Herreshoff #192901es Robie [Model Yacht]

"[1929-11-18] Mon 18: ... Began laying down lines for building a model yacht [#192901es Robie]. ...
[1929-11-24] Sun 24: ... At home working on developing drawing for [a] model yacht [#192901es Robie]. ...
[1929-11-25] Mon 25: ... Began construction of model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1929-12-01] Sun 1: ... In the house nearly all day, working on model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1929-12-10] Tue 10: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie], making moulds.
[1929-12-12] Thu 12: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie] all day. Making moulds.
[1929-12-15] Sun 15: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie]. Our sleep last night was broken by the presence of a rat.
[1929-12-18] Wed 18: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1929-12-21] Sat 21: ... Set up moulds & keel of model yacht [#192901es Robie] for fairing.
[1929-12-23] Mon 23: ... Began bending timbers for model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1929-12-24] Tue 24: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1929-12-29] Sun 29: ... Writing letters & working on model yacht [#192901es Robie] a little. ...
[1929-12-30] Mon 30: ... Finished bending timbers for model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-01-01] Wed 1: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie] most of day. [It] is now timbered out.
[1930-01-04] Sat 4: ... Began planking model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-01-05] Sun 5: ... Finished the garboard strakes [on the model yacht #192901es Robie].
[1930-01-09] Thu 9: ... Have 4 strakes of planking on model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-01-10] Fri 10: ... At work part of day on transome [sic] for model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-01-12] Sun 12: ... Have transom & 5th strake on one side [of] model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-01-22] Wed 22: ... At work on sheer strakes of yacht model [#192901es Robie]. ...
[1930-01-26] Sun 26: ... Had a call from Mr & Mrs Davis and from Mr Tompkins. Finished planking model yacht [#192901es Robie]. W[ei]g[h]t with moulds is 5 lbs. ...
[1930-01-29] Wed 29: ... At work putting in intermediate timbers in model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-02-03] Mon 3: ... Making sail plan for model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-02-05] Wed 5: ... Finished putting in [sheer] clamps in model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-02-07] Fri 7: ... At work putting in deck beams [in model yacht #192901es Robie].
[1930-02-23] Sun 23: ... Finish[ed] laying deck of model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-02-24] Mon 24: ... W[ei]g[h]t of model yacht [#192901es Robie] after deck is on [is] 5 lbs 2 oz.
[1930-02-26] Wed 26: ... At work making pattern for lead keel [of model yacht #192901es Robie].
[1930-03-03] Mon 3: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie] [in the] a.m. ...
[1930-03-13] Thu 13: ... Finished work [on] most of hull of model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-03-17] Mon 17: ... At work on spars for model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-03-24] Mon 24: ... Fitted mast in model yacht [#192901es Robie] and set up standing rigging.
[1930-03-26] Wed 26: ... St[arted] work on steering gear of model [#192901es Robie] & Ann [is working] on sails.
[1930-03-27] Thu 27: ... Mr Benton took Com M[unroe] & me to Lynd's[?] Foundry in Miami to get lead cast for model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1930-03-28] Fri 28: ... Mr Benton took me to get casting of lead keel for model yacht [#192901es Robie]. ...
[1930-03-30] Sun 30: ... At work on steering gear of model [#192901es Robie].
[1930-04-07] Mon 7: ... W[ei]g[h]ts of model yacht [#192901es Robie] [are:] lead --- 22 lbs, hull complete & rudder --- 5 [lbs] 14 oz, entire rig [with] spars, stays & sails --- 1 lb 2 oz. Total 29 lbs 0 oz. Mast [weighs] 4-3/4 oz, yard [weighs] 2 oz, Boom [blank].
[1930-04-08] Tue 8: ... Screwed model yacht [#192901es Robie] onto lead [ballast keel] & finished steering gear.
[1930-04-11] Fri 11: ... Nearly finished rigging the model yacht [#192901es Robie], but [the] mainsail is to be re-cut. Varnished deck.
[1930-04-14] Mon 14: ... Completed rigging the model yacht [#192901es Robie] and [it] is now ready to be tried.
