Sailing Ship VASA c.1628 -Modified /Rex Stewart

Here, we have the complete modified beakhead and stem of the Royal Warship VASA -based on Bjorn Landstrom's research and illustrations at the time the ship was raised from Stockholm's harbor in 1961. The book, itself, was published in 1988...being an invaluable asset to my build in spite of the criticism from various contemporaries.

In this second part series I focus on the beakhead and deck applications... Again,  museum quality model(s) can be achieved from the Airfix kit; but it takes an enormous amount of patience and concentration to bring the build to this level seen in the blog. Furthermore, it takes effective engineering and proper knowledge of Dutch rigging to make this a worthy endeavor.

There are no shortcuts...

The grated flooring of the Airfix kit was rather basic with limited detail. There were no openings for the gammoning or tack leads. So to compensate, I traced the kit version unto basswood -cutting out the outer frame and gluing small miniature slats across to serve as gratings. It was tedious and time-consuming; yet very gratifying after two attempts.

The grated flooring finished and installed...

After the beak's flooring was painted, I went to work on the forecastle bulkhead -modifying the entranceways and replacing the plastic doors with wooden ones (as seen below). But before that was accomplished I scaled down the Swedish Coat of Arms that was featured on main deck rail system (as seen above). This small detail would be the highlight of the bow.

In this image the viewer is shown modified doors, hull stem for sprit mast, and companionway steps.

All information provided by historians is based on the limitation of information. Meaning, we work at what level of truth is evident for the period researched. There are no absolutes, only findings that are probable and concise...And yes, mistakes can be made with research; and a real historian will puth the facts put there and not allow politics to corrupt and/or pollute it. I follow blueprints (and even produce my own) which stem from the blueprints established by others.

Bjorn Landstrom book is a landmark study of the VASA; yet, in some areas he flawed. However, in most areas he shined and that's where many miss the mark.

The next three images will show the completed beakhead and the frontal piece of the forecastle...with some additional details such as the small ladders leading down to the grated flooring from the port and starboard doors.

Closeup detail of VASA figurehead in goldleaf...

Port beakhead overview...

Bow starboard frontal view...

The next step of the build/modification are the decks. These must be carefully planned in both layout and fitting. Also the right scale for the grating, knight, bitt and bulkhead locations are very important for the overall appearance. Furthermore, the rigging has to be considered relative to spacing on the deck and pinrails. There must also be room for cannon to be run in and out by the tackles, so the grating must be scaled to compensate this.

The below image show the new reconstructed deck in comparison to the kit's feature.

Proceeding further into the build, I arrived at this stage of the deck layout

Subtle starboard view of deck looking forward...Notice the 'sweep' as was typical of the Baltic State ships of the period.

As I build my eyes are continuously searching the model from stem to stern. I try not to remain in one area too long, as this will cause neglect and missed detail to other locations. Sometimes my best corrections are when I apply this process.

Working with guns command ongoing attention because it is the main feature to any fighting ship. I could never understand a model with all cannon run out on either or both sides. It doesn't seem realistic -or authentic. In this build I place the gunports in various stages, re: closed, partially closed, partially open, completely open...Along with the flags and sails, this is another one of my signatures that distinguish me from my contemporaries. Below, a waterline image that show the varied gun stages on VASA.

Below, a profile view of the opened gunport variations...Notice on the ports and hull how realistic these features appear (under diffused lighting).

Sixteenth and seventeenth century ships has to be some of the most beautiful  vessels to model...and I've done both. However, my line of work is extensive which cover ships and vessels of all periods. But these two centuries are special because it allow me to go all out with my carving and sculpting skills...Furthermore, I can appreciate the intricate workmanship of those artists and shipwrights who illustrated, designed and carried forth the artistic mastery of that time upon their vessels.

That being said, I now present the last two images of VASA's stern galleries to close out 'part two' of the series.

