FLAT BOAT by CK2

Hey Campers, before we get started tonight, wanted to let you know that there is now a link to the VIETNAM era Printable pdfs on the HOME PAGE. They take a bit to download, but they are 300 dpi at 100%. I hope to have the WWII GI Printables online later tonight or tomorrow night depending if I feel like messing with this anymore. So let's get on to
CK2's FLAT BOAT

A flatboat is a rectangular flat-bottomed boat with square ends used to transport freight and passengers on inland waterways. The flatboat could be any size, but essentially it is large, sturdy tub with a hull that displaces water and so floats in the water. This differentiates the flatboat from the raft, which floats on the water. A flatboat is almost always a one-way vessel, and is usually dismantled for lumber when it reaches its downstream destination.

Varieties of flatboat in the early 19th century included the mid-range broadhorn and Kentucky boat, and the longer-range New Orleans boat, which was fully covered. Some times wheels were attached to the flat boat and were wheeled in by horse. 

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An average of 3,000 flatboats descended the Ohio River each year between 1810 and 1820. Abraham Lincoln twice piloted a flatboat carrying produce to New Orleans, from Indiana in 1828 and from Illinois in 1831. 
- Wikipedia

Because he wanted it to float in water realistically, CK2 started with a piece of foam insulation as the base of his model. Strips of wood were then laminated to the core to create the deck and sides of the boat.

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Once the deck was in place, CK2 was able to begin laying out the cabin that would occupy a good portion of the boat, adding details as he went along.

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CK2’s flatboat is a faithful reproduction in 1:6th scale of the wooden boats that made journeys down the Ohio, Missouri and other Rivers of the Midwest and West. It really does float as seen in the pictures and it has full interior detail along with outstanding exterior details.

Not only has the boat been in a series of photo sessions over the years, it has been on display at several of the local schools (along with his Old West Wagon). The Flatboat is a great teaching tool for classes studying the movement West by American pioneers.

WELL... Hope you enjoyed these shots, there might be a couple there that you have never seen before. If you haven't seen this thing up close and personal, it is amazing...it's HUGE. Thanks to CK2 for building a great piece of American History. 
That's all for this time, have a good one!