The New York Freighter ALCOA PILGRIM as she appeared before her
sinking in 1942.
Vintage shipmodels that are visiting the internet via ebay, auctions, and private collections all seem to feature in their venues (at some point or another) a Van Ryper original. Many of these miniatures appear somewhat 'toyish' due to their lack of workmanship in restoration -or mishandling over the years from neglect.
Recently I had the opportunity to restore another Ryper model of a 1:384 scale miniature of the ALCOA PILGRIM. This vessel was an unarmed freighter which met its fate on May 28, 1942 when she was enroute to the United States from Spain. A German U-boat patrolling the area caught sight of the ALCOA and quickly sanked her with 31 of the 40 crew members aboard.
The model that was presented to me was in a dismal state. Many parts were missing and, as usual, much discoloration. After carefully viewing this once beautiful model, and working with what remaining details were left, I was able to duplicate missing parts and reconstruct others.
This is the original state of a nearly discarded Van Ryper miniature, ALCOA
PILGRIM. Many missing parts and discoloration from years of exposure and
dust is relevant.
After careful cleaning, followed by painstaking research, it was possible to
duplicate and restore the missing parts -preventing this investment from being
trashed.
Van Ryper's ALCOA PILGRIM restored back to a 'second appearance' for a
satisfied collector on Martha's Vineyard. The model is shown without the base-
board which would be cleaned and polished to complete the project.
Many of the replaced pieces were made of wood and some pieces required metal as on the original build. Not many of the Rypers I restored had pieces which caused me to investigate some of Mr. Ryper's earlier works to make a judgement call relative to detail applications. Certainly it was a challenge, but this took on another scope as I proceeded. Now, as a professional builder, I'm more convinced than ever that his models can be repaired with the highest quality available.
Those who desire to build on their Van Ryper Collections, I recommend that one should search for his badly damaged pieces. They can be salvaged and returned back to their original state -regardless of how many parts are missing.
Completed restoration showing the 1:384 scale ALCOA PILGRIM on its
original baseboard. Approximate time of restoration: two weeks.
Starboard overview of the restoration.
Van Ryper miniatures are timeless pieces and can be found, especially on ebay. Some are better than others; but all have unique qualities in their own right -as I've restored many to know that these are worthy of display today as they were yesterday.
More information can be obtained on this restoration service by writing: Caseships@yahoo.com or visiting website to view my current line of work at https://www.flickr.com/photos/rexstewartoriginals/ or calling 1-774-757-7137.