There is more to address within the ship's interior before stepping the masts. I can only hope the seasoned builders will make good on their 'stash' as they call it and not let those kits sit idle. And of the collector(s), I encourage you to acquire these as they are valuable when modified. The detail is 'there'; it's a matter of choice to how much correction in the detail is preferred...because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

These last two views show the completed stern galleries of VASA...It is believed that her topsides were red, but there were no evidence of that based upon Bjorn's writings on the subject. What little evidence he wrote about claimed that there were traces of blue pigmentation and gilding. Of colors, some pigmentation were found inboard around the bulkhead doors and interior walls of the cabins. Climatic conditions, sealife and water corrosion took its toll on the vessel...so much of the color had to be derived from master painters of the period. And even in that, not one painting in any museum show red topsides.

With that in mind, I now close this segment of the build and raise my glass (honorably) to Bjorn Landstrom's legacy. This will be a fine study and a most memorable model when finished.

To view my credentials and other fine work(s) please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart and https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals.

For information concerning commissioned work call 1-774-757-7137 or write for details at: Caseships@yahoo.com.

Thank you for viewing!

VASA -The Swedish Warship In Modification/ Rex Stewart...Part One

                       Airfix Classic shipmodel kit of VASA showing finished bow modification.

It is a beautiful thing when people can appreciate your work to the extent of purchase -and then call or write about their satisfaction years later...followed by the continued support of their siblings. Such patronage is priceless which only encourage better and greater work.

For me, it was never about money; it was about art and engineering -with the skill to produce fine art in everything I touched...Money was (and is) the reward for honesty in what I did, and for what I continue to do. Nothing more; nothing less.

In this genre of ship models, I am a humble man. I painstakingly study a vessel. And for the most part draft or re-draft plans based on my findings. From these discoveries, I incorporate them in my models -whether scratchbuilt or kits. The majority of my pieces are scratchbuilt. However, I occasionally (by commission) modify kits to give the the same quality as my scratchbuilt pieces -and upon sight, one cannot tell the difference; which doesn't condemn what I do, but place it at another level..

Collectors enjoy my work and purchase (at times) in multiples...only because they need to view them to compare the quality; hence, a collection is born. And it doesn't make a difference whether it's wood or plastic. It's all about the skill and ability behind the work(s) that bring the human eye to it.

We now begin 'our' beautiful journey to the thing people can see and appreciate...

I began purchasing Airfix kits in the early 1980s. There was something about this product that drew me to them (the ships). Of course they were plastic -as I had not yet became prolific with wood models. However, that gradually manifested when discovering the history of the Hudson River steamboat. In this image VASA was one of the first kits I bought to indulge my curiosity of its contents -after reading Bjorn Landstrom's book "The Royal Warship VASA".

Both book and kit was purchased from the sale of my colored pencil drawing of the WINSTON CHURCHILL shown in the photo image below.

My early pencil of the training ship WINSTON CHURCHILL...the drawing which purchased my first Airfix kit, VASA.

Every beginner or journeyman that starts a kit often becomes intimidated by its contents and usually shelf it without giving thought that the motivation to build is real. The pitfall is the many pieces viewed upon; the 'win' is the confidence in studying the pieces and establish a plan as to what will be addressed 'first'. No one builds the same. Everyone has a standard they follow; and if that standard produces an untarnishable satisfaction to move on to the next project (after completing the first), then that beginner and/or journeyman has now established the hobby and/or career.

When I look at the hull-halves and stern, I already know what need to be addressed. Kits have flaws -period, and one shouldn't be discouraged by them. Building should be the focus with the expectancy of error. I realized the VASA' hull needed work and appreciated the fact I could add my own signature to it. This is what makes a project exciting, the fact that it's your signature and not a copied style.

Artist - historian Bjorn Landstrom became my motivation for individuality as an artist-craftsman; and ultimately, a historian. I was drawn to his books during my youth because his references were paramount from that which I studied in the Albany school system. It was his first book "The Ship" that captured my imagination of the maritime. And as the years passed, I inquired and acquired his publications to learn more indepth how these vessels were constructed.

His last book "The Royal Warship VASA" was the book that changed my perspective on ship design and modelmaking. I studied the details (and rigging) which helped me to correct his applications   -based on another author from England named Percival Marshall...He, too, was advanced; but Bjorn was key to my detailed work which centered around his findings from the actual ship.

With my experience as a fine artist/craftsman, I knew my calling in the American maritime was eminent, though it would be met with opposition. However, I dealt with it successfully and continued on because of Bjorn's writings.

