The C2 Freighter GOLDEN LIGHT shown with missing parts prior to restoration.
One of many existing Van Ryper models in need of modest and/or extensive repair.
History:
Classified as a C2-S-B1, the C2 types were designed by the United States Maritime Commission in 1937-38. They were all-purpose carego ships containing five holds. One hundred and seventy-three were built between 1940 and 1945. The first C2s to appear were 459 feet long, 63 feet in beam, 40 feet in depth with a draft of 25 feet. Later ships of this class that followed varied in size.
Vineyard Haven's Charles Van Ryper, known for his Travel Series miniatures, also produced technical scale models for various commercial entities. He produced a vast number of momentos for those who commuted on the oceanliners; yet, it appear the cargo ships were his most detailed masterpieces.
Recently, I had the opportunity to view a modestly damaged , yet salvageable model of GOLDEN LIGHT, a C2-S-B1 Class Freighter. On the stern was the inscription "Golden Light, Los Angeles, CA". Years of handling, dust, and exposure made this piece unattractive
to the point of discardment. But viewing the detail, both visible and missing, I seen a hidden diamond in the rough.
Starboard Bow View of Van Ryper's C2 Class GOLDEN LIGHT after restoration.
On this particular miniature, many pieces were either loose or missing -including several winches, a boat davit, crane systems, and a smokestack. There was discoloration everywhere and the entire model had to be repainted.
I set out to search the web for any possible photos of this vessel, but none could be found.
However, references were available for similiar types which had given me opportunity to explore their designs and reconfigure missing details. Furthermore, I was able to carefully clean tight areas around the model and replace parts in those locations that were void of paint -including open holes which identified where Mr. Ryper placed his deck furniture.
Port view of completed restoration without the base attachment.
Many of the missing winches had to be duplicated in wood. These were originally metal, but with past experience with prior restorations I was able to copy the winches successfully. The rail replacement and repair to the badly damaged upper pilothouse decking was the real challenge. In some areas the wood was too brittle and had to be removed, followed by careful and meticulous cleaning. Finally the area had to have wood replaced and applied with woodfiller to seal some rotted areas before painting.
After approximately a week in the studio, the GOLDEN LIGHT returned back to Martha's Vineyard, MA. Not worn and damaged, but in pristine condition...as if never been touched.
There are many C2 type models out there that need attention. And there are collectors out there who understand the worth and importance of those models; but most important, the worthy contributions Mr. Van Ryper (and his staff) made to the maritime.
A few years ago, South Street Seaport Museum honored his work with a striking exhibition.
Among the pieces shown were his C2 type cargo ships. These were highly prized by the builder and it gives me great pleasure to have this opportunity to restore them and bring back their original appearance.
The project came with the original base and plaque which also had to be cleaned
and restored. The author encourage collectors to keep the original bases for
added value to the work.
Starboard View, Van Ryper GOLDEN LIGHT Freighter - Completed
GOLDEN LIGHT is just one of many damaged models on the circuit today. These may not seem appropriate for collecting (at first glance), but I assure those who bypass these at flea markets, auctions, etc., they are 'priceless' and worthy to be restored.
For more information about restoring these vintage collectibles, email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit this site to view my current line of work https://www.flickr.com/photos/rexstewartoriginals/ .
