________________________________

M.C. Wilkins Studios was commissioned by the Maine Maritime Museum to build two models of the extreme clipper Snow Squall. These models are to be part of their exhibition on ocean commerce due to open at the end of April 2004. The models will be on display for 5-10 years.

The models were extensively researched, drawing upon numerous textual sources, a painting, a sketch(the only known visual record of Snow Squall) newspaper accounts of Snow Squall, opinions of various curators, historians, and researchers, and careful speculation. A half-model was made to work out the final design of Snow Squall’s hull. From the half-model the finished models were made. The process was not dissimilar from the method used to build the actual clippers — coordinates taken from the half model then faired together using battens to get the shape of the frames and other components. Currently we are putting together a set of plans for Snow Squall.

The first model in the big picture at the top of this page is a depiction of the whole ship, with the starboard side fully planked in, painted, and coppered.The port side of the first model was given a cutaway presentation, showing her double-sawn frames(made from cherry) and planking schedule.

In this picture the fine run of Snow Squall’s hull can be seen. Her entrance is sharp, with full bilges(important for cargo capacity and stability)

Both models are visible in this view of the port side of the skeletal model. The dragon figurehead of the full model can be seen clearly.

________________________________

Directory

_______________________________

________________________________

Pictured above is a close-up of the bow. The dragon figurehead was reconstructed from the sketch of Snow Squall (which came from the Hart Nautical collection at MIT) and comparable dragon figureheads on other clippers of the period. The figurehead is carved from boxwood and gilt with 22K gold leaf. Also visible is the vermilion sheer molding which was not common, but not uncommon either.

In this image above the fore deck planking can be clearly seen. The planking is made from maple, and is nibbed into the margin strake. Also visible is the cast iron patent windlass used to winch the vessel into port.

Snow Squall had a raised poop, to accommodate a passenger staterooms and saloon below. This became more common in Clippers due to the gold rush , which facilitated a need for transportation from the east coast to the west. The passenger trade had become almost as lucrative as standard freight.

The idea of "two sides to the same coin" can be clearly seen in this photo — we enjoy trying to show as much about a vessel as possible in the context of one model.

________________________________

If you would like more information on Snow Squall or would like to see our current endeavors please feel free to contact us at:

Mark & Michele Wilkins

M.C. Wilkins Studios

627 Phinney’s lane

Centerville, MA 02632

mcwilkins@comcast.com

508-771-9196

_______________________________

________________________________

The second model was designed to illustrate clipper ship construction methods, as well as to render the recovered portion of Snow Squall currently in the collection of the Maine Maritime Museum. The idea being to show the size and location of the recovered section relative to the whole ship.

In this photo the models hull framing is mostly complete — the tween decks framing has commenced up forward.

Here is a bow view of the model with hull framing complete. The tween decks framing is almost done. Note hawse pieces near the bow, which provide much needed strength to compensate for the multiple stresses exerted on the hawse lips from the anchor chains.

In this close-up of the tween decks framing, hanging knees, dagger knees, and some lodging knees have been installed. Note the iron strapping on the stanchions atop the rider keelsons — this was to counteract the lifting of deck beams due to compressive stresses caused when the ship is heeled over.

Here is the completed model — The depiction of the recovered forefoot can be clearly seen here; complete with patinated copper sheathing.

Here is another view of the builders model — Note some of the spar deck framing has been left out to facilitate easier viewing belowdecks.

_______________________________