As I assessed the VASA kit, these two supporting images show the early stages of the build.

I begin by marking the hull below the waterline -down to the keel at the points where pins will be inserted. These pins are temporary until the cradle is made to support the actual pins that will permanently secure the model to both cradle and display base.

The second image show the hulls clamped to align it (and its markings) to the custom foamcore.       
This foamcore base will be the workbench for finishing the model from the deck -upwards; making it easier to address the sails and rigging without physically touching those properties.

Notice the exposed ribs on the roundhouse deck above the stern galleries. This wasn't on the actual ship when raised, so that feature will be carved away during modification.

Here in this starboard profile, the hull is modified from bow to stern. Many features were altered and/or changed to conform to the actual build. Other features were added that was commonplace for 17th century ships.

Before and after photos showing the enhanced galleries and gunports. The gunport lids on the model were raised and weren't flush with the hull, so I cut away the ports and followed through with the plastic lids because of the lion carvings. The wood lids replaced the plastic ones -so to lend more realism to the model.

Quality and detail have always been paramount to my builds. The interior is no exception.

Here, I place wood decking only in areas that will support the cannon(s). Instead of gluing the plastic guns into the prefabricated sockets from the kit,the ports are drilled (and cut away) to house the cannons...This affords the opportunity to have guns at various positions to make for a lifelike model.

These are the exquisite details collectors watch for.

So that wood bonds to wood, I show the custom made cannons which would better serve the build as a permanent fixture. Plastic has the tendency to dry out over time as I have witnessed when restoring plastic kits for clients. The cement was brittle (due to various climatic changes)...and for the most part I discovered those models were placed in direct sunlight or high heated areas.

It's best to get good quality resin glue for wood and replace plastic items (when possible). Many models have stood the test of time because of this procedure. Resin can last for years without decaying or drying out.

Every artist has his/her style when painting a fine piece. There are really no standards to follow except for personal intuition. While some techniques work for some, it doesn't work for others. I learned this early-on during my youth. Art teachers, and then art professors, would attempt to persuade my values to the point of 'crossing swords'...I vehemently encourage any who have a unique way of achieving the same end with better results, to stay the course even if compromise will fail you.

That being said (or written), I find that kits should be examined carefully before purchasing any paints to address it. Brushes should also be a factor in the application. Every artist/craftsman has a certain preference for bringing out the best quality in their work. If this wasn't true we would not have variety!

Here, I paint the fine detail of the galleries while the hull is still in progress... I paint as I assemble; not pre-paint. The reason for this is because correction has to be made -and parts can occasionally be warped. These problems will always exist, and it's better to mentally prepare for these snags and not assume perfection at first glance.

The finished backend and starboard side stern galleries...

With the backend and starboard galleries finished, I now work on the portside of the hull. My focus is on the gunports and the arrangement of those which were open on that day. Since it was wind that sank her, and reports were given of water being taken in on the lower gun deck, I tend to lean on the fact that buoyancy was the issue, not wind....From documents (which much disappeared), it was duly noted that VASA did have her full armament that day. And since it was a trial sailing, it is safe to place emphasis on the guns being secured at the ship's center for buoyancy; but not enough buoyance to keep her afloat since there wasn't enough on her keelson... But that can be disputed when viewing the English ships.

Now that both halves have been painted, I proceed with converting the plastic deck to wood - rearranging the entire layout to conform with the settings. Even the ship's sloop will be re-designed to emulate the actual sloop at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.

Basswood and/or cherry are the choice woods for these models, as they lend to the elegance of their appearance.

The next stage of the build will focus on the beakhead and hull in Part Two.

Kits should not be played down as being something of a hobby or pastime. These can be professionally modified to become museum pieces and collectibles, or both. It's really the level of quality that determines the build. As a professional I have endlessly proven this for years. So now there is no excuse to belittle kits (as I have witnessed in several forums). Flaws are everywhere and can appear when least expected; but, with a openmind and keen eyes, flaws can become 'flawless'...with patience.

