Acclaimed Model Shipbuilder Recreates a Piece of History for New Book: Constitution—All Sails Up and Flying
Cedar Knolls, NJ, March 11, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Growing up by the fjords of Norway, author Olof A. Eriksen has always been fascinated by the sea and the ships that sailed her oceans, especially sailing ships from the past. As a young boy he began building model ships as a hobby, and today he is the only person known in the world who can duplicate and build museum-quality ship models using steel only. His new book, Constitution—All Sails Up and Flying, is the culmination of his efforts to correct the myths surrounding the USS Constitution. Published by Outskirts Press, Eriksen’s book contains 384 pages of illustrations, full-color photographs, detailed instructions for fellow model-makers, and fascinating naval history.
In 1956, Mr. Eriksen arrived in the United States and 1973 he started his own company, but his fascination with model-building continued to occupy his free time.
“As an amateur modeler, then and now, I believe I have built more models than most. Some of my projects included building an 18-karat gold pocket watch, a miniature Model B3 Hammond organ (which can actually be played by using toothpicks), working miniature machine tools of all kinds, as well as numerous other models. Though I no longer have to work with my hands, I derive a great deal of pleasure in creating all kinds of working-scale models.”
His first model of the Navy’s USS Constitution was featured in the United States Naval Academy Yearbook, Lucky Bag 1987, and was displayed in Atlantic City for many years in Trump’s Castle Casino. When a noted model shipwright criticized the accuracy of this model, Mr. Eriksen started to research this fabled frigate further, and found to his dismay that this model was indeed wrong. In 1989, he obtained some additional modeler’s plans of the Constitution and discovered many points of disagreement between them and the original plans, particularly in the matter of the rigging. He decided to investigate the ship’s form thoroughly and build a second, completely accurate model. Twenty years later, after countless hours of research and leaving no stone unturned, he now has his new book “Constitution—All Sails Up and Flying” showing how the frigate USS Constitution was historically rigged and armed, in a pictorial and written presentation of this ship.
Mr. Eriksen’s book is dedicated to Tyrone G. Martin, Commander of the USS Constitution (1974-1978), USN Retired, without whose assistance, guidance, and thousands of pages of information and data, this “restoration” could never have been accomplished.
Although I have seen many of the best collections of ship models in this country and in England, I have rarely seen such a virtuoso combination of technique and accuracy coupled with sheer size in any other model. Your hull, masts, and fittings are not only accurate, but beautiful. To the knowledgeable ship modeler it is worthy of serious respect. As an art object it will be impressive and evocative to the layman.
—Daniel W. Pariser, Model Shipwright
Conservator of Ship Models, South Street Seaport Museum, NYC
There can be no doubt that Mr. Eriksen is presenting the definity of the USS Constitution.
—Jim Roberts (deceased), Model Shipwright
President, Ship Model Society of New Jersey
Director of Nautical Research Guild
Indeed, Constitution—All Sails Up and Flying will be a must-have for every model shipbuilder’s library. And laymen will appreciate the stunning photography, as well as the historical accuracy and intricate detail that goes into each and every model Mr. Eriksen creates. Not only does this book serve as a detailed guide for those who enjoy building models, its design and the accompanying artwork make it ideal as a coffee table book—a sure-fire conversation piece of history and art.
ISBN: 978-1-4327-3160-1 Format: 8.5 x 11 color paperback SRP: $122.95
Genre: Model Shipbuilding
About the Author: Olof A. Erikson was born 1936 in Bergen, Norway. Mr. Eriksen is a well-known model builder and has appeared on TV and in numerous papers and magazines. His first book, Memoirs of an Immigrant, is the true story of his life and was published in March of 2008. He and his wife currently reside in Denville, New Jersey.
For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/Constitution.
About Outskirts Press, Inc.: Outskirts Press, Inc. offers full-service, custom self-publishing services for authors seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide while retaining all their rights and full creative control. Available for authors globally at www.outskirtspress.com and located on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado, Outskirts Press represents the future of book publishing, today.
