RIVERBOAT MODEL - DAMAGE REPAIR

[riverboat]

2nd attempt......

I have a model of a paddle wheel steamer that was built from scratch 50 years ago by a relative who scaled down the original ship drawings, creating a well-detailed scale model of an Ohio riverboat. The model sat on a shelf, sealed in a hand-made glass case since its completion....until th eother day. We had a minor disaster when the cat somehow pushed the hand made case (and model) off a 5' high shelf, causing the destruction of the glass case and some significant ('though not disastrous) damage to the model. Question: are there any considerations that I need to make before I launch off in trying to repair the damage...(i.e. does the preservation/reconstruction of the original case have any merit? Should the repair, using modern-day model-building materials (vs. the scratch-built materials of which the original was constructed) factor into the equation in any way? Where can I find any documentation of this riverboat's original construction and rigging in order to guide the repair process? And, ultimatley, should I turn to a professional model builder instead of attempting this challenge on my own (with only moderate model building experience and talents)??

[ingura]

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[ingura]

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[JIM BAUMANN]

I am attaching the images here on behalf of Richard (riverboat)

In my estimation the damage is reasonably severe --but not beyond skilful repair.

The model looks to be well made--the lettering is excellent!

Replacing the interdeck supports stb side aft and port side fwd to match the existing will be challenging...

Are there any photos of the model pre-crash?

Any thoughts gentlemen?

JB on behalf of

[ingura]

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[riverboat]

Thanks for your replies...I am encouraged that repair, while daunting, is in fact do-able. My question: where can I turn to access any documentation on this, or similar boat, as a guide to help direct my efforts at re-construction?

[ingura]

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[dinosaursoupman]

A site I found very rewarding to visit is; http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/LaCrosseSteamboat/. I usually just hit the browse button and start looking at the 18,000+ pictures of Mississippi River and tributary riverboats. Unfortunately, the collection isn't totally uploaded yet and currently are only into the mid S's. But doing a search on the Telegram give 2 results. The first here; http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/WebZ/F ... rnTo=brief shows the Telegram in the lower left corner. You can change the size of the photo by clicking on the largest of the 4 boxes below the photo. The second shows the James Rees whos equipment went into the Telegram after the James Rees was dismantled. There are numerous sidewheel packets on the site and you should be able to get a reasonable idea of how to reconstruct your Telegram.

Unless your model has had some significant recognition, I wouldn't worry too much about using current building materials for her reconstruction.

Hope this helps,
Randy

[Tricolor]

@ ingura

Toll restauriert die K�nigsberg,ein Top Modell.....aber da kann man doch gleich ganz neu bauen,....

Gru� Micha

[ingura]

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[Tricolor]

Hallo Peter,....

Das hatte ich �berlesen,......sicher,das mu� dann so sein....sonst w�re es kein Original Werftmodell....da gebe ich dir recht.

Schaue doch mal hier rein...vielleicht kennst du die Seite ja noch nicht.

www.die-graue-flotte.de


Gru� aus Bremerhaven

Micha

[commodore4]

Hello RIVERBOAT : I do believe you have your work cut out for you. I specialize in riverboats for private and corporate clients.I believe that if you have good pre-crash photos ,you should be able to do a good restoration. In truth , riverboats such as yours are very forgiving as to materials used. Now if it was larger and radio controlled you would have problems.Seeing as how the upper deck itself is intact , rebuilding the clerestory deck (that deck directly below the PILOT house and TEXAS cabin area) should be no problem.Do you recall if the boat hed beams that stuck up at angles and slanted forward and aft (similar to a fan) these timbers were there for a reason.They kept the vessel from hogging and in emergencies could actually be used to "walk" the boat out of somewhat tough groundings. This also helped her in the carrying out of everyday frieght duties.Go to your local library or contact the HOWARD STEAMBOAT MUSEUM at 1101 E. MARKET st. JEFFERSONVILLE, IN 47130. Their phone number is (812) 283-3728. They may be able to help with photos or info on the exact type of boat you have. Good luck, and you may contact me at gjgeracci@satx.rr.com if you have any need for my skills --FREE OF COURSE!! good luck commodore 4 P.S. if you can redo the case in acrylic sheet.