For those who enjoy this type work and have kits to be modified -or wish to have one built from scratch, kindly contact me: Caseships@yahoo.com. For more information about me and what I do, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart/ and https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals

I now leave you, the viewer, with those thoughts and look forward to the next blog on this subject of VASA c.1628.

Miniature Build of Mayflower II - Rex Stewart

                                                                                                                                                                      Port bow detail -closeup view of Mayflower II miniature.                                     

I often wondered what it would be like working around the clock researching notable ships of the past. If the effort would have brought reward or become futile and useless. It was, for the most part, a judgement call that required all my abilities and focus.

Such work had a special class of application that was totally separate from conventional methods. It just wasn't enough to have skill with miniatures, but a sense of purpose relative to the workmanship applied to them. It is an art form like no other...and every detail placed in one of these can truly be appreciated in its presentation. There are no shortcuts, just long hours of dedication.

There have been countless models made of the MAYFLOWER...in every form and fashion. I was always fascinated with this vessel because it was symbolic of the American spirit with its origins beginning in England c.1620. Many kits were surfacing in the 1960s on this ship and 15 years later American maritime featured scratch-built types on the floors of its galleries. From this, I explored and researched the possibilities of honing in on mastering a miniature to the exact detail of the one built in England in 1957. It took forty years, but I was finally able to accomplish it.

                               This photo show the beginning process of the build.

I purchased a book on Mayflower II during the early '80s. This was the decade when much of my maritime art was making its debut in and around New England and my native New York. As I built my ship models I discovered a great quality in one particular wood. This wood was pine. My contemporaries were using pear, boxwood, mahogany, etc., all fine woods. But I chose this wood because it was not just durable, but carried qualities which assisted my hand skills.

In the photo I utilize the pine effectively, cutting the hull to align with the grain. This process make it easier to simulate planking and trunnels on a solid hull model. Careful application of pencil drawing is necessary for it to work and be believable to the naked eye.

As planking is applied to the outer hull, it usually start at the waterline in the early stage so that I can achieve definition for the topsides. My second, and most important concentration, lie with the interior deck furniture. This may take from two weeks to several weeks -depending on the detail involved. When building the H.M.S. PRINCE c.1670 the interior took a month to endeavor. Here, the MAYFLOWER is less complicated, so her interior was a two-week process which included the ship's boat.

                         


Fast forwarding...

The MAYFLOWER miniature hull and masts are complete and the rigging process now begin. With all these models I keep the hull from being scratched by setting them on a tissue-covered cradle which I custom make out of styrofoam...Portable containers are also made from this material which makes it easier to transport and store the model away to prevent damage to intricate parts. I also use this material to ship the models with a 100% percent success rate.

                                   
                                    

Here, I am working on the foresail rigging after all the spritsail details are applied. Because running lines are tedious, ratlines (standing lines) are applied in balance so not to fowl the process. By this method I am able to bring to my models true realism with actual threads -as opposed to glued wires.

When taking on this genre, I studied the work of my contemporaries and appreciated the skill of their workmanship. However, in the process, I found that more could be done by going a 'step further' with using antique threads and running them through tiny wood blocks down to their belay points on deck. At shows and other venues, I was always questioned about this process. As a result, serious collectors have commissioned this work based on its accuracy.

                        

This starboard overview show the exquisite detail of the miniature. The beauty of the work is centered around the entire model. Much credit for this work is to God's glory for giving me the fortitude and ability to achieve a work that so many have produced; yet, build it in a unique way that captivates the imagination when taking a 'second look'...Second acknowledgement go to Mr. William A. Baker who put Hingham, Massachusetts on the map when he designed the ship and sailed with her from England to America. But all that could not have happened had it not been for those individuals in the forefront and behind the scenes that brought this ship into reality. My model is just a reminder of what people can do when they become a united front for mankind. I document my miniatures based on this premise -a united front.

This photo show the rigging symmetry of the 16th-17th century and its romanticism of the period. It is not enough to just build a model without, first, studying its history. Better work can be achieved when one can familarize with the subject to such a degree where a foundation for excellence can be realized. The rigging methods of this period has long been a fascination to me. Working with the builder of the contemporary HALF MOON in 1988, I was able to learn and add to my expertise, as both historian and ship model builder, that experience which assisted in my preparation to produce classic sailing ship miniatures such as the one featured on this page.