[1930-04-16] Wed 16: ... Wirth helped me launch and try the model yacht [#192901es Robie]. Had a successful trial in [a] l[igh]t breeze but [it] is evident [that] a larger rudder & some skeg w[ou]ld be [an] improvement. ...
[1930-04-21] Mon 21: ... Had 2nd trial of model yacht [#192901es Robie] in [the] forenoon in l[igh]t SE [wind] assisted by Wirth. Sailed well but [I] see that more rudder is needed.
[1930-04-29] Tue 29: ... Finished making boxes for shipping model [#192901es Robie] & books.
[1930-07-04] Fri 4: ... In afternoon [I] had trial of model yacht, Robie [#192901es] [and] Sidney helping. Also Becky & Agnes.
[1930-07-15] Tue 15: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie] sails. ...
[1930-07-21] Mon 21: ... At work on model yacht [#192901es Robie].
[1935-06-06] Thu 6: ... Rigged up model yacht Robie [#192901es]." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1929 to 1935. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida Dec 8th 1929. {1929/12/08} Dear Francis, I have not got far with the model yacht yet. Keel & over hangs almost done and part of the moulds made. Hope to get on a little faster from now, on. ... - Your affect - Father." [Note: This is apparently a reference to the model yacht Robie photographed by Patty Munroe Catlow in early January 1930. It is believed that Robie was built from Model 9.] (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 5: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida Dec 22, 1929 {1929/12/22} Dear Francis, Your letters of 9th {1929/12/09} & 12th {1929/12/12} were duely recieved, and I should have written sooner had I not got so interested in that model yacht I have started that I did not realize the passing of many days. ... Hoping you are well, and best wishes for Christmas holidays." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 5: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida Dec 29 1929. {1929/12/29} Dear Francis - ... I have been spending much time on the model yacht I started about 5 weeks ago, and is now nearly timbered out and will soon be ready for planking. ... - Your affect - Father." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 5: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida Feb. 19 - 1930 {1930/02/19} Dear Francis - ... I have the model-yacht I am building nearly decked now - and it looks very well I get so interested in the work I neglect my correspondence. The hull when all planked and 'turned over' weighed 3 1/4 lbs. and will probably about 5 lbs finished. Total displ to be 28 lbs. so will take about 21 1/2 lbs of lead, or about 11% Your affect Father" (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida March 16, 1930. {1930/03/16} Dear Francis, I want to thank you for the birth day present you have sent and for the remembrance of it. I think the little files will be very useful at times, and I had in mind getting some after I went home. ... Your affect - Father. Am inclosing photos of model yacht, of January & 1st of March." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida April 2, 1930. {1930/04/02} Dear Francis ... You asked in a former letter if the model yacht changed form after taking off the moulds. She has quite appreciably. Timbers have straightened out so sheer is about 1/8" higher than design both of middle and ends. The overhangs have settled at middle of their lengths so l.w.l is longer at designed height from keel, and the main keel, which was straight & level, as laid down, is hogged over 1/32". ... Your affect - Father." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Coconut Grove - April 13, 1930. {1930/04/13} Dear Francis. ... I have the model yacht just about completed now, and will send you a photo - with sails set, in a few days. ... Your affect - Father." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Coconut Grove, April 15, 1930. {1930/04/15} Dear Francis, ...The little model yacht came out very fair, but I wish I taken 47" or 48" for w.l. instead of 45". Your affect. Father -" (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Coconut Grove, Fl. April 20, 1930 {1930/04/20} Dear Francis, ... Early in the week we made a trial of the model yacht, and I am sending some photos. In the light breeze she appeared to move well and the wind-vane (which I call 'Windy Jim', to go with 'Metal Mike') appeared to control her well, although a little stiff at the time. I expect, however, a skeag and larger rudder will be necessary, which I will add after I get home. The yard is fitted with a groove to reeve the luff rope thru, and is hollow - weighs 2 oz. Mast is hollow - 4 3/4 oz. The double sprit-booms are well bowed to clear the sails. The Ketch in background is Com. Munroe's "Sunset", and is same length & breadth as Alerion. Will try the model once more and then box her for shipment. Your affect - Father -" (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Coconut Grove, Fl. May 2 1930 {1930/05/02} Dear Francis, ... Ann made the photos - of the model, and she also made the sails, - which looked very well when filled with wind. Much better than Ratsey's - as shown on photos of "Enterprise", I did look after the sheer at time of hanging the sheer strakes, it was raised at ends, as is usual. The sheer looks quite well but half-breadth line on model is rotten, and I am really ashamed of it The model is now boxed, ready to ship home. ... Your affect. Father." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Coconut Grove, Fl. N. G. Herreshoff Bristol, R. I. May 14, 1930. {1930/05/14} Dear Francis, ... Ann's camara is a Kodac, she has had about 15 years and appears to make very clean pictures. She has just had one of the model yacht, enlarged and it is very sharp lined. ..." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Dear Sirs:
