The "LSHS Finley Read" fighting pirate ship is completed and plans are set for the surprise presentation to Coach Read. 

PLEASE NOTE

Coach Read is NOT AWARE of this project. 

The SURPRISE presentation event will be held on June 16th at the Lumberton High School Cafeteria.  Attendees must make reservations.  You must email (click on) ...  Doc Grantham
 
Attending guests will arrive by 6:30 p.m. while the honored guest will arrive at 7:00 p.m.  There will be a catered buffet dinner ($10.00 each), several special speakers, and the presentation of the ship.  

Read all of the personal comments left by former students and friends here (click below).... 
  
About Coach Read 

Finley Read came to Lumberton in 1960 for his first and last stop as a high school teacher and coach.  He had just finished up his degree and football career at NC State University where he played four seasons, interrupted by a two year stint in the army.   At Lumberton, he joined up with his lifelong friend-to-be, Alton Tunney Brooks.   Together, they handled the coaching duties for Lumberton’s football, basketball, baseball, and several other sports for the better part of two decades.

Mr. Read was the assistant football coach, JV basketball coach, and head baseball coach for many years. The Pirates fielded many great teams during those years and became known around the Southeastern conference for the toughness with which they played.   Several of his baseball teams advanced as far as the Eastern regional's in the sixties.  In football, the 1962 and 1969 teams advanced to the Eastern finals.  During a time when only the conference champions advanced to the playoffs, Lumberton football was usually a strong competitor in one of the toughest leagues in the state.

Coach Read retired from coaching in 1975 but continued on as an administrator at Lumberton High until his retirement in the mid-eighties.  After retirement, he and Ruth moved to Santee Cooper where he could pursue his lifelong passion for fishing.   As accomplished as Coach Read was as a coach, he was possibly more so as a fisherman.   He has lost count of the catfish and stripers that he has caught over all the years.   He and Mrs. Read still reside at Santee.

Photo Log of the Ship's Progress

The following is a photo log of the building process.  Most recent photo's will be placed at the top.
As there was no set of plan sheets to work from, I would have to guess this model's scale to be about 1:75. 

Click on any photo to enlarge and view in "lightbox mode". 

This is the LSHS Finley Read fighting pirate ship!

Officially completed on the morning of May 10th, 2012.... a day of deep sorrow for all of us who knew and loved Coach Read's best friend and mentor.
So many of us benefited beyond measure from Coach Read's dedication and unselfish tough love which came from the heart of a wonderful gentle giant.

Good sailing and God speed mate!

Flying Her Colors

The LSHS Finley Read is proudly flying her colors.
Unfriendly foe will surely tremble in their boots upon seeing the maroon and gold flag, the Jolly Roger, and the fearsome pirate's head coming into their waters.
The opposing captain knows he and his brave crew are in for a very long night.

Armed and Dangerous

Seen here, her guns are mounted and the ships anchors are stowed.  
She is now fully equipped and spoiling for a fight. 

Stern View

Seen here, the name plate has been added.  Also, the rudder and lantern can be seen for the first time.  The primary purpose for the lantern is to provide lighting for night fishing from the transom quarter deck.  

 The Captain's Chair

Between battles, knowing the man, Coach Read will most likely be found on the transom quarter deck trolling for trophy fish.  
Seen here, his ice chest, filled with his favorite beverage, and his swivel fighting chair are ready for action. 





 

Rigging Begins with Her Masts

Seen here, the masts have been installed and secured.  Each mast is stabilized by the heavy cables (preventer stays) along with the shrouds (rat lines) which we commonly think of as rope ladders used by the crewmen to access the upper rigging. 

Bow Rigging

Seen here, the bowsprit has been installed and secured.  Note the heavy cables with block and tackle (called "preventor stays") which serve to secure and stabilize the masts.

Build Log Continued on 4/22

Aft View

Seen here, the transom has now been painted with the maroon and gold with black trim.  The name plate "Finley Read" will eventually be placed in the maroon space.

Rat Lines

Progress has been really slow over the last couple of weeks due to the arduous task of tying all the rat lines (seen here).  The fitting of the channels, dead eyes, lanyards, and chain plates are extremely intricate and must be done very carefully. 

Guns and Water Pumps

The gun deck is now completed with the addition of the two water pumps and the bits.  Note also the addition of the belaying pin racks. 

Armed to the Teeth

She is slowly beginning to develop into the fierce fighting ship she is destined to become.
Now armed with 30 powerful cannons, each capable of accurately firing a 29 pound cast iron ball a distance of more than seven football fields, this is one beast you would not wish to tangle with.

Seen here, the deck railing, ladders, and fully rigged guns have been added.
I particularly like the look of the brass cannons.
There are fourteen cannons on the lower gun deck and six below the Quarter deck that will be displayed with the gun port lids closed.

Her Resting Place

Where else but right between the uprights!

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