To: Crispin.Garcia
Subject: Model Plans

Many years ago (2004) I developed a set of plans for the San Pablo.  They are still available for $20.00.  I watched the movie some 160 times as will as utilizing all available photos at the time.  Enclosed are some photos of the model I built in HO scale. Pardon the color of the water.

Georgia Dahlberg P.E.
130 High Street,
Williamstown, KY 41097  
859-824-4799
email: Geomrr1941@aol.com

From: Mick Coney
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2014 13:46 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Greetings...

Hi Crispin,

For many months weather conditions have been odd and so taking my San Pablo on the 20 minute trip to the lake has been a problem.

On the occasions it was possible to sail her Jonathan took some photos. They are on the HEMBC site July - Sept. 2013.

Thank you for your kind comments. I have made some big mistakes along the way but overall I am pleased with the result.

It must be 30 years since I first gave thought to this model, time now to enjoy sailing her as often as I can.

Regards,
Mick

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From: Dave Sandulli
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2012 7:12 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: San Pablo Model Builder Message Board

I saw on the subject message board a posting to you from Mick Coney stating that an issue of MRB Jan 2012 had an article and plans for the San Pablo. I immediately went to MRB website to order the back issue and was shocked when I was told that the shipping would be some 36 Euros (Approx $45 USD). A ridiculous amount to pay for shipping a magazine costing about 5 Euros, I feel.

However I would still like to obtain this magazine. Do you know of any U.S. distributor? Or perhaps Canadian?

Hoping to hear from you and thanks for your time,
Dave Sandulli
Woodbury, CT

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From: Mick Coney
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 11:58 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: French model of San Pablo

Hi Crispin,

In January of this year the French Boat Modeling Magazine "Modele Reduit de Bateau" published an article about the San Pablo as a modeling subject in the center of the mag was a plan to build a 1/45 scale boat giving a length of approx. 30 inches on a single sheet printed on both sides.

The article and plan are the work of Raynald Montembault the plan number is MRB578, it has everything needed to scratch build a good representation. I don't know if the plans are available but going to their website may answer that question for anyone who is interested.

Regards,
Mick



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From: Abel Paniagua
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 11:58 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles...

Dear Mr. Garcia:
My name is Abe and I am a Steve McQueen fan for many of years. My hobby is collecting and designing 12" custom action figure. Some of my custom action figure are of Steve Mcqueen. I have put together a collection of all of his action movies 16 in total and working on one more. Of the collection I have four of Steve Mcqueen from the movie The Sand Pebbles.

Presently I am upgrading the four from the Sand Pebbles. I requesting to know if I can submit them to your site? I am sending you a copy photo of two of them for your review. Again I have some more work to be done.




Your support on this request is greatly appreciated.

Signed,
Gunz

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From: Julio Pillet
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 11:22 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: UPDATE: USS San Pablo scratch build model in plastic at 1/72 scale

Hello Crispin:

I send you more photos of the model that I'm realising. Normally drawing first plans before putting to construct the scale model but in this case, when not having blueprints of which to start off to draw mine, Plan and scale model simultaneously evolve, so until does not finish, as much the model as the plans are provisional. First drawing a basic plan with which beginning to construct the model, that I am comparing with the photos and thus I discover errors, I alter the model until it is looked like the photo and soon I am improving the draw one conforms the model has demonstrated to me to be erroneous. It can seem a system of slow work and difficult but usually it gives excellent results to me. Now I want to begin a discussion that will be engaged me in problems.

Analyzing captures of the film DVD and unloaded photos of the network, I have realized which the real color of USS San Pablo is not white but rather a gray clearly. Richard Mckenna in the novel calls "WhiteMoon"; and when analyzing the images are even seen that she is gray, in which at first sight White is seen. I enclose a screen capture to you where one sees clearly what I say. I have used different programs stops to show that he is not only one the one that gives that result me, the used photo this removed from a forum where discusses to the quality of image of the DVD and the Blue-Ray.

I have painted the model with a mixture of 80% White, 18% clear gray and 2% green. In the publisher of trowel of colors of Corel Draw, the program that I use to draw, sees clearly the color range where it leaves the one of the capture.

I wait for your opinions.
Julio Pillet.

Image 1 -- Image 2 -- Image 3 -- Image 4 -- Image 5 -- Image 6 -- Image 7 -- Image 8 -- Image 9 -- Image 10

San Pablo model drawing (.pdf)

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From: Julio Pillet
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 5:08 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: USS San Pablo scratch build model in plastic at 1/72 scale

Hello Crispín:
I am a Spanish naval modelmaker that, attracted by the film "The Sand Pebbles", I have begun to construct to a plastic model on scale 1/72 of the USS San Pablo. For it I have resort to all the information that I could find in Internet, your page has especially been a gold mine. Send you photos of my scale model in his first week of construction as well as the plans that I am drawing to realise it.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

San Pablo model drawing (.pdf)

What I look for is if somebody has photos or videos of San Pablo in the dock before the launching where the propelers and the rudder are seen, to be able to represent them as they were, but I will have to resort to the imagination and the expeculación. My draws undergo modifications as I am discovering errors or parts in target, until I obtain the most approximate result to the reality. It would not be the first time that after constructing a boat, somebody sends information to me and I have to redo everything.

Thank you very much.
Julio Pillet.
P.D.: Sorry but I don't speak english. I have used a translate software.