 

MAYFLOWER II in her original colors when first built in 1957...

In April of 1957 a sailing ship set out on a 54-day voyage across the Atlantic from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts. This small vessel was MAYFLOWER II, a reconstruction of the original MAYFLOWER that carried the Pilgrims to North America in 1620.

I have meticulously captured this famed vessel in miniature, based on the plans established by her designer, William A. Baker, who in his own right was a leading authority on early shipbuilding and naval architecture.

                                   

Video of the historic voyage of MAYFLOWER II circa 1957 from England to the United States.


                             

The finished model...

This miniature is one of a series of ship models I built in a ten year period, beginning with my model of HALF MOON in 2005. This model is the result of a 45 day process and is built in three woods of pine, birch, and bass. Much of the work is handcrafted in minute detail with accurate interiors and color. The model is full-rigged with linen thread and miniature wood blocks. The sails are especially unique because of its paper content which is carefully treated for longevity under climatic conditions.

The scale of this miniature is 1:200 with an overall length of 8 1/2" inches. All work is accompanied with a custom hand-scripted plaque and display case. For further information, contact the artist at Caseships@yahoo.com or rexstewartoriginals@gmail.com. Phone contact 1-774-757-7137. Websites that feature my works can be viewed by visiting https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart.

Thanks for viewing!

Sovereign Of The Seas - The Art Of Modification...The Finale/ Rex Stewart

Here we are...the finale.

It has been an exciting journey building this kit and making it my own by way of modification. Sometimes we are intimidated by what we see and seldom embrace the 'inner self' of what we don't see...It's what we don't see that should be taken into account. Because, from the unknown we are certain to find (over time) the known. That, in and of itself, is what make life so rewarding...to explore and reach out to people, places and things.

I never knew what modification was until my mother forced me to attend a catholic school in the Little Italy neighborhood of our city's South End. There, at Saint Anthony's was a short, stocky priest  by the name of Father Sidoti that steered my artistic talents and modelmaking skills to ship models. His influence and direction guided me to countless parishioners who commissioned me to build, and to some degree modify their kits.

Many didn't have the ability to build them; and some couldn't because of their inability to read the plans which were English-scripted. But they wanted them to enhance their homes and businesses and honored Father Sidoti's endorsment.

Restoration projects from both Italian and Irish communities helped in this development, so research was paramount for me at an early age. Such research, (through various references) also gave insight to engineering and drafting skills I never knew I had...Skills that had superceded some of my adult contemporaries of those times - opening even greater doors to the possibilities in a genre that few boys of color would or could ever embark upon (given the biases and stereotypes of the day)...then and now. However, for five consecutive decades I persevered with no regrets.

There's not much more to write about concerning this modification, except that I went beyond those who boasted their expertise. I can only bring forth my findings through my works -avoiding the ancient curse of 'arguments'. So now, I humbly present these images regarding my version of the Airfix Classic Series kit "Royal Sovereign 1637" which was originally published in 1963.

Again, many parts were replaced by wooden application. Much of the details were scratchbuilt from wood and paper; and sometimes, a combination of both -using treatments to bypass deterioration, fading, etc.

So now, we begin with the images, giving salute to a fine kit that so many have criticized...

This overview show the Airfix Classic kit "Sovereign of the Seas" completely rigged and furnished with all sail as she appeared in 1638 when launched.

Another angle (same profile) showing the complex, geometrical lines of the rigging. Nothing was excluded by way of line or tackle. Every known rigging line is featured.

Port midship profile view... Hanging anchor, slightly furled sail, and closed gunport lids indicates the ship is preparing to get underway -being docked to starboard.

Starboard midship view showing stowed anchors...Sails are represented billowing away from masts to indicate a moderate breeze.

The entrance way near the channel lend to the size of this massive ship -dubbed the "Golden Devil" by the Dutch Navy. The sails have this glorious effect to them; even in their crinkled state which I've coined over the years...being the original author.
My contemporaries used tissue, I went opposite and applied aged bond paper for greater effect and realism which brought affluent collectors to my studio.

