October 2023 Volume 13 number 10

We were on the news! Bangor TV station WABI interviewed us as part of this weekend's "craft Saturday" because we are offering free tours of our model making facility. Here's the link to the spot - Enjoy!

https://www.wabi.tv/2023/10/05/bluejacket-shipcrafters-offering-inside-look-crafting-process/

Billboard - An angled plate at the rail forward, for housing an anchor. The term's origin is obscure; it could relate to that part of an anchor often called the bill.

Eyes - The extreme bow. Its origin is uncertain; it could refer to the eyes on the dragonheads usually seen on the bows of Viking ships of the Xth to XIIth centuries, or to the eyes on later figureheads, or to "the eye of the wind."

Ocean - The total sea mass, or the same in regions. The term goes the route; via Middle English, the same word; Old English and Old French, occean; Latin, oceanus; and Greek okeanos.

Smiting Line - A line to break out a sail that has been sent up in stops. The word comes from Middle Dutch, smiete, a line attached to a sail.

Information is from the book "Origins of Sea Terms" by John G. Rogers

copyright 1985 Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc. and available from BlueJacket. 

Another good customer, Sandy L. of RI sent these in.

"Nic,



Thanks for quick reply to ships in scale note. The USS Constitution Model Ship Guild also replied and suggested I bring them up to them. I’ve been a very passive member for years but finally decided to display my work to see where I stand.

I built USS Tattnall DD-125 and APD-19. Former as in 1930’s and then after 1943 when converted to APD and then in 1945 when sent to Pacific after supporting Mediterranean and Southern France landings. APD-19 took gold in Apprentice group. Both models are highly, highly modified Bluejacket kits.

Sandy"

From John B. of ME:

"Here is My bench. It’s here in Maine, which I consider my studio, as my basement has become my gallery. It doesn’t appear very neat but the it is a working shipyard. I now have 11 complete models displayed through out the house, most of which are in my finished basement. I’m not allowed to take over the living room. 😆 I currently am working on The Corsaro II by Corel and The Bluenose by Model Shipways. "

Regards,

John

Nic's bench - Still rigging Newsboy. Here's a shot of the fore jib sail, ready to attach to the stay.

Al's bench - In addition to working on the 82' point class, Al is starting a model of the Harriet Lane for a client.

This also comes from Sandy L. of RI (see model of the month)

"Nic,

I visited your shop while Trisha was making a sale of Yankee Hero for a couple. Husband is first time modeler. He asked about adding a name.

My comment was that you could make your own decal or use dry transfers.

Micromark sells decal paper that can be printed on personal printer. Problem is lack of white lettering but can be used for decals in color, and then of course using gloss undercoat and then matte lacquer overcoat.

I didn’t mention but Woodland scenics sells dry transfers and I like transfers. Limited colors but I use white. They have several fonts. Harder to keep level and spaced. Burnishing is a skill. I have applied ship names on quarter boards which is easier. Again requires after-coat of matte lacquer.

I like transfers. Don’t like the “strips” of decals as well.

I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Maybe a subject in your monthly newsletter?

In any case, it would be nice to send along to this couple.



Sandy"

The sale of the business is still imminent. Rest assured it will go to good hands in the business. I will still stay on for the time being and still do the help line, annual rigging class, and other things. you won't get rid of me ;-).