I have been much interested in reading the article in your October number entitled 'A Novel Automatic Steering Gear for Model Yachts,' as I have had quite an experience with devises for steering sailing models directly by angle of wind movement to the course desired for the model, and I consider it the best principle, when the details are properly worked out. Way back in 1875 when I was working on double-hulled sailing craft --- the details of which I had patents and I also constructed many --- I made a model [#187504es Amaryllis Model Yacht] of the contrivance about 33 inches long. This I sailed, but could not keep it on a course until I added a wind vane that controlled the rudder, and it did the trick perfectly.
Due to busy days, I did no more with the idea until a few years ago, when I took up model making just to give exercise without having to stand much over on fatigue. I built four models [#192901es, #193001es, #193002es, #193103es] to which I applied the windvane steerer, and when I tried each proved successful. I carried out the details somewhat different in each case, but all having the same principle of connecting the rudder to the wind-vane so they turn reverse directions. In one case a pin on the arm on lower end of vane shaft worked in a forked tiller turned on the rudder shaft, exactly as shown in the illustration on page 148 [a reference to a vane gear mechanism invented and described by the yacht designer Jac. M. Iversen of Stockholm, Sweden]. However, the details of the vane shaft and adjusting mechanism are quite different. The arrangement as shown in your paper is crude, as it is not designed to eliminate friction and the inertia of moving parts. In mine the wind vane is counter balanced so that careering or rolling of the model will have no effect. The entire weight of vane and gear bears on a fine pivot point, so the slightest air will swing the vane. Also, the rudder blade is of the same specific gravity as water, so it is not effected by careering and turns very easily.
I tried an elastic centering device and found it was not needed, and I also arranged a disc on the vane shaft with a circle of pin holes that a pin on the vane dropped into to hold the vane at desired angle and gave that up in favour of a friction arrangement on disc that is adjustable by screws to give sufficient friction to control the rudder, but can be pushed round to any angle in an instant without breaking anything.
I sent a drawing of this arrangement to a New York yachtsman and model enthusiast who asked for it, with the declaration that I had not patents, and gave it freely to the public. Unfortunately, the device was not carried out correctly and had considerable friction and, therefore, failed.
The principle certainly is not patentable, but of course some special details may be.
Yours Truly,
Nathanael G. Herreshoff." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. [Letter to the Editor.] The Model Yachtsman, England, December 1932. Quoted in: Boebert, Earl. "Nathanael Herreshoff's Vane Gears." The Model Yacht. Newsletter of the U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group. Fall 1999, p. 3-7.)

"Dear Junius,
... I have asked the H.M.Co. several times to try out a loose footed sail with double curved boom on one of their small crafts, but could not get them interestes, and I am glad to know you have taken it in hand. Thus far my experience it only with model yachts [#192901es Robie, #193001es Trillium and #193103es Sprite], but I believe it can be used successfully on small sailing craft and that it can be arranged to be equally conveniant is use as ordinary rigs, and for equal sail area be more efficient.
I have found no difficulty in applying the double curved boom on model yachts, excepting of course more work in making it. I am inclosing the aft end of one of the booms that I shortened which will show how it is made. Each side bar is glued up of three pieces. The outside ones of good clear spruce. I first shape a mould of a little more curcature than the finished side bar and a little longer, so the first and second layers can be tacked at the ends to place before the third piece is laid in and clamped to hold the glued pieces while drying paper must be laid first. I get the pieces out quite a little over double width, to allow for sawing in two and planing the edges after gling, and so get both sides, at one glueing.
