Modeler’s Bio:
This is Martin Jelsema’s fourth build since “retiring” as a marketing consultant four years ago. As a teenager he built the wooden schooner model of the Bluenose. He collected tools for the next 50 years in anticipation of renewing the hobby while pursuing a career in advertising and market consulting.
Category Archives: Martin Jelsema
Ranger
Description of Model
This model of an 1824 U.S. revenue cutter was built from a kit by Martin Jelsema. It is a plank-on-bulwark model consisting of several types of wood, cast fixtures, cord and wire.
History of the ship
The model represents a class of square-sail schooner used by the U.S. Revenue Service (later the U.S. Coast Guard) in the early 19th Century. They were fast, designed to confront smugglers and slave ships in our coastal waters.
Scale: 1-50
17” x 16”
CSS Alabama
Martin Jelsema modified the CSS Alabama from the Mamoli kit
Modeler’s Name: Martin Jelsema
Period: Civil War
Scale: 1:120
Type of Model: Modified kit – plank on frame
Build Time: 700hrs
Build Materials:
This Model is a modified plank on bulkhead Mamoli kit build. Both deck configuration and rigging deviated from the Mamoli plans to follow the details illustrated in the book by Andrew Bowcock, Anatomy of a Confederate Raider. Hull is double planked in basswood and walnut. The “hammocks” on the rails are Q-tips. Completed with wood, cord and metal fittings.
Ship’s Story:
The CSS Alabama was Confederate raider whose mission was to interrupt Union merchant trade during the Civil War. During it’s two years of raiding it captured 63 American merchant ships and one War Ship. It was in port at Cherbourg, France when “called out” by the USS Kearsarge. It was sunk by the Kearsarge. It was discovered by divers and is being raised little by little by the French.
Harvey – Baltimore Clipper
This Baltimore Clipper from a kit named Harvey is being modified and built by Martin Jelsema
Modeler’s Name: Martin Jelsema
Period: Early 19th Century
Scale: 1:50
Type of Model: Modified kit – plank on frame
Build Time: 250 hrs so far
Build Materials:
This modified plank on bulkhead kit by Artisania Latina contains several wood types and will be complemented by brass and rigging cord of various sizes. Cherry wood was substituted for the walnut strips provided by the manufacturer. The entire deck layout will adhere to actual ship plans instead of the inaccurate deck plan supplied.
Ship’s Story:
There was no ship named Harvey from the time or the design of this model. Therefore, much research from several books will make it an authentic Baltimore Clipper fitted as a privateer in service of the U.S. during the War of 1812. The ship will be rigged as a topsail schooner.
Charles W. Morgan
Martin Jelsema took a vintage kit and modified it to better represent the real ship which resides at Mystic Seaport, CN. It’s a solid hull model from the early 1970’s. Other materials include balsa and basswood, fine wire, thread and metal fittings. Rigging was derived from photos and published materials about whaling ship construction, rigging and operation. Martin spent 9-months on this project of which 2-months involved research and drawing plans for the rigging.
The Charles W. Morgan still exists. It is a major fixture at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut. It is the only surviving American wooden whaling ship. The Morgan was launched in 1841, and during her 80-year career at sea she made 37 voyages, several lasting four or more years while hunting whales from the arctic circle to the south seas.
Period: last half of the 19th-Century
Model length: 16” Height: 13”
Scale: 1:128