comprehend the American steamboat in minute detail as never before.

Mr. Schuyler who captained steamboats, before opening his business which he called the Schuyler Line, remained pliant to the needs of the communities which he served. He was well respected among his peers and celebrated by steamboatmen up and down the Hudson Valley, especially when his successful towing business ran in unison with the two other companies in the area which was the Austin Line and the Betts Line.

 
             Samuel B. Schuyler's steamboat stock share c.1873 - Schuyler Towing Line

AMERICA was built in 1852 at Brooklyn, New York. At 212' feet she was one of the largest tows to service the Albany-New York City route. Not only was she a large vessel, but she was heralded for her Herculean power and beautiful lines.

Building this rare scale replica was a test of both skill and ingenuity. No such plans were existant in the Hudson Valley -or in the entire State of New York. Sixty years prior, a prolific modelbuilder named Forrest Van Loon Ryder made the same claim when his models appeared during the late '50s - early '60s. And though his steamboats were limited in detail, he became the respected forerunner of his day. Since then, with painstaking research and countless hours, bringing together details that have been overlooked for decades, I have been fortunate to develop a body of works that has not been rivalled. I felt it was important to
research and build (from my own plans) the steamboat as it actually appeared for the period; the towboat AMERICA being one of them.

        Maritime artist and craftsman/historian Rex Stewart working on one of his signature
       steamboat models, the Hudson River sidewheel towboat AMERICA c.1853. Here, he
       carefully rigs the American flag to the rail.

AMERICA's fanciful paddleboxes and prolific hogframe system made her the steamboat to model. Furthermore, in my arsenal of steamboats, she made for a handsome nautical accent for those owning or had desired to own river-related memorabilia.

Many hours went into designing her rare and distinctive plans, based on the James Bard painting of 1852 and a later photo which showed her 1875 appearance from an old glass negative of my late friend, Herman Boyle. Those references proved invaluable and priceless to my research -as well as her dimensional data from the publication Marine Engineering.

         Towboat AMERICA's walking beam marine engine. Made entirely of wood, approxi-
         mately 154 pieces make up this detailed miniature. These models are museum
         collector pieces and are well respected in the maritime steamboat community.

It took approximately a week to research, scale and finish the plans; and one month to complete the 1/8" = 1' build. This type model is the first ever to come on the circuit as a Hudson River steamboat collectible and has been a favorite among this genre of enthusiasts.
The supporting photos shows the beauty and size of this once famous 'work horse'. Her accurate appearance of 1853.  Her career ended in 1902 when she was broken up at Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

                        Port View -River Towsteamer AMERICA  c.1853, Rex Stewart

                                 Port Overview Detail -AMERICA c.1853 , Wood Model

                              Starboard View of Hudson River Towboat AMERICA c.1853

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 information contact me at: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137 for details.

To view my work and credentials, please visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart

Thank you for viewing!