by
Charles Farley
Edited by Earl Boebert
Charles H. Farley was the first editor of Model Yachting Monthly, a publication that existed from March of 1945 until November of 1949. In1941, Farley had published a running series in the Model Yachting columnof Model Craftsman magazine; in 1945 and 1946 he expanded and republishedthis material in Model Yachting Monthly under the title "BuildingPlanked Models." It is this latter body of material that I have drawn uponin assembling this work. I am indebted to Charles Williamson, my fellowHistorian of the U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group, for locating and preservinga complete run of this magazine.
I have attempted to apply as light an editorial hand as possible. Themost significant changes have been in the order of presentation; the originalwork was spread across several individual articles and one long series.I have grouped paragraphs together in a logical sequence and eliminatedrepetition, and whenever I have felt the need to intrude it has been inthe form of footnotes. Otherwise you are reading the words essentiallyas Farley wrote them.
The techniques described in this work represent the "average" stateof practice of model yacht construction in the 1940's and 1950's. Traditionalistswere still carving hulls using the laminated or "bread and butter" method,and "high technology" builders such as A.R. Lassel were constructing remarkablylight hulls by the "former" method that Farley decries in his introductorywords. Nevertheless, the typical hull of the period was built as Farleydescribed.
Purists may wish to construct a boat using the authentic methods ofthe period; others may wish to take advantage of modern materials and adhesives.Rod Carr, whose fine replica of W.J. Daniel's "Pocahontas" graces our cover,has kindly proved an afterword on up-to-date techniques. However a builderchooses to proceed, it is my sincere hope that making a description ofthese methods available will help others in constructing replicas of theselovely boats.
We also have a companion videotape for$25.00; book and tape together, $40.00.
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