LOCK MODEL
We have just learned that our Lock Model has received the Harford County Historic Preservation Commission's "Historic Preservation Project Award" for 2011.
Our newest exhibit for 2011 is an operational model of Lock 10, which was located in Havre de Grace during the existence of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal in the mid- and late-1800s.
The exhibit demonstrates how a lock really functions and includes canal boats, mules and drivers, and four sets of working lock gates that permit the water level to rise and fall.
Here are some facts about its design and construction.
This model was designed and built by artisan craftsman, Dave Wood, a lifelong resident of Cecil County, MD. It was built in his shop in Perryville, MD and transported and set up in the Museum on April 2nd. Dave also built the full size swing bridge now used at the Museum.
Everything was designed to be as historically accurate as possible using the museum’s documents, photographs and a set of restoration blueprints drawn up in the 1980’s. (It was these documents that revealed for the first time the existence of a white fence around the Lock House -- a fence that is included in the model.) The measurements were taken from the blueprints and reduced to 1:60 scale. The only components that are not to scale are the handles that operate the gate’s butterfly valves. They were enlarged to allow for operation by full scale hands.
The model took 442 man hours to build and was completed in 66 days.
Located under the model are a water storage tank and a pump. The water that runs through the model is returned to the tank and recirculated to the upper basin. The operation of the lock itself is only by gravity feed of the water, not the pump. Just like the original operation.
The base structure of the model is built from plywood and foam. It was then covered with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin to form the waterproof basins.
The lock structure was made from Corian solid surface material. The look of granite blocks was achieved by carving the joints into the surface of the Corian.
The fence surrounding the Lock House is made from over 580 individual pieces of wood. The gate pieces were carved to match the originals on the blueprints. The hinges and latches were carved from brass to duplicate the originals.
The lock gates and butterfly valves were made the same as the originals. The wood was assembled using mortise and tenon joints. The valves, handles and control rods are made from brass (the originals were Iron) and soldered together. Even the staples that hold the control rods were made by hand. Each working gate contains 59 separate pieces.
The Lock House was built to match the original. It contains 24 windows. Each window, with its glass, shutters, header and sill has 6 pieces. In the doors and windows of the Lock House there are 196 pieces.
The hulls of the barges were carved before adding the other components that give them the authentic look of the originals. Each barge contains 67 individual pieces not counting the scale figures on board.
The rip-rap on the towpath banks is made from individual stones set in epoxy.
The smallest pieces on the model are the picket fence gate latches. They are carved from brass. You have to look closely to see them.
The accompanying photos show the historical accuracy and degree of detail achieved with the project.
TOP - Mule and Driver
MIDDLE - Lock House Southern View
MIDDLE - Lock Area Northern View
LOWER - Canal Boat Exiting Lock
