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Gene Larson's image gallery
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Laura Virginia privateer 1812 1:64
The Ship:
In the early days of the American Republic our Government lacked finances to build an adequate Navy. On the Chesapeake Bay "Baltimore Clippers" were fitted out by private owners who were granted Letters of Marque by the Government. This gave them the legality of private war vessels acting for the United States. The principal ports for outfitting these ventures ran from Maine to the Virginia Capes. The ships were comparatively small, but what they lacked in size and armament was more than made up by smart handling, speed and accurate gunnery.
The Model:
This model is constructed on a solid wood hull. The guns are brass and the rigging is linen. The model is an adaptation from a kit, and has been extensively modified to accurately represent the Baltimore Clipper privateers of the period. The ship's boat is built up of individual planks in lap strake fashion. The deck is a single piece of 1/64" fine grained aircraft plywood with caulking drawn in india ink. The extreme drag of the keel and rake of the masts is characteristic of these vessels.
Case: 30" x 14" x 26" h
In the early days of the American Republic our Government lacked finances to build an adequate Navy. On the Chesapeake Bay "Baltimore Clippers" were fitted out by private owners who were granted Letters of Marque by the Government. This gave them the legality of private war vessels acting for the United States. The principal ports for outfitting these ventures ran from Maine to the Virginia Capes. The ships were comparatively small, but what they lacked in size and armament was more than made up by smart handling, speed and accurate gunnery.
The Model:
This model is constructed on a solid wood hull. The guns are brass and the rigging is linen. The model is an adaptation from a kit, and has been extensively modified to accurately represent the Baltimore Clipper privateers of the period. The ship's boat is built up of individual planks in lap strake fashion. The deck is a single piece of 1/64" fine grained aircraft plywood with caulking drawn in india ink. The extreme drag of the keel and rake of the masts is characteristic of these vessels.
Case: 30" x 14" x 26" h
Chris Craft runabout 1930-45 1-8
The Boat:
Chris Craft began production in 1884 with duck boats and power launches. They eventually became the largest producer of mahogany boats in the country. This boat was extremely popular in Northern Wisconsin for fishing and cruising.
The Model:
My family owned a similar Chris Craft boat on Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin in the late 1930s and 1940s. This inspired the construction of the model.
The model started as a kit from Dumas Models, but after inspection of the materials supplied the only items retained were the interior plywood bulkheads, which cannot be seen, and the chrome finished fittings that had to be cleaned up and refinished.
The hull is double planked. The first layer is 1/16” plywood, and the outer layer of the hull is 3/8” x 1/16” Philippine mahogany. All the mahogany on the model was cut from a 2” x 8” x 6” plank. The caulking is 1/16” x 1/16” white plastic strips. The finish is semi-gloss polyurethane varnish.
Hatches and seats are removable for access to the interior for the future installation of radio control equipment if so desired.
The case is black walnut harvested from North Carolina, and the model cradle is red oak.
Case: 46" x 15" x 15" h
Chris Craft began production in 1884 with duck boats and power launches. They eventually became the largest producer of mahogany boats in the country. This boat was extremely popular in Northern Wisconsin for fishing and cruising.
The Model:
My family owned a similar Chris Craft boat on Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin in the late 1930s and 1940s. This inspired the construction of the model.
The model started as a kit from Dumas Models, but after inspection of the materials supplied the only items retained were the interior plywood bulkheads, which cannot be seen, and the chrome finished fittings that had to be cleaned up and refinished.
The hull is double planked. The first layer is 1/16” plywood, and the outer layer of the hull is 3/8” x 1/16” Philippine mahogany. All the mahogany on the model was cut from a 2” x 8” x 6” plank. The caulking is 1/16” x 1/16” white plastic strips. The finish is semi-gloss polyurethane varnish.
Hatches and seats are removable for access to the interior for the future installation of radio control equipment if so desired.
The case is black walnut harvested from North Carolina, and the model cradle is red oak.
Case: 46" x 15" x 15" h
Chris Craft Runabout - cockpit detail
Chris Craft runabout - bow detail 2
Chris Craft runabout - bow detail
USS Saucy PG-65 1:72
The Ship
The Flower Class Corvettes were developed and constructed during the early years of World War II to challenge the threat of the German U-Boat submarines against the convoys supplying the Allied Forces in Great Britain and Russia. Only a few of the vessels were commissioned in the United States Navy for convoy duty. The adventures of the British Navy corvettes have been documented in the movie, "The Cruel Sea", which is available on video rental.