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From: Mick Coney
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 2:15 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Followup - my San Pablo model

Hi Crispin,

At the beginning of August I had my S.P. in the water for the first time, the "sea trials" highlighted that she has the same characteristics as the original. She has a mind of her own!

During the short time the trials lasted Jonathan Cox, a fellow club member and talented photographer, took some shots which you can see if you Google (www.hembc) which are the initials of Hartsholme Electric Model Boat Club in Lincoln, England.

Click on photos and select July-September.

I still have work left to do but I think the coming winter months could see the project finished.

Regards,
Mick
-------------------------------------------

Response: Fantastic job! I'm sure you're quite proud of your accomplishment. Congrats!

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From: Harry Dieffenbach
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2011 4:29 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Scans of my 1996 Panay build

Hi Crispin: Here are some scans of the Panay build article. I will try to enhance the pictures and if it works out I will re-send them. Thanks for your interest.

Scan #1
Scan #2
Scan #3
Scan #4
Scan #5

Stay Healthy and Happy
Harry

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From: Harry Dieffenbach
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2011 1:55 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: USS Panay

I am an 87 year old scratch builder having built an operating model of the Panay in 1996 and have recently decided to attack another. I accidently bumped into the message board and was delighted to find sympathetic souls. I am under the impression that you are able to provide plans for the ship. I have acquired the Floating drydock plans for the Panay but would like to augment them for detailing. I have attached an old photo of my first attempt and certainly hope this gets thru to you.

Thank You
Harry Dieffenbach
-------------------------------------------

Response: Sorry Harry, I have yet to see anyone come forward with the actual plans for the San Pablo. Most of the models found in this thread were scratch made from photos from the movie. That said, your scratch model of the USS Panay is quite impressive. Nicely done.

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From: John and Kris Stewart
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 2:25 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: USS San Pueblo

Sir,

I was told that King & Country avoided using “San Pablo” because of copyright issues.

Dioramas (US Navy 1920-1940):

http://www.kingandcountry.co.uk/dioramascategory.asp?pcid=56&mcid=69

U.S. Navy:

http://www.kingandcountry.co.uk/indexproductcategories.asp?pcid=56&mcid=69

John S.

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From: Mick Coney
Sent: Tuesday, December 1, 2009 1:45 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: San Pablo model

Dear Crispin

I hope you are keeping well. I thought I would send you a few pictures to update you on my S.P. build. Progress is not as swift as I would tike but I would be completely lost without your site.

Last winters project was to plank the boat deck. This as with all the planking done to date involved stripping planks from sheet veneer each piece then had a sliver of black paper glued to one edge to represent the caulking individually laid sand papered down and varnished. (Picture) Including the deck cannon. (Picture)

You may notice that the armour-plates are missing from the wheelhouse they will be added last job as they are delicate. (Picture)

The hull is 75 inches long to give you some idea of size in the pictures. (Picture)

I asked Mick Allsop who produces scale flags printed on silk if he could identify the three flags flown from the foremast which he kindly did and then made them up for me.

I enclose a copy of his findings, I hope they are of interest. Mike is happy for you to add this to your site if you wish. (Picture)

I am sure you must be very pleased and proud of the way your site has grown over the years. It is a credit to you and your belief in such a great piece of cinematic history. Congratulations on year eleven.

Regards

Mick Coney

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From: Limpet6
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:54 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles Forum

Crispin;

Here's a Christmas surprise.

Orvis, a clothier, is advertising a play replica of the gunboat USS San Pablo (Sand Pebbles) with a crew of 25 tin sailors in its new catalog:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=1X1P