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Outskirts Press, Inc., 10940 S. Parker Rd - 515, Parker, Colorado 8014
http://outskirtspress.com 1-888-OP-BOOKS
In 1956, Mr. Eriksen arrived in the United States and 1973 he started his own company, but his fascination with model-building continued to occupy his free time.
“As an amateur modeler, then and now, I believe I have built more models than most. Some of my projects included building an 18-karat gold pocket watch, a miniature Model B3 Hammond organ (which can actually be played by using toothpicks), working miniature machine tools of all kinds, as well as numerous other models. Though I no longer have to work with my hands, I derive a great deal of pleasure in creating all kinds of working-scale models.”
His first model of the Navy’s USS Constitution was featured in the United States Naval Academy Yearbook, Lucky Bag 1987, and was displayed in Atlantic City for many years in Trump’s Castle Casino. When a noted model shipwright criticized the accuracy of this model, Mr. Eriksen started to research this fabled frigate further, and found to his dismay that this model was indeed wrong. In 1989, he obtained some additional modeler’s plans of the Constitution and discovered many points of disagreement between them and the original plans, particularly in the matter of the rigging. He decided to investigate the ship’s form thoroughly and build a second, completely accurate model. Twenty years later, after countless hours of research and leaving no stone unturned, he now has his new book “Constitution—All Sails Up and Flying” showing how the frigate USS Constitution was historically rigged and armed, in a pictorial and written presentation of this ship.
Mr. Eriksen’s book is dedicated to Tyrone G. Martin, Commander of the USS Constitution (1974-1978), USN Retired, without whose assistance, guidance, and thousands of pages of information and data, this “restoration” could never have been accomplished.
Although I have seen many of the best collections of ship models in this country and in England, I have rarely seen such a virtuoso combination of technique and accuracy coupled with sheer size in any other model. Your hull, masts, and fittings are not only accurate, but beautiful. To the knowledgeable ship modeler it is worthy of serious respect. As an art object it will be impressive and evocative to the layman.
—Daniel W. Pariser, Model Shipwright
Conservator of Ship Models, South Street Seaport Museum, NYC
There can be no doubt that Mr. Eriksen is presenting the definity of the USS Constitution.
—Jim Roberts (deceased), Model Shipwright
President, Ship Model Society of New Jersey
Director of Nautical Research Guild
Indeed, Constitution—All Sails Up and Flying will be a must-have for every model shipbuilder’s library. And laymen will appreciate the stunning photography, as well as the historical accuracy and intricate detail that goes into each and every model Mr. Eriksen creates. Not only does this book serve as a detailed guide for those who enjoy building models, its design and the accompanying artwork make it ideal as a coffee table book—a sure-fire conversation piece of history and art.
ISBN: 978-1-4327-3160-1 Format: 8.5 x 11 color paperback SRP: $122.95
Genre: Model Shipbuilding
About the Author: Olof A. Erikson was born 1936 in Bergen, Norway. Mr. Eriksen is a well-known model builder and has appeared on TV and in numerous papers and magazines. His first book, Memoirs of an Immigrant, is the true story of his life and was published in March of 2008. He and his wife currently reside in Denville, New Jersey.
For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/Constitution.
About Outskirts Press, Inc.: Outskirts Press, Inc. offers full-service, custom self-publishing services for authors seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide while retaining all their rights and full creative control. Available for authors globally at www.outskirtspress.com and located on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado, Outskirts Press represents the future of book publishing, today.
###
Outskirts Press, Inc., 10940 S. Parker Rd - 515, Parker, Colorado 8014
http://outskirtspress.com 1-888-OP-BOOKS
Contact
Outskirts Press
Kelly Schuknecht
888.672.6657
www.outskirtspress.com
Kelly Schuknecht
888.672.6657
www.outskirtspress.com
Contact
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