Construction, August 31, 2009.

The third of 4 sections takes shape. The carpenter has been keeping track of the weight of the wood and screws to build the scow and estimates its weight (empty) at launching at about 3.5 tons. The weather has been perfect during construction- mostly clear, sunny skies and warm to hot temperatures.

Construction, August 30, 2009.

Perry the carpenter has made great progress today, finishing the basic construction of the second of two sections, representing half of the scow.

2010 scow launching site explored (Aug. 29, 2009); Red Deer, Alberta

Today we explored a good launching spot for the 2010 scow. The 1910 American Museum scow was launched in Red Deer, Alberta in 1910 and 5 years later George Sternberg did same. There are no known pictures of the 1910 scow being launched, but there are some of the construction and post launching of Sternbergs 2 scows in 1915. See pictures. I found a likely launching spot using Google Earth and today drove to Red Deer and confirmed it is the right spot, both historically and logistically. The pictures show George Sternberg's scows in 1915 soon after launching and roughly the same place today; the train bridge (now converted to a pedestrian bridge) is an excellent reference point! Also some pictures of the boat launch area- a popular spot, several dozen inflatables were launched there in the hour or so we were there.

Construction, August 27, 2009.

A bit more work is done on one of the end sections. This will be the last posting of pictures of the scow construction until Sunday late afternoon/early evening.

Construction, August 26, 2009.

One of the end sections now begins to take shape.

Construction, August 25, 2009.

One "box" section (of 4) is now fully framed and the plywood sheet underside has begun. Two layers of glued and screwed plywood is used for the 4 floatation sections (sides and bottom). These in turn will have planks on the under side, the sides, and top (deck). The plywood boxes will be treated and waterproofed as will the planks which will be at/under the waterline. Upper wood surfaces will be stained for waterproofing and to make the scow look a bit aged.

Construction, August 24, 2009.

The scow will be built in 4 sections, 2 middle ones with flat bottoms and 2 end sections (bow and stern) which will taper towards the deck. The sections will be bolted together on site prior to launching and taken apart at the end of the trip. Here is one of the middle sections being built. The wood pallets on the ground delineate the length and width of the 1:1 scale replica; you can see it will be a large watercraft.

1:12 scale scow model pictures

Some 1;12 scale models of the American Museum scow "Mary Jane" as she appeared c. 1912. The 2010 scow will not be identical but pretty close to what you see here. We will also have a rowboat for the expedition.

Construction begins!

All, Was just was in Munson, Alberta (about 12 km or 8 miles north of Drumheller) where construction of the scow begins today. I attach pictures here of the pile of lumber and some of a 1:12 scale model of the American Museum of Natural History scow "Mary Jane" as she appeared in 1912. The 1:1 scale version for use in 2010 is being built by Perry Schopff. He is a master carpenter who started with the Royal Tyrrell Museum in January 1983 and is still presently employed there. He has 36 years experience as a journeyman carpenter, plus 6 more years carpentry experience.

Scow materials arrive!

Wood and hardware for the scow build job arrived near Drumheller yesterday! The scow will be built by the Royal Tyrrell Museum's head carpenter at his home after work hours. Construction is to start this coming Sunday weather permitting. Stay tuned for pictures of the construction work.

2010 scow trip also on Facebook

Just to let you all know (in case some of you did not know), there is a Dinosaur Hunting by Boat in 2010 site on Facebook. There are many pictures, etc. there. On Facebook, search for the group "Dinosaur Hunting by Boat in Alberta, Canada: A 2010 Centennial Expedition". I am giving a 1/2 hour presentation on the upcoming 2010 trip at the "Fossils and Fuel" conference at the University of Calgary, put on by INHIGEO (International Commission on History of Geology) tomorrow.

Welcome to this new blog.

The American Museum of Natural History scow Mary Jane on the Red Deer River, Alberta, Canada, in 1912.

Welcome to this blog, created August 9, 2010. This blog will follow the development and the 2010 trip which will be an historically accurate reenactment of the scow-based dinosaur collecting expeditions on the Red Deer River, Alberta, Canada c. 1910-1914. In the meantime, there is a Facebook group entitled "Dinosaur Hunting by Boat in Alberta, Canada: A 2010 Centennial Expedition". The Facebook group currently has many more images and text regarding planning of the trip, etc. As time goes on, this blog and the Facebook group will be updated with more images, facts, etc. Both sites will be the endpoint for expedition photographs, updates, etc as cell phone coverage and weather permit. Please alert others to this blog and feel free to make any comments or ask questions regarding historical and technical aspects of the trip planning, etc.