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Built in 1910 at Essex,
Massachusetts by Arthur D. Story, the Elsie was designed with a
semi-knockabout schooner rig, reflecting the influence of the safer but
costlier knockabout schooners. She was outfitted with power after her
1921 race with the Canadian schooner Bluenose. Under Canadian ownership
in 1935, her seams opened at the stem rabbet and she foundered in the
Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Model Shipways’ Elsie kit is easy
to build with its machine carved solid hull, which needs only light
shaping and sanding. Blocks and deadeyes are pre-finished hardwood;
other fittings are expertly cast Britannia metal. Deck planking is
basswood, and there's plenty of wood material for deck houses,
furnishings, keel, stem, rudder and trim. Four dory nests and cordage
complete the kit.
Three sheets of plans by Erik A.R. Ronnberg, Jr. are based on surveys by
Howard Chapelle and photographs of the original vessel. A thorough
32-page instruction book updated by Ben Lankford concentrates on
modeling techniques for 1/8" scale.
(Display base and brass pedestals are not
included.)
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