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HISTORY
2
HISTORY
During the 19th Century, many Baltimore Clippers were granted privateering licenses by the US Government. Since
all commerce was subject to the legalized banditry of privateers, only a fast, well handled ship could be reasonably sure
of reaching its destination. Privateers like the
Dapper Tom depended on their sailing abilities and fire power to prey on
foreign shipping and to escape the British men-of-war patrolling the high seas.
The
Dapper Tom, an 8-gun topsail schooner, is to great extent, typical of Baltimore Privateers of a stormy decade when
ships were at the mercy of any stranger, and even armed ships were safe only in proportion to their nimbleness.
The plans of the Dapper Tom were developed in 1954 by John Shedd, the original owner of Model Shipways in Bogota,
New Jersey. The model is a reconstruction of a typical Baltimore Clipper. The model’s hull is based on Marestier’s draw-
ing No. 6 as taken off that vessel in stocks in 1814. Rigging is based on contemporary practice. Those wishing to study
the development of this type should consult Howard I. Chapelle’s book The Baltimore Clipper (See Bibliography).
While the plans are reproduced from the original, the kit has been updated and reissued by Model Shipways. These
new instructions are provided along with a more complete set of supplies for building the model. The fittings are now
cast from lead-free Britannia metal and some laser-cut wood parts added.
Brief History.................................................................2
Before You Begin ..........................................................3
How To Work With The Plans & Parts ........................3
What You’ll Need to Start Construction .......................3
Painting & Staining......................................................4
Stage A: Shaping the Pre-Carved Hull
1. Using the Templates .................................................4
2. Carving the Hull ......................................................5
3. Carving the Bulwarks ...............................................5
4. Carving the Transom & Counter..............................5
Stage B: Completing the Basic Hull Structures
1. Installing the Keel, Stem & Sternpost.......................6
2. Installing the Rudder................................................6
3. Drilling the Larger Holes in the Hull........................6
4. Holes to be Drilled as Work Progresses .....................6
5. Planking the Deck & Installing the Waterways.........6
6. Creating the Ladder Way Hole .................................7
7. Cutting Out the Gunports & Transom Ports............7
8. Installing Bulwark Stanchions & Cap Rail................7
9. Installing the Outboard Waterway Strip & Wale.......7
Stage C: Mounting the Hull
1. Mounting Board with Two Pedestals.........................7
2. Launching Ways .......................................................7
Stage D: Adding the Hull Details
1. General Notes...........................................................8
2. Transom Rail, Mouldings, Counter Detail,
& Main Sheet Traveler Rod ..........................................8
3. Catheads, Bulwark Sheaves, Cavils, Hawse Pipes, &
Gunport Lids ...............................................................8
4. Deck Bitts, Fife Rails, Pin Rails, Capstan, Galley
Funnel, Hatches, Ladder Way, Pumps, & Skylight ......9
5. Cannon ....................................................................9
6. Channels & Side Ladder...........................................9
Stage E: Mast & Spar Construction
1. Shaping the Masts ..................................................10
2. Assembling the Masts .............................................10
3. Shaping & Detailing the Spars................................11
4. Installing the Mast & Bowsprit Assemblies........11-12
Stage F: General Rigging Information................12-14
Stage G: Standing Rigging ..................................14-16
Stage H: Running Rigging ..................................17-22
Bibliography .............................................................22
Modeler’s Log............................................................23
Construction Stages & Table of Contents
Construction Stages & Table of Contents