The forward end I have made in two ways. One, the saddle to take bearing in mast, of thick and strong metal bolted to the side bars with a facing of leather to mast, and the other, as you have it with a wood block to hold the side bars, that is to be forward of the mast. [Sketch.]
In this case I make the saddle of very thin brass held bu one bolt each and that goes thru the side bars. [Sketch.] The saddle parts are bolts so it always has a true bearing on mast and needs no leather.
I hope I have not tired you in describing how I do these things, but I have had much pleasure in designing and making them, as probably you have in your work. [Pencilled letter draft on back of Yenching University letter, undated but December 17, 1932 as per NGH note on Junius Morgan letter dated December 15, 1932.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. [Letter to Junius S. Morgan.] Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 50 (new), 181 (old). December 17, 1932.)

"January 2, 1930. {1930/01/02} Dear Father: ... There certainly must be a lot of work in making a built-up model, but I imagine you are enjoying it. ... Please give my regards to Anne and I wish both her and you a very happy New Year," (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"February 25, 1930. {1930/02/25} Dear Father: I ... I am glad to hear you are progressing so well with the model and am sure it is very interesting work and must keep your mind off all worries, etc. If there are any small tools or supplies that you cannot get but need for the model please let me know for I can probably get them for you quickly in Boston." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"March 8, 1930. {1930/03/08} Dear Father: Enclosed please find a birthday present which I hope will be useful for working on some of the finishing touches and fittings of your model. Wishing you many happy returns of the day, " (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"March 21, 1930. {1930/03/21} Dear Father: Thank you for your letter of March 16 {1930/03/16} and the enclosed photos of the model. You certainly have done a nice job on the model and the photo showing the moulds and framing is most interesting. I think you must have had a very good time doing this and it would be interesting to test to see if she sprung out of shape much when lifted off the moulds as some of the "R" boats did. How do you think the labor and weight compare with the dug out models? ..." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"March 28, 1930. {1930/03/28} Dear Father: ... I was very much interested to hear about the weights of the model you are making and I think the weights are almost exactly the same as a model 2" to the foot that I made of an "R" boat a few years ago." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"April 7, 1930. {1930/04/07} Dear Father: ... I was very much interested in hearing about how your model sprung after lifting off the molds. She moved in exactly the same way as several of the "R" boats that were designed at Burgess, Swazey and Paine's when I worked there which made the water line length longer than the drawings, and the displacement or actual weight, when weighed, less than designed. This was the reason I designed YANKEE and LIVE YANKEE and BONNIE LASSIE and the "Q" boat, NOR' EASTER with web frames and longitudinal battens. These boats weighed and measured exactly what they were designed, and their shears are the same today as when they were built." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"April 16, 1930. {1930/04/16} Dear Father: ... I was very much interested to hear about the progress on the model yacht and think you must have worked hard to get her along so far." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

April 23, 1930. {1930/04/23} Dear Father: I have yours of April 20 {1930/04/20} and the fine photos of the model yacht which are most interesting. Whoever took the photos did a good job. The sheet of the model interests me as it does not drop at the ends as so many full size steam bent yachts do. Maybe if the planking was thoroughly wet it would, or maybe you swept the ends up some in anticipation of this. The rig is certainly ingenious, but I would rather have the clew made fast to the end of the boom and the boom adjustment at the mast and even if the boom extended by the mast. I think the steering gear would work much better with a rudder mounted on a skeg and it is possible to make one this way which works with practically no friction as the lower end can pivot on a very small pintle. I tried balanced rudders on two models in `28 but could not make them work well. I am making one now with the usual skeg as used by the other racing models. Curiously, I think the models with a good size skeg make a smaller wave on the weather quarter." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"May 8, 1930. {1930/05/08} Dear Father: ... I was very interested to hear that Anne made the sails for your model which certainly looked very nice and should like to know what sort of camera she used in taking the nice photographs. ..." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 6: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

" 'Robie' is slightly smaller than an 'A' boat of her era: 68'in LOA, 47in LWL, 12in beam and carrying about 1500 sq. in. of sail. She is gunter rigged, and equipped with wishbone booms, which Captain Nat favored for models. We were not able to weigh her, but we estimate she displaces around 30 pounds. The vane gear is considerably smaller than those evolved for competition, being only about 3in high. 'Robie' has a high aspect rudder of 11 sq. in. area, balanced by a tab of about 1.5 sq. in. ahead of the pivot. The vane feather has about 22 sq. in. of area. This 2/1 ratio contrasts sharply with the recommended 5/1 to 9/1 ratios of competition vanes. Part of the difference can be explained by the balanced rudder; other comparisons will have to wait until someone takes the lines off 'Robie' and builds and sails a replica. [Note: The article contains a detailed description of Robie's ingenious wind vane steering mechanism.]" (Source: Boebert, Earl. 'Nathanael Herreshoff's Vane Gears.' The Model Yacht. Newsletter of the U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group. Fall 1999, p. 3-7.)