The effect and power of ensigns have been to create them so that it captivates the viewer -even from a distance. I have been known (over the years) for my flag effects to the dismay of disgruntled builders and galleries worldwide. Today, I show their beauty via the internet so that the public is aware that excellence has no color except perseverance and patience.

Another angled image of the British ensign...

References...

I have always (since youth) been a student of references and gave credit to those who provided them. Never once have I hoarded credentials and taken the spotlight away those who deserved it. And because of this humble nobility have I excelled as an artist-craftsman.

Below are two men who strongly influenced my research on sailing ships, especially those of the 16th and 17th centuries. Their expertise in the field brought my shipmodels to higher levels of detail that even I could not have comprehended. Research is forever dominant in this life. Innovation (in anything) increases for the right reasons. Because of these two centennial forerunners in my timespan (20th century), I have been fortunate to absorb their findings and mesh it with my own to deliver these works for viewing. Both men did not hoard the glory, they made their findings clear with no absolutes.

Percival Marshall (1870- 1948) was arguably the single most important figure in the world of British model engineering in the first half of the Twentieth Century. His magazines, writings and drawings epitomized toys and modelmaking to a level that opened new frontiers with shipmodels. Two of his plans HMS REVENGE and SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS gave me insight to both ship design and rigging processes. These discoveries, coupled with my own, present what is shown today in this featured model.

Bjorn Landstrom (1917- 2002) was the first to get my attention during the early years of the 1960s. I had a project in another catholic school (on the same street where I reside today), to build a model of Lief Erickson's viking ship which awed the nuns, monsignor and classmates when it was presented at the school. From that experience, his book "The Ship" opened a new frontier to my nautical interests which encouraged me to pursue his research through the years -eventually obtaining his final book  "The Royal Warship VASA" which will assist my next modification to another Airfix kit, re: Wasa 1628 Special Edition.

With the right references anything is possible. I have been fortunate to come upon many revelations by time and chance...a spiritual process which happens to us ALL.

Goldleaf...

A procedure, if done correctly, can produce some of the most beautiful pieces in any studio. Every artist has their own signature and methods to it. There is no 'one' standard...as some of my past gallery affiliations so tried to imply. As a child that is birthed, each come into the world differently -and that's what makes humanity so exciting; we're all different. So is it with gold-leafing and/or gold-plating.

SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS wasn't the only beautiful ship embellished with gold; there were others. But because this particular ship carried the latest upgrades for her time, much of the focus was on her carvings! PRINCE ROYAL and other predecessors were just as beautiful. Fact is, no models exist on them -and maybe I will pursue a few for the sake of evidence...Maybe.

However, below I show this plastic and wood creation with my style of goldleaf as I close this chapter of modelmaking to open my next assignment to the VASA.

A gold-leafed stern gallery painted carefully and patiently can bring awesome results that supercede the ordinary.

Bow rigging closeup detail...

Bow rigging view from water level...

Starboard bow waterline view showing Sovereign as she would appear underway.

Waterline view showing the rigging sequence under Sovereign's tops.

Stern gallery view showing the fall and coiling of ropes at the decks.

Rigging details in closeup around the main and mizzen tops...

Expanded overview of rigging details complimenting the previous image.

Port profile view showing Sovereign of the Seas as she would appear from water angle.

Port stern overview detail of hull...

Port stern closeup detail of falling and coiled ropes with featured billowing of lateen sail.

Sovereign of the Seas main waist with stacked boats. On either side was carried a grated spar deck to house the spar replacements that were lost either during battle engagements or inclement weather conditions.

Waterline view...

Starboard bow profile...

Starboard waterline...

The finale...

This has been a rewarding journey rediscovering a kit that had potential during my young years
and advancing it with the support of those who sacrificed time and effort to make it happen. I wish all those builders every success with their Sovereigns in the hope that they will make it their own.

For those who enjoy this type of work and have kits to be modified, kindly contact me : Caseships@yahoo.com. For more information about me and what I do, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart/ and https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals


A special note:

Some of you have kit(s) that you want to enjoy...not having the time (or being delayed) to complete or build them. In my line of experience, I can modify your kit(s) to be historically accurate in fine detail -and can safely package and ship your gem globally.

The contact information is above.

Fair winds and thanks for viewing!