The Model
This operating plastic-hull model was adapted from a kit for radio controlled operation with rudder and speed control functions.
Case: 38" x 11" x 17" h
The Flower Class Corvettes were developed and constructed during the early years of World War II to challenge the threat of the German U-Boat submarines against the convoys supplying the Allied Forces in Great Britain and Russia. Only a few of the vessels were commissioned in the United States Navy for convoy duty. The adventures of the British Navy corvettes have been documented in the movie, "The Cruel Sea", which is available on video rental.
The Model
This operating plastic-hull model was adapted from a kit for radio controlled operation with rudder and speed control functions.
Case: 38" x 11" x 17" h
Gun deck 1780 1-48
This is a typical deck arrangement for a gun on board an early warship. The model is scratch built following original plans.
Case: 8" x 7" x 4" h
Case: 8" x 7" x 4" h
Gun deck 1780 1-48
This is a typical deck arrangement for a gun on board an early warship. The model is scratch built following original plans.
Case: 8" x 7" x 4" h
Case: 8" x 7" x 4" h
Half hull models
Scale: various; backboards are 24"
Half Hull Models
Half hull models are collected by nautical buffs, and others interested in the sea, to decorate home and offices. Originally the half hull models were produced in the United States as an aid in constructing the vessels they represented. In the 1800's and early 1900's naval architects and ship builders constructed the half hull models to the exact shape they wanted in the finished vessel. This time saving method circumvented the problems involved in the detailed drawing, fairing and cross-checking of all the ship's lines and insured that the lines were correct. These half hull models were constructed by the "lift method", slabs of wood cut parallel to the waterline. The lifts were temporarily joined together and the half hull model was carved by the naval architect, builder or a hired craftsman, using experience gained from building previous ships and knowing the qualities the new vessel should have. When the half hull model was completed the lifts were taken apart and the wooden shapes were used as miniature patterns to lay out the ship's lines in full scale. The ship's frames could then be developed and cut, and the hull constructed. When the ship was finished the half hull pieces were put together, mounted on a backboard, and given to the owner of the vessel or kept by the builder to place on the wall as a decoration.
The Models:
These half hull models were constructed from authentic plans. The plans for the America's Cup defenders Courageous and Intrepid were obtained directly from the designers, Sparkman and Stephens. The Chesapeake Bay Bugeye, Lillie Sterling, plans were recorded from the original boat by Howard I. Chapelle of the Smithsonian. The half hull models are constructed of cherry above the waterline, and walnut below. The Waterline and backboard are maple. The finish is multiple coats of Tung Oil.
Half Hull Models
Half hull models are collected by nautical buffs, and others interested in the sea, to decorate home and offices. Originally the half hull models were produced in the United States as an aid in constructing the vessels they represented. In the 1800's and early 1900's naval architects and ship builders constructed the half hull models to the exact shape they wanted in the finished vessel. This time saving method circumvented the problems involved in the detailed drawing, fairing and cross-checking of all the ship's lines and insured that the lines were correct. These half hull models were constructed by the "lift method", slabs of wood cut parallel to the waterline. The lifts were temporarily joined together and the half hull model was carved by the naval architect, builder or a hired craftsman, using experience gained from building previous ships and knowing the qualities the new vessel should have. When the half hull model was completed the lifts were taken apart and the wooden shapes were used as miniature patterns to lay out the ship's lines in full scale. The ship's frames could then be developed and cut, and the hull constructed. When the ship was finished the half hull pieces were put together, mounted on a backboard, and given to the owner of the vessel or kept by the builder to place on the wall as a decoration.
The Models:
These half hull models were constructed from authentic plans. The plans for the America's Cup defenders Courageous and Intrepid were obtained directly from the designers, Sparkman and Stephens. The Chesapeake Bay Bugeye, Lillie Sterling, plans were recorded from the original boat by Howard I. Chapelle of the Smithsonian. The half hull models are constructed of cherry above the waterline, and walnut below. The Waterline and backboard are maple. The finish is multiple coats of Tung Oil.