"[Item Description:] Two sets of penciled pantograph hull sections of an unidentified deep-keel yacht on a large sheet of paper. Very elaborate, with checkmarks in red. A few penciled calculations. Found together with other model yacht-related material suggesting it might be related to #192901es ROBIE [which appears to have a different hull], #193001es TRILLIUM or #193103es SPRITE." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04640. Folder [no #]. No date (1929 to 1931 ??).)
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"[Item Description:] Four sets of penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations for an unidentified deep-keel yacht. Calculations using different scaling factors seem to indicate waterline lengths of 80ft [or in?], 48ft [or in?] and a displacement of 31.8lbs, and 45in at a displacement of 30.0lbs suggesting this to be for a model yacht. On verso another set of penciled pantograph hull sections (marked '1st trial') and two sets of pantograph lead sections plus a displacement curve for what appears to be the same design. Found together with other model yacht-related material suggesting it might be related to #192901es ROBIE [which appears to have a different hull], #193001es TRILLIUM or #193103es SPRITE." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04750. Folder [no #]. No date (1929 to 1931 ??).)
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"[Item Description:] Two sets of penciled pantograph hull sections and pantograph lead sections with calculations and tracing marks titled 'For model yacht, scale 1/3 or 1/2.5. Aug 31, 1929. [Or for] Q Class yacht [scale] 1/24. [Checkmark] Model yacht. Scale 3/8. l.w.l. 42 11/16in. Made 1929-1930. ROBIE [#192901es]'. On verso two (or three?) more sets of penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations for what appear to be the same boat." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04690. Folder [no #]. 1929-08-31.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled framing plan with sections and inboard profile titled 'Model Yacht 1929-30 [#192901es ROBIE]'. With note 'For Model Yacht, scale 3/8 size. Length overall 67 1/8in, lwl 42 11/16, flat[?] of keel 8in, top lead 16 1/4in. Breadth [at] deck 11 5/8in, [at] lwl 10 7/8in, mean[?] keel 2 5/16[in], bottom lead 1 5/16[in]. ... Displacement ... 28.0lbs [in] salt water ...'. With list of scantlings. Undated (ROBIE's design began in November 1929)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_05020. Folder [no #]. No date (1929-11 or later).)
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"[Item Description:] Elaborate penciled pantograph hull sections (crossed out) and displacement curves [?] on large paper titled 'Model Yacht [#192901es ROBIE]. Made C.G. [Coconut Grove] 1929-30'. Undated, NGH's diaries indicate that ROBIE's design was begun on November 18, 1929. On verso sailplan and sail area calculations titled 'Design for a 55ft 2in l.w.l. sloop [#192607es]. Scale 1/8in. N.G. Herreshoff. Oct 17, 1926'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_05090. Folder [no #]. No date (1929-11 ?) and 1926-10-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [On 'N.G. Herreshoff, Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida' stationery:] I was in hopes you would come to Bristol to look over the little boat [#1148s Development Class for Junius Morgan] before I left for Florida, but I suppose George [Nichols] has told you about her.