Pricey indeed at $750, but the subject matter is worthy. After all, with enough gunboats you can rule the world.

~~~~~~~~~
R. L. Crossland

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From: Trace Havard
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2009 12:25 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles...

I thought you would be interested to know that the toy soldier company KING AND COUNTRY has released a new collection based on the SAND PEBBLES. Unfortunately their advertisement calls the gunboat USS San Pueblo instead of the USS San Pablo. It's under the U.S. Navy section of the website and it promises to be a very extensive diorama set. I'm sure that other SAND PEBBLE buffs would like to know about it.

It's been some time since I've checked out your site and you've added a few things so I'll let others who are interested know about it. You've created a fine tribute to, as former Yangtze Sailor ,Rear Admiral (ret) Kemp Tolley said "One of the best U.S.Navy movies ever made."

Fair Winds,
Trace Havard
DCC/Sw USN (ret)

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From: Pat Hall
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 8:59 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Gunboat

Hello Crispin,

I have the original blueprints for the USS WAKE (exGUAM).

I can provide these blueprints for any modelers who wish to build the gunboat. I have never seen a kit for such, nor a set of plans such as I have.

It would be pricey. They are large: four sheets about 2 foot x 3 foot each.

I would have to get $ 85.00 per complete set postpaid in mailing tube.

Pat Hall

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From: Joe DeMarco
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 8:27 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Larry Stitt

Some of you may have looked at Larry Stitt's extensive collection of Naval figures and San Pablo ship models. His personal site is:

Larry's Collection Page. Here he shows detailed photos of his collection. It goes on to another site where he built an updated San Pablo - 2nd version.

Sadly, Larry passed away on February 4, 2008. I never met him personally. We did become friends via this site, and a building project of the "San Pablo".

Joe DeMarco

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From: Mick Coney
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 4:53 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: San Pablo Model

Dear Crispin,

For the last four winters I have been working on a project the result of which I am enclosing.

Pictures show the mock up balsa hull with a card superstructure 37 1/2 inches long and roughly 1/4 inch to 1 foot scale.

The last three pictures show the mock up on top of a 75 inch part finished hull which I hope will be my San Pablo.

Photos:  [1]  [2]  [3]  [4]  [5]  [6]  [7]  [8]  [9]

I would value any comments you (or any modeler) may have on the mock up.

Another pair of eyes often see things which others have missed.

All the best,
Mick

Response: If anyone has comments on Mick's model I will be happy to pass them on or post them here. - Ed.

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From: Bradfield, Brad
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 4:53 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: San Pablo Model Builder Message Board

We've all seen the couple of available references saying that the ship built in Hong Kong by Robert Wise as the "USS San Pablo" was ultimately sold to an American company building bridges in Vietnam. Is there any other information out there, like what's the name of the company, and what ultimately became of her??
Brad

Response: Yes, that question has been answered in this section - The Demise of the San Pablo.

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From: JT [toads24@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 5:40 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Steve McQueen figure

Hi Crispin,

Remember the Sand Pebbles figure I was kitbashing?

Well it came out good,and I had to wrestle with myself to actually sell it. I hated to part with it, but I needed the cash, LOL!

Here are some stills (1) (2). Thank you soooo much for all the pics you sent me, they helped me out a ton!

I am getting pretty good feed-back as to the figure. I am also directing people to your web site, as that they want to make Sand Pebbles too! :')

I hope you're well, and Thank You once again!

Your friend,
Jim "Toads" Todice

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From: Georgia Dahlberg
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 8:38 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: New address

I still have copies of my San Pablo (type) plans in 1:87 HO scale available. My new address is : Georgia Dahlberg, 4190 Matson Ave. #2, Cincinnati, OH 45236 and a new e-mail address: gdahlberg@cinci.rr.com. My old e-mail address will be active for a while. Prices and terms are unchanged. My current plans for a Liberty ship in 1:87 HO scale are well underway. I'm building as I develop and in HO scale it will have to be reduced in length. Thanks all for your interest and support.

Georgia Dahlberg, P.E.

______________________________________

From: Georgia Dahlberg
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2004 5:25 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Latest model of the San Pablo

Attached and included are two shots (photo1 and photo2) of my San Pablo model built from my plans. This model won third prize in ships at a local model contest. I would have done better if it didn't have to compete with my other ship which won first prize and best in the show. Hope this inspires those who love the San Pablo.

Sincerely,
Georgia Dahlberg

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From: G. Dahlberg
Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2003 9:46 AM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: San Pablo Model Plans

I have recently completed the development of a set of plans for a ship (very close to the San Pablo). I will not say that it is an exact copy of the San Pablo but it is quite close. I call it a 150' River Patrol Boat. It is currently available to modelers for $10.00 plus $2.50 postage folded in a large envelope or $5.00 postage by mailing tube....unfolded. The current scale is 1/8" = 1'-0" or 1:94. I will soon have the set available in HO scale 1:87. Plans are available by sending a Money Order Only.

Hope this is a help to your modelers. I plan to build mine soon.

Thanks, G. Dahlberg P.E.

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From: Mick Coney
Sent: Sunday, January 05, 2003 7:38 AM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Model flags...

Hello Cris

Thanks for your e-mail it's good to be in touch.

I was looking at a picture of Larry's model of the S.P. and noticed she was not flying a flag. This is not in any way a criticism it just brought to mind a company in the U.K. (BECC Model Accessories) that I use that prints flags on cotton (both sides) which are superb they come in five different sizes and very many types, twenty of which are USA varients.

Here are some links for anyone who may be interested in purchasing excellent flags for models.

Stockist (retailer or distributor):

In the USA -
