The Builder in Residence (BIR) program invites a talented craftsperson each year to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Museum Boatyard. This initiative attracts both emerging artisans, eager to establish their presence, and established craftsmen seeking a unique opportunity for focused creativity and growth. During their residency, the chosen craftsperson will engage in the development of a significant body of work while also playing an integral role in enriching the ABM community.
The BIR program is thoughtfully designed to enhance the educational experiences of builders, visitors, and staff alike, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge and skills are shared.
Every summer, the ABM BIR program will continue its tradition of celebrating craftsmanship and creativity. Applications will be carefully reviewed by ABM staff, who will select the builders and proposals that promise to contribute most meaningfully to the program and its mission.
2025 Builder in Residence
Returning for a second year, Julius will be focusing on a 1:10 scale model of the Comet, which is part of the Museum’s permanent collection. As he returns to the ABM for his second year as Builder in Residence, Julius is developing prototype plans for sailboat model kits. These kits may eventually become part of the activities offered through our children’s programs, alongside sailing lessons and other summer camp offerings. He will once again be located in the Historic E.J. Noble Stone building, located at the center of the ABM campus.
Julius Faubel is a model boatbuilder from Munich, Germany who worked as a software integration engineer in his professional life and built boat models as one way of creating work-life balance. Instead of building models from kits, he creates every piece (including the metal hardware) himself and builds each boat using traditional boatbuilding methods. In addition to the models he comes to build in retirement, Julius continues to work as a project engineer for the Royal Bavarian Porcelain Manufactory and tutors apprentices in his field.
2024 Builder in Residence Project
The Legacy of StanCraft’s Torpedo-Shaped Hull
In the 1950s, StanCraft made waves in the world of motorboats with the introduction of their torpedo-shaped hull mahogany runabout. This innovative design captured the imagination of boating enthusiasts with its sleek, elongated form. Over the years, the hull’s shape and length evolved, but one feature remained uniquely StanCraft—the distinctive bat wings added to the end of the hull. Even then, these bat wings were a rare sight in runabouts, maintaining StanCraft’s reputation for innovation and style.
A Tribute to Craftsmanship: The 1:6 Model
The 2024 Builder in Residence at the Antique Boat Museum (ABM), Julius, crafted a 1:6 scale model of this iconic boat. Unlike typical model kits, this masterpiece was not available for purchase as a kit, highlighting the bespoke nature of its creation. The project aimed to showcase the intricate craftsmanship involved in motorboat manufacturing before the advent of plastic and composite materials.
Honoring the Tradition of Handcrafted Excellence
The model was a testament to the meticulous effort required by the original builders in the 1950s. Developed by two dedicated StanCraft admirers, it mirrored the precision and dedication inherent in the original design.
Materials and Construction
- First Layer: Thin poplar plywood formed the base layer.
- Second Layer: A combination of mahogany, maple, and wenge veneer added richness and depth.
- Upholstery: The seats in both cockpits were upholstered with genuine leather, ensuring luxury and authenticity.
- Metal Parts: Individually crafted from brass, these parts were soldered, polished, and chrome-plated for durability and shine.
- Varnish: Up to nine layers of 2K varnish were painstakingly applied to achieve a flawless finish.
A Labor of Love
Every part of this model, aptly named the Torpedo, was handmade. The construction process was labor-intensive, taking approximately six months to complete with a schedule of eight hours per day, five days a week. This dedication to traditional craftsmanship was a nod to a bygone era, where each boat was a unique work of art.
Memorial gifts are meaningful to the museum, and the donor, and a thoughtful way to honor someone special. If you would like to make a gift to the Builder in Residence program please call 315.686.4104 ext. 226, or make your gift online by clicking here.