There are two of the 'suicide' class building here; they are about the same length as ours [#1148s Development Class for Junius Morgan and #1149s PIG IN A BAG], but narrower and with greatest beam forward of amidships with long easy lines aft. They are roughly built. One has been put afloat and tried, and planes off very fast in fresh fair breeze, but apparently poor to windward.
For amusement I am building a model yacht [#192901es ROBIE], or at least, starting to build it, and expect it will be interesting occupation. it is to be 67in overall, 43in l.w.l., 11 1/2in beam, and [p. 2] will have 18 or 20 lbs lead on keel. Constrction nearly a miniature of that of a 25 or 30ft yacht.
The weather since we arrived here has been rather warm, close to 80deg every day, and well up in the 70s nights.
With kind regards ..." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.53. Correspondence, Folder 32, formerly 181. 1929-11-25.)
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"[Item Description:] Photograph of model yacht #192901es ROBIE under construction and all framed up with NGH sitting in the foreground and a calendar showing December 1929 in the background" (Source: Herreshoff, Ann Roebuck (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02950. Folder [no #]. No date (1929-12 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Photograph of an unidentified model yacht with white waterline and what appears to be a dark underbody. Found together with other model yacht photos of #192901es ROBIE and #193001es TRILLIUM from 1929 and 1930. Photo may have been taken at Love Rocks in Bristol or at Coconut Grove, Floria." (Source: Herreshoff, Ann Roebuck (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02930. Folder [no #]. No date (1920 / 1930 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Photograph of model yacht #192901es ROBIE under construction and all planked up with a calendar showing January 1930 in the background" (Source: Herreshoff, Ann Roebuck (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02960. Folder [no #]. No date (1930-01 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled sailplan titled 'Model yacht [#192901es ROBIE]. Scale 1/4 size. M[ar]ch 1930'. With calculations showing a total sail area of 1720sqin and a rating of 36in." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sailplan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04880. Folder [no #]. 1930-03.)
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"[Item Description:] Photograph of model yacht #192901es ROBIE sailing on Biscayne Bay. Commodore Munroe and N. G. Herreshoff in a skiff nearby. Yawl under sail at anchor in left background. A dredge at work in background." (Source: Catlow, Patty Munroe or Herreshoff, Ann Roebuck (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02910. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1930-04).)
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"[Item Description:] Photograph of model yacht #192901es ROBIE on the dock at Coconut Grove, Florida with what appears to be a larger balanced rudder." (Source: Herreshoff, Ann Roebuck (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02920. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1930-04).)
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"[Item Description:] Photograph showing Nathanael G. Herreshoff (middle) at Coconut Grove, Florida with model yacht ROBIE [#192901es] which today is in the collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Commodore Munroe at right. His son, Wirth Munroe probably at right. This photo may have been taken on April 16, 1930 as suggested by an entry NGH made that day in his diary." (Source: Catlow, Patty Munroe (?) (creator) or Herreshoff, Ann (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE14_01380. Folder [no #]. 1930-04-16 ?.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter on 'N.G. Herreshoffm Bristol, R.I.' stationery:] Coconut Grove, Fla.
April 27, [19]30
Dear Francis,
Just a few lines to say the model [#192901es ROBIE] appeared to sail very well, tried twice in a light breeze only.
After getting home I expect to fit a larger rudder with a little skeg in front of it.
The present rudder blade was all the proper sheet brass I had and put it in as temporary!
The weather vane steerer which I call 'Windy Jim' was very satisfactory. It is practically to same as I put on model of my first catamaran [#187504es AMARYLLIS Model Yacht] in 1875 (55 years ago)!
Your affect[ionate]
Uncle Nat" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Herreshoff, Francis Lee. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03430. Folder [no #]. 1930-04-27.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Final, slightly altered, version of handwritten letter on N. G. Herreshoff stationery:] I am pleased and interested to have your letter of 15th. I have not heard of the little boats [#1148s Development Class for Junius Morgan and #1149s PIG IN A BAG for George Nichols] built for you & George since they were delivered which was at the time there was great interest in the Cup yachts. Have you found your boat an interesting one to play with? George has never written of his. A year ago last summer the H.M.Co. built a boat [#1203s CYGNET] for Paul Hammond, from my designs that was a little shorter and wider than yours, and he wrote he had much fun with it and really enjoyed it more than any of his various boats.