Across the Pond, 12 Church Road, Marblehead, MA 01945, Tel: (781) 639-7017
Or visit their website at http://www.acrossthepond.net/

Loyal Hanna Dockyard, 7527 Gilbert Rd, Bergan, NY 14 416 Tel: (585) 494-0027
Or visit their website at http://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/

Regards
Mick(Gill)

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From: Mick Coney
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2002 1:13 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Panay plans

Cris:

I have been looking in on this messageboard and have noticed folks asking for help with the "Panay". I have a set of "dry dock" drawings which I have not used yet. It must be said that they are excellently drawn and on that basis I would highly recommend them to any scratch builder with some experience.

Something a little less complicated is a small reproduction of a waterline model shown in "Models and Ships" Sept-Oct 1978 issue.

To download this article in a high resolution (200 dpi) format...click here. (2.9MB zipped file)

Regards
Mick

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From: AMBRIOSO2
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 1:13 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Re: Finally

Cris:

Thanks for your reply. I'm off on vacation to Michigan (I live in Florida) so the project will be hold or a couple of weeks.

I finished the sheer view and now I'm trying to reconcile the hull lines with those of the Panay, which is slightly different. The San Pablo hull is a little on the fat side while the Panay is more streamlined.

By the way I have already built two engines but one is too big for the 1/4" scale and the other too fragile (very delicate reversing mechanism). So this model will be single screw but electric. I'll put sound effects and a smoke generator. I also want to activate the gun: small charge of blackpowder ignited with the model rocket electric igniters . That will be something to see.

I'll keep you informed, regards

Ras Ambrioso

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From: AMBRIOSO2
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 10:56 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Finally

Cris:

I am a "sand pebble" from the day I saw the movie. I've always been a fan of Steve Mc Queen and this is, by far, his best movie. I am also a modeler and, since I saw the movie, I've wanted to build a model of the San Pablo. I collected all the data I could including prints from the Naval Archives for the Panay. I have watched the movie more than 50 times and even took still shots to get some construction details. This last week a friend of mine advised me that the movie was being shown on cable TV and I told him about my dream of building this model. He is a younger fellow, and being familiar with the internet, he found your site.

This was the last push I needed to get started in my project. Today I completed the side view drawing of the model in 1/4"=1'-0" (1/48) scale.

I want to thank you for the effort in building this site and I will keep you informed of my project's progress.

Thanks for a wonderful site.

Ras Ambrioso
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From: Scott Melvin
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2002 5:23 AM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: San Pablo

Hi Cris,
I very much enjoy your website. Is it possible to see a plan of the San Pablo or a set of clear photos: bow, stern, port and starboard?

Best wishes, keep up the good work.

Scott
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From: Jan LV
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2002 4:04 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Re: "hello engine"

Hi Cris

Our model about 2 foot long, was modeled after the gun boats of the era. The model information I have, by our Master Model Maker, Bob Mader, is that the studio built a full scale gun boat for the movie. Our model is in the #2 'tween deck museum, next to the engine itself and the display of the pistons that were removed from the engine.

Just talked to the Model Maker and another shipmate about a picture for you of the model. Would this be a Modeling website and/ or magazine? Thought I'd like to develop something about our models and Bob Mader in the main museum of the Lane Victory.

later
jan~

http://www.lanevictory.org
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From: Jan LV
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2002 2:25 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Re: "hello engine"

We have a model of the San Pablo, best to my knowledge, modeled after the boat in the movie, if I see our Master Model maker tomorrow will get details. I will take a good look at the model and get back to you.

We sell a book of photos and histories of the ship models made by Bob Mader, our Master Model Maker, will check that too.

Can you or have you taken a copy of the SP engine photo from our website to use on yours?

swamped, later

jan~

http://www.lanevictory.org
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From: Jan Michaelis
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2002 3:05 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Re: "hello engine"

Cris,

Actually we have two 3" guns now. One is stored in lower #2, visitors see it as they pass through the hatches.

The first 3" sat on top of #1 hatch for years and was maintained there, finally a year or so ago, a gun tub was fabricated on the foredeck and the gun installed there. Another interesting barge crane process, this time during day light hours.

Will look for a photo for you, any chance it could end up on your web site with a LV credit ???

Later
jan~
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From: Jan Michaelis
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2002 3:04 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: Re: "hello engine"

Hi Cris,

Why did I think that someone really into the 'Sand Pebbles' engine would live right here in SoCal? Do you have a picture of the engine as it is now in our No 2 Hold (museum)? If not will see if I can find a copy to send you.

I just had a quick moment when I saw the 'Sand Pebbles' site, didn't get a chance to explore it.

Here is a bit more about the engine, you may or may not know. All of the pistons were pulled and are now on display on the back side of the engine. Crankshaft, cleaned of all blood (movie joke) was removed and anything else that would create drag. Then it was set up to run electrically. This is usually only done when the two men who modified the engine are on board. Both live in the Santa Barbara area, some 100 miles away. They come down and stay onboard during each of our cruise weekends, and have the engine running all day long. Both are machinists, Jim Higman, was Chief Engineer on the Glo Mar Explorer during part of the attempt to raise that Russian sub. Gene Allen is a retired railroader, who has built to scale his own railroad, engine, cars, tracks and all, hauls kids round and round. I was one of several of the deck crew present one night at just midnight, when a huge barge crane called 'Mr. Manson' came along side the #2 hatch, which was wide open. The crane lifted the 'Sand Pebbles' engine off the deck of the barge, and very slowly raised it up and over the rail, over the hold and down, so gently onto the 'bed' our engine gang had created for it. The engine, operating or not, is a great favorite with our visitors and cruise passengers. As yet no opportunity has arisen, for it to be used in any other movie, but we keep hoping.

