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(through various references) also gave insight to engineering and drafting skills I never knew I had...Skills that had superceded some of my adult contemporaries of those times - opening even greater doors to the possibilities in a genre that few boys of color would or could ever embark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!
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