Imara harbor tug 1931 1:32
The Ship:
Imara was a twin screw berthing tug built in 1931 to a Crown Colonies Contract for delivery to the Tanganyika Railway Company for use at Dar-es-Salaam, in what is now Tanzania on the east coast of Africa. After only two years of service she was purchased by the Royal Navy, renamed Perseverance, and modified for use in a cooler climate. The tug was designed for work in the tropics, as shown by the large quantity of cowls, windows, skylights, ports, gratings, and side grills. There were accommodations suitable for European officers, master, mate, engineer, and three juniors, to live on board. There was a Lasker (native) crew of six firemen and six deckhands.
Specifications:
Length between perpendiculars: 109 feet
Moulded breath: 28.5 feet
Propulsion: two coal fired steam engines rated at 500 hp each
Speed, full power: 11.6 knots
Designed to move a 12,000 ton vessel in still waters
The Model:
The model of Imara is 42 inches long and is radio controlled. It is built on a scale of 3/8” = 1 foot, or 1/32. It is powered by two 3 inch diameter right and left handed propellers driven through a gear reduction of 1.7 by 12 volt electric motors run from three batteries which also provide ballast. The model weighs 38 pounds. Operating features include forward and reverse variable speed control, siren, simulated steam horn, smoke, and exterior and interior lighting.
The model is based on a kit offering from an English manufacturer, however, the over 800 white metal cast fittings were poorly formed and contained 52% lead. Lead will eventually oxidize/corrode to form lead acetate, even with a paint sealant. The wood provided in the kit was also a poor quality, and it was replaced. Therefore, only the hull, the forward lower cabin structure, the aft cabin, and funnel, which are made of fiberglass, and the formed plastic hulls of the two boats were utilized from the kit. The remainder of the boat and nearly all the fittings were scratch built. A variety of materials was used in the construction. Woods include maple, cherry, Swiss pear, Yoshino cherry (directly from the famed cherry blossom trees in D.C.), apple, basswood, and thin birch plywood. The fittings were made from a variety of materials including brass, wood, CorianR (counter top material), plastic, and cast resin using scratch built masters.
The entire model was constructed so nearly every fitting can be removed and repaired or replaced in case of damage. In some instances major disassembly is required.
The photos in the album show the model prior to painting so the various materials used in the construction can be seen. The large light gray structures; hull, forward lower cabin structure, aft cabin, and funnel, are fiberglass moldings. The white boats are formed plastic. The dark gray fittings are cast resin using #816, and the light tan fittings are cast from Aluminite. The fittings fabricated from brass show as a gold color,, and the Corian fittings are white.
Case: 50" x 18" x 31" h
Imara was a twin screw berthing tug built in 1931 to a Crown Colonies Contract for delivery to the Tanganyika Railway Company for use at Dar-es-Salaam, in what is now Tanzania on the east coast of Africa. After only two years of service she was purchased by the Royal Navy, renamed Perseverance, and modified for use in a cooler climate. The tug was designed for work in the tropics, as shown by the large quantity of cowls, windows, skylights, ports, gratings, and side grills. There were accommodations suitable for European officers, master, mate, engineer, and three juniors, to live on board. There was a Lasker (native) crew of six firemen and six deckhands.
Specifications:
Length between perpendiculars: 109 feet
Moulded breath: 28.5 feet
Propulsion: two coal fired steam engines rated at 500 hp each
Speed, full power: 11.6 knots
Designed to move a 12,000 ton vessel in still waters
The Model:
The model of Imara is 42 inches long and is radio controlled. It is built on a scale of 3/8” = 1 foot, or 1/32. It is powered by two 3 inch diameter right and left handed propellers driven through a gear reduction of 1.7 by 12 volt electric motors run from three batteries which also provide ballast. The model weighs 38 pounds. Operating features include forward and reverse variable speed control, siren, simulated steam horn, smoke, and exterior and interior lighting.