Will get the brochures in the mail, invite is open ended. Appreciate any brochure info you can get on your web site. Our 2001 Catalina Cruise were a SELL OUT before our second set of cruises! We are hoping to do the same thing this year.

jan~

http://www.lanevictory.org
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From: Jan Michaelis
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2002 6:11 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: "hello engine"

Hi 'Sand Pebbles' Cris,

My name is Jan Michaelis, I am a volunteer crew member of the SS Lane Victory, located in San Pedro, CA. Have you been down recently to visit the 'engine' from that epic movie that documented the Navy's Asiatic Fleet?

The engine is fully operational, everything goes up and down and in reverse. Of course there is no drive shaft connected.

Would like to hear from you, and if you like set up a date and time for a visit, when we can have the engine running for you.

Would like to send you some of the Lane's brochures and related info, as she is really, fully operational, full time armament and all and goes to sea at least 7 times a year. In the past we have gone to sea for the movies, Outbreak, Titanic, and The Thin Red Line. Many others filmed at our dock or other locations in the harbor.

jan~

Check our web site at http://www.lanevictory.org
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From: David Sharpness
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2002 12:46 AM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: mcqueen action figure

Hi Cris...

I happened upon this browsing about on eBay one day…

Quote:
"Up for auction: a customized, yet also complete 12" Elite Brigade figure, the Limited Edition (#322 out of 402)and now discontinued "U.S. Navy Yangtze River, China 1926", 1/6th-scale action figure. The original head and neck have been replaced with a custom Steve McQueen head (see photos) to represent his character in the movie "The Sand Pebbles". However an original Elite Brigade neck and head with brown-hair is included."

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From: James Hathaway
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2001 10:36 AM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: USS Palos Drawings

Hi Crispin,
I just wanted to let you know, I received my copy of plans for USS Palos from Maryland Silver Company. They are standard photocopied booklet of general plans from U.S. Navy sources. Owing to age, they are not too clear, but they are usable.

If you plan to do a gunboat from this source, I would suggest a search for photographs, as I have only seen one photo of one of these gunboats that would be useful in modelling her. The plan is useful, but in all projects like this, photos are just as important as drawings for detail.

Best Regards,
Jim Hathaway
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From: Larry Stitt (Shadow)
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 10:48 PM
To: Cris Garcia
Subject: New San Pablo Model

Hi Crispin,

As Joe DeMarco mentioned in his last email to the forum, I have been working to complete the San Pablo based on his plans. I have published a web page containing several photos of my almost-completed model. There's also a link to the new page from my personal collection page at http://www.ctaz.com/~shadgraf/collect.htm.

Joe's comprehensive plans are easy to read and follow, and you can raise or lower the height of the 1st and 2nd deck structures to accomodate 45mm or 60mm sailors. For those that may be interested in obtaining his San Pablo Plans - click here.

I still have some minor detailing to do, but thought the gunboat was far enough along to give other forum members a look-see at my efforts.

My best to you and other San Pablo Forum participants,

Larry Stitt
Lake Havasu City, AZ
______________________________________

Subject: YANGPAT miniatures...
Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2001 9:50 PM
From: Gregory Blake gregoryblake@bigpond.com
To: Crispin Garcia

Crispin,
Visit my Cannon Fodder Miniatures
http://canfodmins.com

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Subject: San Pablo Drawings
Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 16:16:36 EDT
From: JAD11240
To: Cris Garcia

Crispin...........A pencil set of drawings have been developed. Larry Stitt (in Arizona) is building a model and I too am building one, although not as fast as Larry is. The drawings depicts a 44" long by 10" wide semi-scale model. Larry, who is very knowledgeable about the San Pablo, and I have been reviewing most of the details to get it as right as we can. I have also been in touch with some suppliers of fittings to place some of the details on the model. The design is around 54mm sailor figures, like Britains, although other manufacturers do make sailor castings in that size. Later I will try to develop some figures that will be suitable to the ship. Some are ready now but not in any quantity. Once we have the kinks worked out from the working drawings, and the models are built, a final drawing will be done for those interested in buying a set. Approximate time will be in Nov./Dec.

Joe DeMarco
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Subject: HMS Jonquil
Date: Sat, 9 Jun 2001 22:48:57 -0700
From: James Hathaway
To: Crispin Garcia

Hi Crispin,
I thought you might like to know, The Sand Pebbles is out on tape again- I got a copy for a friend at Suncoast Video for fourteen dollars and some change, proceeds going to the Arizona Memorial, I believe.

Enclosed are two photos of HMS Jonquil, (Jonquil-1) (Jonquil-2) the first corvette model I did, about ten years ago. I thought you might enjoy seeing them.

Jim
______________________________________

Subject: German gun boat photo
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2001 16:37:52 EDT
From: JAD11240
To: Cris Garcia

This is a photo of the boat I mentioned in my email. This is the first picture that I am scanning, let me know if it works. To see picture...click here.

Joe DeMarco
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Subject: Build a Model
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2001 22:13:47 EDT
From: JAD11240
To: Cris Garcia

I am in the process of designing a near scale waterline model of the San Pablo. The scale is for 1/32 figures similar to Britains (54mm). I have just completed the moulds for 4 different sailor figures. I already have moulds for the officer types and the basic marching sailor. The concept is to make a great model, but not to exact scale as it might be too large in my scale. The plans are nearly complete and I will be building the model by summer. Is there any interest in people buying plans of this ship or the figures. Previously, I built a German Gunboat circa 1900, with crew. Photos are available.

Joe DeMarco
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Subject: Re: Recent San Pablo Model Project
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2001 10:06:03 -0700
From: Larry Stitt
To: Crispin Garcia

Cris,

