Ship Model Page Two

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Ship Model Page Two

Clipper Ship Comet

Hi Don,

Well, I just completed another very unique ship model, inspired by your wonderful web site.
I present to you the Extreme Clipper Comet.
She was built in New York, by William Webb, launched in July of 1851, primarily for the passenger and cargo trade to San Francisco.

Her deck was 229 feet long, over all 241. She has a long hollow entrance and a fine run aft. A particularly handsome ship in every way.
The poop deck extended forwards to the mainmast and the cabins were large and elegantly furnished; she was provided with toilet, smoking and bath rooms as well as a fine library.

The Comet was frequently seen in the company of many famous clipper ships, such as the Flying Dutchman, Raven, Hurricane, and the Witch of
the Wave; often besting them from port to port.
Sailing from San Francisco in 1853, the Comet reached New York an astounding 76 days later, setting the record from San Francisco to any North Atlantic port to this day!

The Comet's fate is equally astounding. In 1865, bound for London from Brisbane, she was discovered on fire three weeks out. All the passengers and a part of the crew, in all some 80 persons, took to the boats, leaving the mate and 17 crew on board, there not being room for them in
the boats. Intending to stay close by overnight, at daybreak the ships boats were nowhere to be seen, and never to be heard from again. Just as she was ready to sink, the Dauntless happened upon the scene and rescued the first mate and those who had originally volunteered to stay on board!

The model is completely scratch built, using several exotic woods, including; teak for the hull and deck planks, mahogany for the handrails, cabin trim and afterdeck house planking. The hull is plank on frame constructed, just like the full size ship (no cheap‚ solid hulls here, as are the deck planks, which were laid with real caulking between each plank! I intentionally planked a contrasting limewood plank onto the port side to represent the waterline. Brass deck fittings are found throughout the ship, and in her rigging, including brass chain on the lower spars ~ see close-up photos for details.

There is a gold figurehead gracing the complex rigged bow and the stern is elaborately gilded with brass scroll work and letters for the name. No detail has been overlooked ~ you'll find; a wood ships wheel, companion ways with brass hinges and handles, brass portholes, skylight, brass ventilators, winches, water pumps, windlass, sail locker. and crew privy. There are over 2,000 tie points in the shrouds and ratlines, alone! Over 300 single, double, and triple wood blocks (pulleys) are found in the intricate rigging. Up front you'll see the highly detailed foc'sle, with two ships anchors, windlass, capstan, and brass ships bell. All in all this is one of my finest works, as the Clipper Raven was. Am attaching some photos for your inspection. Look forward to your reaction.

All the best, Steve.

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ECS - Ahoy there Steve,

These pictures of the clipper ship Comet sure look great to me. Perhaps everyone would like to see some of your other ship models too, so I have included some of them here.

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