Your proposed change of rig is interesting indeed and I will be very pleased to know how it works out, and hope George will have his boat out with standard rig to try yours and really discover if there is an advantage of the overlapping rig with sails of equal area. Also to decide which is the most conveniant rig to set up quickly and use. You know my contention had been right along, the only advantage of overlapping sails comes from a false ruling. That is spar measurement instead of sail area. Of course, spar measurement is more definate, but I believe a system of measuring sails that will be satisfactory is quite possible, and although more troublesome to the measurer would be very much less than the owners trouble and expense for the light sails and extra crew required to handle them.
I have asked the H.M.Co. several times to try out a loose footed sail with split and curved boom on one of their small craft, but could not get them interested, and I am glad to know you have taken it in hand. Thus far my experience is only with model yachts [#192901es ROBIE, #193001es TRILLIUM and #193103es SPRITE], but I believe it can be used successfully on small sailing craft and that it can be arranged to be equally conveniant as ordinary rigs, and for equal sail area be more efficient.
I have found no difficulty in applying the split & curved boom on model yachts, excepting of course more work in making it. I am inclosing the aft end of one of the booms that I shortened which will show how it is made. Each side bar is glued up of three pieces. The outside ones of good clear spruce and center one of cedar or light white pine. I first shape a mould of a little more curvature than the finished side bar and a little longer & over double width. First lay paper then the first strip with glie spred[sic] on face and tack at each end. The others in order, and then use plenty of clamps till dry. The stock is got out enough over double width, to allow for sawing and planing and thus get both bars at one glueing.
The forward end I have made in two ways. The first with strong metal end that acts as saddle against mast and bolted to side bars. It should have a leather facing. The other, as you have it with a wood block to hold side bars that is forward of mast. In this case I make the saddle of thin brass, held by one bolt each end that goes thru the side bars. The saddle pivots on bolts so it always has a true bearing on mast and needs no leather. I hope I have not tired you in describing how I do these things, but I have had much pleasure in designing and making them, as probably you have in your leisure hours." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.34. Correspondence, Folder 32, formerly 177. 1932-12-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled letter draft on back of Yenching University letter, undated but December 17, 1932 as per NGH note on Junius Morgan letter dated December 15, 1932:] I am pleased and interested to have your kind letter of 15th. I have not heard of the little boats [#1148s Development Class for Junius Morgan and #1149s PIG IN A BAG for George Nichols] built for you & George since they were delivered which was at the time there was great interest in the Cup yachts.
Have you found your boat an interesting one to play with? George has never written of his. A year ago last summer the H.M.Co. built a boat [#1203s CYGNET] for Paul Hammond, from my designs, that was a little shorter and wider than yours and he wrote he had much fun with it and really enjoyed it more than any of his various boats.
Your proposed change of rig is interesting indeed and I will be very pleased to know how it works out, and hope George will have his boat out with standard rig to try yours and really discover if there is an advantage of the overlapping rig with sails of equal area. Also to decide which is the most conveniant rig to set up quickly and use. You know my contention had been right along, the only advantage of overlapping sails (Genoa jibs & c) comes from using more sail area than is paid for. The trouble comes from a false ruling. Spar measurement instead of sail area.
I have asked the H.M.Co. several times to try out a loose footed sail with double curved boom on one of their small crafts, but could not get them interested, and I am glad to know you have taken it in hand. Thus far my experience is only with model yachts [#192901es ROBIE, #193001es TRILLIUM and #193103es SPRITE], but I believe it can be used successfully on small sailing craft and that it can be arranged to be equally conveniant in use as ordinary rigs, and for equal sail area be more efficient.
I have found no difficulty in applying the double curved boom on model yachts, excepting of course more work in making it. I am inclosing the aft end of one of the booms that I shortened which will show how it is made. Each side bar is glued up of three pieces. The outside ones of good clear spruce. I first shape a mould of a little more curvature than the finished side bar and a little longer, so the first and second layers can be tacked at the ends to place before the third piece is laid in and clamped to hold the glued pieces while drying paper must be laid first. I get the pieces out quite a little over double width, to allow for sawing in two and planing the edges after glueing, and so get both sides, at one glueing.