Thank you for your kind comments regarding my effort and my collection page. Although quite time consuming, I rather enjoyed this first time project and look forward to building another more realistic model of the San Pablo.

You are doing a great job with your forum, and providing a fantastic service, for all participating Sand Pebbles fans.

Larry Stitt
Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Subject: Recent San Pablo Model Project
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 18:21:27 -0700
From: Larry Stitt
To: Cris Garcia

Hello Cris,

I read, with interest, the many emails on your forum concerning models of the San Pablo. I recently built one (a mind's-eye concept, anyway) and manned it with a few vintage 48 to 60MM plastic and lead sailors from my collection (http://www.ctaz.com/~shadgraf/collect.htm).

A photo of the 90% finished model can be viewed at http://www.ctaz.com/~shadgraf/sp9.JPG

Other than watching the movie multiple of times and seeing one still photo of the actual model of the San Pablo made by the Hong Kong builder , I sat down with no plans, and simply planned a "conceptual" model 36" long by 7" wide, then built it. Eventually, I plan to make another one that is less conceptual and more closely depicts the actual San Pablo.

Another photo of my San Pablo can be seen at http://www.ctaz.com/~shadgraf/SP1-A.jpg

My best to you,

Larry Stitt
AOC, USN-Ret
Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Subject: New YANGPAT miniatures
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 22:02:36 +0930
From: gregoryblake
Organization: Kormilda College
To: Crispin Garcia

Dear Mr Garcia,

I thought you might like to see the latest YANGPAT figures from CFM...click here

Regards
Greg Blake
Visit Cannon Fodder Miniatures
http://canfodmins.com
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Subject: Re: YANGPAT Cannon Fodder Miniatures...
Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 18:25:25 +0930
From: gregoryblake
Organization: Kormilda College
To: Crispin Garcia

Thanks Crispin for your email and the link to my website. Keep watching for more figures due out soon.

All the best
Greg Blake
Visit Cannon Fodder Miniatures
http://canfodmins.com
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Subject: Yangtze Patrol miniature figures
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 10:36:10 -0500
From: Jeff Jones
To: Cris Garcia

Greetings, Mr. Garcia.

I just wanted to let you know that an Australian military miniatures company is in the process of making Yangtze Patrol figures for skirmish-oriented wargaming. A few pictures of the US figures have been posted on their website, including a sailor with a BAR and an officer. The expressions on the faces of the figures are, to me, kind of cartoonish (which seems to be common among British/Australian figure sculptors), but the figures are obviously meant to be a tribute to a period and movie we love, so I can't be too hard on them. You can check them out at the http://canfodmins.com Cannon Fodder Miniatures website.

Sincerely,
Jeffry Scott Jones

(By the way, I showed my girlfriend The Sand Pebbles for the first time, and she was deeply moved. I'm still working on my own model of the gunboat.)
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Subject: Model
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2001 16:05:02 -0800 (PST)
From: tlee531
To: Crispin Garcia

Does anyone know where I can get a scale model of a gunboat similar to the San Pablo? Been looking everywhere and I can't find anything even close.

Thanks Shipmates
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Subject: Yangtze Patrol minatures
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2001 16:05:02 -0800 (PST)
From: David Sharpness
To: Crispin Garcia

Hi Cris

Found this site with minatures of Yangtze Patrol sailors--Cannon Fodder Minatures

http://canfodmins.com

David
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Subject: Gunboat Drawings
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2001 00:09:33 -0800
From: James Hathaway
To: Cris Garcia

Dear Sir-
This is a great website- I am currently collecting data to build a radio-controlled U.S. Navy China gunboat, probably U.S.S. Panay. I thought you might appreciate some plans sources that will save other model builders much time and aggravation.

The Floating Drydock is a superb source for plans, photos, data and fittings. His own TFW drawings are taken from the USN booklet of general plans. He offers plans for U.S.S. Panay in 1/96 and !/48th scales and they are excellent.

I saw another set from another company for the U.S.S. Monocacy but I have not actually seen these drawings. The other source for ship drawings from the national archives is the Maryland Silver Company which offers Spanish American war and Civil War ship drawings. They do have a set for the U.S.S. Panay and Monocacy (I have Monocacy on order). Both companies are on the web.

Gunboats for a modeller are difficult to find good photographs of (I have only seen one photo of Monocacy) but good drawings can overcome a lot of this.

Sincerely,
Jim Hathaway

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Subject: Gunboat plans
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 12:34:54 -0800
From: Bayer, John
To: 'Crispin Garcia'

Hi Cris:

For those looking for gunboat plans, you might post these 2 sources, from the Naval Historical Center website:

1) Special Media Archives Services Division, NWCS, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001; telephone (301) 713-6885.

Their collection includes the general plans and drawing of most ships stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. Requests should be limited to no more than three ships at any one time. The average cost for microfilm is $23.00 per reel. Charges for paper copies vary with the size of the original drawing. The old name for this Division was the Cartographic Branch.

2) Smithsonian Institution:

This collection includes the plans of naval and merchant ships with emphasis on 19th Century ships. The quality is generally high. Many are not original drawings, but were done by Howard I. Chapelle and other for publication. Separate catalogs are available for naval ships and for merchant ships. The naval ship catalog does not include modern ships. Each catalog costs $10.00 and can be purchased, using a check or money order made payable to the Smithsonian Institution, from:

Smithsonian Collection of Warship Plans
Ship Plans
NMAH 5010, MRC 628
Smithsonian Institution
Washington DC 20560

Regards,

John Bayer
Editor, SA

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Subject: Re: New San Pablo Model Builder Forum...
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 13:09:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: David Sharpness
To: Crispin Garcia

Hi Cris,

As it happens I visited your site yesterday, and saw the model thread, and wondered, was that there before!!?? Those are good ideas!

I still hop about looking for Panay things--I've read the Sand Pebbles book now, and watched the video several times. (Once, very closely, as I found elephants like the movies in old National Geographic story about Nanking, and wonedered if it was filmed in Nanking!! They're different, but that thought had me going...)

