Introduction to Mr. Roger Cole

     Roger Cole is a master of the art of ship model building, a craftsman and his own toughest critic. While studying and applying full-size practice in miniature, he has developed a unique style where crisp detail, flawless finish and strict adherence to scale are his trademarks. While specializing in models of traditional working craft built following original building methods, he is fully capable of working in all of the accepted techniques.

     All models are built to the highest museum standards * , with carefully selected and seasoned hardwoods, including boxwood, Swiss pear, degame, holly and maple. Fittings are made of brass, nickel silver and occasionally copper, all suitably finished. All models are scratch built, i.e. each is entirely handmade, with the exception of chain and rigging cordage, though even these are handmade where necessary.

     Casework design and execution is by Roger Cole in solid hardwoods, with each case fitted with appropriate nameplates, etched in brass, copper or nickel silver. Half models are suitably mounted on a solid hardwood backboard, or can be fitted to mount directly on a wall.

     This provides total service capability, from the research and design stages (backed up by a comprehensive personal library), through all aspects of building, finishing, fitting out and rigging, to the final installation of the model in a custom case.

*As defined in the "Ship Model Classification Guidelines" published by Mystic Seaport Museum in consultation with The Mariners' Museum, the Smithsonian Institution and leading ship model builders.

Biography - N. Roger Cole

     Roger Cole has been a ship model builder most of his life. He worked part-time for several years in the Ship Model Shop of the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto. Specializing in models of traditional working craft built following original building methods, he is fully capable of working in all of the accepted techniques. Roger has been featured on several radio and television shows discussing the art of ship model building, and speaks internationally on model building techniques and maritime history at conferences, symposiums and meetings.

     After a 31-year career with IBM, he retired in 1991 to work as a ship model builder, writer and lecturer. While recent health problems have made working to commissioned model deadlines too demanding, he plans to continue building models on a casual basis. Writing and lecturing will continue as planned, with teaching a possibility.

     With approximately seventy-five articles published to date, he is currently writing for the Nautical Research Journal and Seaways Ships in Scale. In addition he is a book reviewer for the Canadian Nautical Research Society.

     Recent research projects have included extensive work on World War II Canadian Flower Class Corvettes and the Canadian-built American versions included in the Temptress Class Gunboats, PG 86-PG100, published 1998-99 in The Nautical Research Journal as a four-part series entitled Despite All Odds: Flower Class Corvettes and Temptress-Class Gunboats.

International Awards

• 1980 Bronze Medal Benjamin W. Latham - 1902 Mackerel Schooner
• 1985 Certificate of Commendation Lizzie J. Cox - 1905 Chesapeake Bay Bugeye
• 2000 Silver Medal Alert - British Naval Cutter of 1777

     All three models were scratch built, fully framed, and planked in polished boxwood.

Coppering of Clenched-Lap Hulls, with Notes on the Planking Process. Part 1 was published in the December 1999 issue of the Nautical Research Journal; Part 2 was published in the March 2000 issue.

     Roger Cole has exhibited work at:

• Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Connecticut
• The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Virginia
• The Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario
• The Ontario Crafts Gallery, Toronto, Ontario
• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, Kingston, Ontario
• Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario

     In addition he has models and half models in private and corporate collections.