The forward end I have made in two ways. One, the saddle to take bearing in mast, of thick and strong metal bolted to the side bars with a facing of leather to mast, and the other, as you have it with a wood block to hold the side bars, that is to be forward of the mast. [Sketch.]
In this case I make the saddle of very thin brass held by one bolt each and that goes thru the side bars. [Sketch.] The saddle parts are bolts so it always has a true bearing on mast and needs no leather.
I hope I have not tired you in describing how I do these things, but I have had much pleasure in designing and making them, as probably you have in your work." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_18320. Correspondence, Folder 50, formerly 181. No date (1932-12-17).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter with 'Frank G. Smith, 73 Woodside Ave., Waterbury, Conn.' letterhead marked in pencil by NGH 'Ans. Mch. 11 and inclosed 2 photos of model yachts (probably #192901es ROBIE or #193001es TRILLIUM):] I cannot resist enclosing this personal letter along with the answer to your inquiry [to the American Brass Company].
Although I was born in Torrington, Ct. I have been interested in yachts since I was about 5 years old. I have the first 'model' of a schooner about 5in long with match sticks for masts which made when I was 5.
When the DEFENDER [#452s] won the America's Cup I was so enthusiastic about yachts as youngsters are about airplane models today. I was almost 8 then, and I knew you designed her as well as the others which followed. i am 49 now and a metallurgist by chance for the past 20 years. Would have preferred to be a naval architect if I could have left high school to go to college to follow my natural interests, but I had to [p. 2] go to work for 4 years and so worked in the American Brass Co. mills at Torrington.
After leaving High School I built 2 canoes and a sailing dory all of which I designed. Nothing has been done about boats since except to read about them and admire them, until a few years ago I built 2 models. 25in w.l. There are photos enclosed. The gaff rigged model was designed by C.D. Mower. The staysail rig I designed myself (an 'R' class). When finished it floated as I had designed it. It is 39 1/2in o.a., 25in w.l., Disp[lacement] 6 1/4lbs, lead 4lbs 2oz, s.a. about 600sq in. The half model of a schooner was made for one of our Vice Presidents.
I think nothing is prettier or perhaps grander than a fine sailing yacht. Always your name has been something to think about. Today I don't know much about yachts but I have had about years with the A.B.Co. Pipes and tubes [p. 3] [verso not imaged]. [Accompanied by three photos.]" (Source: Smith, Frank G. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_03290. Folder [no #]. 1934-03-08.)
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"[Item Description:] Eight photographs showing NGH's model room, framed together in one frame. Each photo is captioned in print in the lower margin 'February 1954'. The upper left photo shows A.S. deW. Herreshoff standing in the background behind what appears to be #192901es ROBIE (model yacht)." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item WRDT03_00030. Photographs. Folder [no #]. 1954-02.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #192901es Robie [Model Yacht] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

"This model is believed to be named Robie, because a photo by Patty Munroe Catlow taken in January 1930 shows N. G. Herreshoff building a model yacht showing close similarity to model no 9 which in turn is what this model yacht is believed to be based on. Ms. Munroe's photo's caption refers to the model yacht as being named Robie." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 12, 2009.)

"Robie was Captain's Nat's nickname for his second wife, Ann Roebuck Herreshoff; presumably this model was named for her." (Source: Herreshoff Marine Museum. Model Annotation. http://herreshoff.org, retrieved May 6, 2021.)

"NGH's diaries indicate that Robie's design was begun on November 18, 1929. She was first launched on April 16, 1930. She is listed as 'not built' in the HCR because the Catalogue does not formally include model yachts." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. April 27, 2016.)

"Built in 149 days (not built, not assigned, cancelled, etc. to not built, not assigned, cancelled, etc.; equivalent to 0 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"[Displacement 29lbs from NGH diary entry dated 1930-04-07.]" (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1930. Manuscript (excerpts). Access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

Note: Research notes contain information about a vessel that is often random and unedited but has been deemed useful for future research.