Here and there I find things, usually Yahoo search Panay, or USS Panay, or...Sand Pebbles (2 years on the web:)!

In the library at Palomar College are bound editions of old Literary Digests--Oct 9, 1926 has article about the gunboats right around the time of the Sand Pebble story.

Right now I'm focusing on how the six "new gunboats" the book refers to (the Panay being one) were built, how they were funded, and so on. Naval History, February 2000 has some of the story.

I've browsed about your site looking for how the San Pablo was built too--and I think there's a story to that.

But the movie boat is so realistic, one wonders if the Chinese who built it were the same workers that built the real ones. (Oh, that's the title of the Naval History article--The Real Sand Pebbles)

And, this I'd really like to get a feedback on--what happened to the movie boat??

It's a treasure trove of stories, you know--the Yangtze Patrol goes back to before the Revolution (ours!).

Oh, in one search I found obit of Admiral Fowler, who, it said, had a hand in designing the Panay. This caught my eye, as he did a lot of design work for Disney--Fowler's Harbor.

David

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Subject: Re: San Pablo Information
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 19:47:00 +0100
From: "Rob Crain"
To: "Crispin Garcia"

Hello again

My apologies for the slow reply, and a huge thank you for your reply. Myself and my ship building friend would love to contact any other model builders out there, as long as any of them don't mind. If you would pass my email address on to them, I would be very grateful. It is robcrain@ntlworld.com

My friend has looked into a model of the Panay (not by Iron Shipwright, but another plan maker). He says he would be content to make this model (I believe the plans he has are excellently made), but would prefer to get the model as close to the San Pablo as possible, as there are differences between the ships, I am told.

As for the CD you offered - I was a little unsure of what you meant. Am I right in thinking that you will send me (or my friend) a copy of the CD, but if someone else requests it, we would then send it on to them? I think we would rather purchase from you a copy of our own if this is possible, as a reference source for the building of the model.

Finally, a our gratitude for your help, and please be sure to post on your website news of when the virtual walkthrough of the ship is complete!

I write on behalf of a friend who is a great fan of "The Sand Pebbles". He is a keen and talented model ship builder, and is desperate to build a model of the San Pablo. However, he has so far found very little information on the ship, despite writing to 20th Century Fox and the Smithsonian Institution. In fact I have been able to find him more information from the internet and your website over the past few days than he has discovered in the past 5 years! We are very grateful to you for your superb site.

In order to build his ship, my friend wondered if plans were ever drawn up for the contruction of the San Pablo, either for models, or for the actual ship's construction? We'd be very appreciative if you could throw some light on this.

If not, could you perhaps point us in the direction of further information on the ship?

Also, I noticed that you mentioned a CD-ROM of the featurette "A Ship Called The San Pablo". We'd love to hear more about this CD; I'm sure it would be a God-send to my friend's project.

Many thanks for your help and your excellent site!

I would like to build a large scale model of the San Pablo and am having difficulty finding plans. Can you help?

Thanks for your timely and informative reply to my email. I would be interested in your offer to provide the email addresses of others interested in modeling the San Pablo. Also I would like to obtain the CD-rom , "A Ship Called San Pablo", and agree to the stipulation of forwarding it to the next requester. Again thanks for the effort, I'm spreading the word about the website and the excellent job you are doing.

This is truly a great site both in it's content and honor paid to the film and the people who made it. I am presently in the process of developing a plan to build a working model of the San pablo. Your pictures have helped me and the details about the ship being built as a prop surprised me. Obviously I am impressed with the ship enough to model it and am saddened to learn that the actual ship has been scrapped and only the engine has been preserved. For years I had conjectured that the actual boat was probably an artifact from some South American Country resurrected for the film. I even thought that it would out class most of the large pleasure yachts of rich and famous notoriety, and day dreamed about living on such a boat. I'm an old WestPac sailor so I know you understand.

Anyhow, now that I know that it was purposely built, I suspect that the plans might still exist. I would appreciate it if you could direct me to someone who might know of their existence ,hoping that they weren't scrapped with the ship, and also provide more detail on the ship itself. Possibilities include: the designer, the actual shop that built it or even the studio. My present plan of attack is to photograph stills off of the TV screen for details and use my best guess estimate for sizes. I am experienced in this method and have had good success on other projects but it would be more accurate not to mention easier with more to go by,i.e.. real plans. Also I believe this project deserves the quality I plan to incorporate in the model, lets call it my salute to film.

I have also noted that some of the pictures in the photo gallery showed models, which is to be expected before a large project like building the full-sized prop was attempted. Any ideas or help you could provide would be deeply appreciated. In any event I'll keep you advised of my progress if you are interested.

Thanks for the tip on the new section on your website. Your TSP site continues to be the best site I have come across on the Internet.

In regards to your question regarding models, I have not come across any information on anyone having built a model of the USS San Pablo. I would guess that someone has built such a model, though, as the movie is very popular. One problem, however, would be a lack of plans/drawing of the ship. If you look on page 66 & 67 of the Sea Classics issue with the TSP article, there are photos of a waterline model of the USS San Pablo. There is an article in the 10/95 issue of Scale Ship Modeler that mentions this model as having been a gift to director Robert Wise from the full size vessel's Chinese builders.

I know that the sentiment of several ship modelers with interests in the Yangtze River gunboats is: why build a model of a fictional ship when there are plenty of real subjects, with plenty of reference materials. In reality, the movie USS San Pablo doesn't resemble the real ship that the fictional one was modeled after, the USS Villalobos.

The kit of the USS Panay that was to be released in the Spring of 1999 has been held up. I am not sure of it's present status, but I hope it gets released, as I think it will sell well (even with it's hefty $165 price tag).

