Catspaw Dinghy Model -

[Paul Scheuer]

I recently became the owner of a WB Catspaw Dinghy model. The box had been opened and I'm not sure if what I have is complete. I'm also a little confused about how the model design relates to Joel White's actual design.

The model description in the Store catalog says "a modified version of Herreshoff's Columbia. With lapstrake planking over steamed frames...".

The three sheets of plans (the only paper in the box) show carvel planking.

The design description in the Store catalog (item #400-088) says "An open, carvel planked boat...". The description at How to Build the Catspaw Dinghy book (item #325-010) makes a similar statement.

I would like to build the model as intended by the model designer. I know I'm missing some of the hardware from the model kit. But what else am I missing?

The "actual size view" at section #5 shows carvel planking and the dimensions, at the inside of the planking, match the actual size station mold pattern drawing. To me this suggests lapstrake planking, with the ribs to be attached later. For carvel planking, I would have expected the station mold patterns to allow for ribs and a means for forming them.

[Bruce Taylor]

In the WB catalogue there's a picture of a completed catspaw model. Unless my eyes have been fooling me, it's lapstrake. I've always assumed it was done that way to make life easier for the model builder (I mean where are you gonna find a teeny-weeny caulking mallet [img]smile.gif[/img] ).

White specifies carvel, but quite a few clinker Catspaw's have been built. And the original Herreshoff was lapstrake.

[Doug Hamilton]

Paul:

"The three sheets of plans (the only paper in the box) show carvel planking."

"Sheet 1 of 3R", "Sheet 2 of 3R" and "Sheet 3 of 3R" form the complete set of plans.

"I know I'm missing some of the hardware from the model kit. But what else am I missing?"

Missing are 1) a sheet containing a list of "Materials Supplied with the Kit for the Model of a Catspay Dinghy" and 2) a booklet of 16 sheets-32 pages of "Instructions for the Catspay Dinghy Builder's Model" with 150 b & w captioned photographs assembled by a model builder, Rob Wadleigh from West Barnstable, MA while building a hull that is clearly clinker-built.

In contrast to the only section shown, Section at Sta. 5, which shows carvel, as a proof of the intention of the model builder and author is a statement under photo 48, "Getting the gains to fit properly is the most time-consuming part of the planking".

[Paul Scheuer]

Thanks guys. That answers the big question.

Bruce, although my eyes may be newer than yours, they are replacements and I’ve learned not to rely on them for picking details out of photos. To me the photo could go either way. I could probably come up with a “teeny weeny” caulking mallet, but it is going to be a challenge to get a miniature rabbet plane. Actually I’m fairly well equipped. Father in law was a scratch model builder, mostly airplanes and cars, and left a good assortment of small tools.

Doug: From the answer to the clinker/carvel question, and my study of the three sheets, I’m pretty sure I can do a reasonable job with what I have. Now I wonder what could be on those 32 pages and 150 photos. I may have additional questions once I get started.

Thanks again.

[Keith Wilson]

The original Herreshoff Columbia Tender was built lapstrake. Maybe that's what they meant? The Catspaw is scaled up 10% from the original, and of course planked carvel.

[Paul Scheuer]

Well, it's going to be lapstrake, and about 19-1/4 in. per the drawings.

By their 1-1/2" per 1', that's about 12' 9".