Have you had a chance to read Dennis Noble's book, The Eagle and the Dragon? I had planned to e-mail Mr. Noble after you included his letter on your website, but I have fallen behind on my correspondence. I am currently reading A Rocky Mountain Sailor in Teddy Roosevelt's Navy, which is a compilation of an Asiatic sailor's letters to his sister from 1905-1910. It gives really great insights to the sailor's life on the early Asiatic Station. The sailor, Charles Fowler, was very articulate, and a very good writer. It is amazing (to me) that his letters survived. A good read!

My friend tells me you are the Sand Pebbles contact. I tried the 20th Century Fox archives and they said the archives are not for public information. I have never built a scratch model before but that boat intrigues me. I will build it one way or another but it nice to have some accurate plans.

I am thinking about balsa in 1/8th scale. If there is any help you can give me, I would appreciate it.

Sir, After a great deal of research, I have yet to find a model of the type of gunboat that served in China. I would like to build one from scratch, but it is difficult at best to draw the boat from watching the film. I know the movie company added there own style to the San Pablo, are there any blueprints or naval drawings of the China gunboats. I would appreciate your help in this matter, and to anyone who can enlighten me!

Thank you for your recent e-mail and picture of the San Pablo ... unfortunately the dog (or the computer) ate the hardcopy before I got to filing it ... and we try to keep the mail box empty so if it wouldn't be too much trouble I would appreciate your comments again.

Through your website (or the internet at large) I have made the acquaintance of a Mr. Charles Schuler in VA who has a similar modeling interest and I have offered to share any information I am able to uncover on the San Pablo ... he has agreed to do the same.

To date I have been unsuccessful trying to contact 20th Century. I wrote a blind letter (not e-mail) to them c/o the public relations department about a month ago and have had no response. I basically stated that I was interested in building a museum-quality model of the San Pablo and asked for any assistance that they might be able to offer. If you know some one at the Studio who I might direct a letter to in this regard I would appreciate knowing his (her) name

In the mean time I understand that several models have been built ... one by Vaughn & Jung Engineering Ltd., and one that is now at the Lane Victory museum ... if I recall your last note you mentioned the craftsmans name of the model at the Lane Victory .... is he still alive? Do you happen to know how (or if) he can be contacted?

Hours spent on the internet trying to learn if Vaughn & Jung are still in business have so far been unproductive .... have had some correspondence with several Chinese-English newspapers but no help there. Have also sent about a dozen blind e-mail messages to Chinese shipbuilding concerns asking for any information that they might be able to offer ... for the most part these have gone unanswered. As we are relatively close (less than 45 minutes drive) from Manhattan I expect to pursue this inquiry with the Chinese trade commission in NY City (if one even exists).

I agree that maybe my best hope is with the picture studio .....

Have found plans for the USS PANAY ... is it reasonable to assume, since both ships were supposedly built for the unique purpose of navigating a relatively shallow river, that the hull of the PANAY might be sufficiently similar to the San Pablo to use it, and then build the superstructure from scratch using photos from the movie as reference??

Thanks in advance for your continued support of this project/inquiry

Thanks for the additional pictures. I will view my copy of the movie for the 30th time and see what shots I might use. I got an email message the other day from a Larry Shepard, in New Jersey, who wants to build a model of the San Pablo to put a steam engine he built in. I mailed him copies of the Ships in Scale and Scale Ship Modeler articles, Steve from YngtzPtrl1@aol.com. sent me. Most of the info was on the Panay and the Wake but every bit helps. Included was a good clear starboard side shot of a model of the San Pablo and two of the shot you just sent.

I think I have enough to at least start my scale drawings. I'll keep you posted. I emailed Lane Victory in hopes of locating Robert J. Mader who donated a model of the San Pablo to the museum but got no reply from Lane Victory yet. Thanks again for all your help.

I'm still gathering information such as still photos, magazine articles and the like. I got most of my information so far from Cris Garcia of the San Pablo web page. He sent me still photo from the movie plus copies of old Scale Ship Modeler articles on the San Pablo.

Model maker Robert J. Mader donated a model of the San Pablo to the Lane Victory Museum in Seal Beach, CA. I've emailed the Lane Victory webmaster asking for Mr. Mader's email address in hope of obtaining a copy of his plans.

I haven't heard from Lane Victory yet, but I'm hopeful. Like yourself I am facing making my own plans. I'm currently working on a 1/8" scale waterline drawing base on photo information. The ship was a $200,000.00 prop, built in Hong Kong in 1963, for the movie. The ship is all steel construction (it's still being used in Viet Nam) 150' long, 27' wide and has a 30' stack. If you send me your mailing address, I will send you copies of what I have. Us modelers got to stick together. If you come across anything more, please share it with us. Thanks

Recently saw your note on the "Sand Pebbles" forum board ... am also interested in modeling the San Pablo.

Have already built a twin-cylinder live steam engine as power for the model ... am now looking for information which will lead to construction of a museum quality model.

So far all inquiries have been dead ends. Have about decided to take still pictures (from the TV screen) of the ship as depicted in the film and spend a lot of time on the drawing board.

Have left numerous requests on BBS's devoted to ship modeling and no one has yet been able to offer any help.

Hope you have had more luck! If you have, I would greatly appreciate any information that you could share with me. I will do like wise as I uncover anything more.

Thanks in advance.

I am interested in building a steam-powered, museum quality model of the "San Pablo" as depicted in the 20th Century Fox film "The Sand Pebbles."

I understand that the ship in the film was constructed for the purpose and designed to be in keeping with the description in Mr. Mckenna's novel. Do you think it may be possible to research this project through studio archives or actually enlist the aid of the studio in obtaining enough information to make this project a success?

Any assistance or advice that you may be able to offer will be greatly appreciated.

I have been searching the internet on information about the ship, the San Pablo. I am a model ship builder. The Sand Pebbles is my favorite movie. I've seen a hundred times and read the book ten times. You mentioned on your web page that the ship was built for the movie. I would like to build a model of the San Pablo. Could you help in providing a source for obtaining plans or any information on her dimensions? Thanks, a devoted fan.

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