The model is based on a kit offering from an English manufacturer, however, the over 800 white metal cast fittings were poorly formed and contained 52% lead. Lead will eventually oxidize/corrode to form lead acetate, even with a paint sealant. The wood provided in the kit was also a poor quality, and it was replaced. Therefore, only the hull, the forward lower cabin structure, the aft cabin, and funnel, which are made of fiberglass, and the formed plastic hulls of the two boats were utilized from the kit. The remainder of the boat and nearly all the fittings were scratch built. A variety of materials was used in the construction. Woods include maple, cherry, Swiss pear, Yoshino cherry (directly from the famed cherry blossom trees in D.C.), apple, basswood, and thin birch plywood. The fittings were made from a variety of materials including brass, wood, CorianR (counter top material), plastic, and cast resin using scratch built masters.
The entire model was constructed so nearly every fitting can be removed and repaired or replaced in case of damage. In some instances major disassembly is required.
The photos in the album show the model prior to painting so the various materials used in the construction can be seen. The large light gray structures; hull, forward lower cabin structure, aft cabin, and funnel, are fiberglass moldings. The white boats are formed plastic. The dark gray fittings are cast resin using #816, and the light tan fittings are cast from Aluminite. The fittings fabricated from brass show as a gold color,, and the Corian fittings are white.
Case: 50" x 18" x 31" h
Baltimore Clipper privateer 1:48
The Ship:
This ship is representative of the privateers that were fitted out by private owners granted Letters of Marque by the Government. This gave them the authority to act a private war vessels for the United States. Due to their speed and easy handling they were able to fight against overwhelming odds, and they brought back prizes that proved to be the basis of many fortunes.
The Model:
This modified kit is all wood, with plank-on-bulkhead hull construction. The hull planks are 2x5 mm mahogany. The deck is laid with individual planks. Other woods include walnut, box, bass, spruce, cherry, beach and lime. The guns are brass and the rigging is linen. The original kit was extensively modified to represent the Baltimore Clipper-Privateers of the period. Most of the kit materials were discarded.
Case: 40" x 16" x 31" h
This ship is representative of the privateers that were fitted out by private owners granted Letters of Marque by the Government. This gave them the authority to act a private war vessels for the United States. Due to their speed and easy handling they were able to fight against overwhelming odds, and they brought back prizes that proved to be the basis of many fortunes.
The Model:
This modified kit is all wood, with plank-on-bulkhead hull construction. The hull planks are 2x5 mm mahogany. The deck is laid with individual planks. Other woods include walnut, box, bass, spruce, cherry, beach and lime. The guns are brass and the rigging is linen. The original kit was extensively modified to represent the Baltimore Clipper-Privateers of the period. Most of the kit materials were discarded.
Case: 40" x 16" x 31" h
Mayflower 1620 1:64
The Ship:
Although the details of the Mayflower are unknown a vessel similar to this model brought the first colonists to New England. She was an ordinary merchant ship with a berthen of 180 tons. She was a three-masted vessel with spritsail, for and main courses with topsails, and a lateen on the mizzen. She was steered by a whipstaff - a vertical staff reaching down through the ship's deck and hinged to the end of the tiller.
The Model:
This scratch built model is constructed on a solid wood hull below the waterline, with planked sides above the waterline. The principal material is basswood. The ship's boat is built of individual thin planks. The traditional triangular designs were hand painted.
Case: 28" x 13" x 23" h
Although the details of the Mayflower are unknown a vessel similar to this model brought the first colonists to New England. She was an ordinary merchant ship with a berthen of 180 tons. She was a three-masted vessel with spritsail, for and main courses with topsails, and a lateen on the mizzen. She was steered by a whipstaff - a vertical staff reaching down through the ship's deck and hinged to the end of the tiller.
The Model:
This scratch built model is constructed on a solid wood hull below the waterline, with planked sides above the waterline. The principal material is basswood. The ship's boat is built of individual thin planks. The traditional triangular designs were hand painted.
Case: 28" x 13" x 23" h
Pegasus III motor yacht 1973 1:32
The Ship:
Pegasus was built in the German boat yard of Kroeger-Werft in 1973. She won the coveted title of best and most beautiful "yacht of the year" from Lloyd's Register of Shipping and also Lloyd's Register Yacht Trophy 1973. The yacht was built for the owner of a Greek shipping company at a cost of 10 million Deutschmark. She was equipped with two powerful 2750 KW (3750 h.p.) diesel engines, and was capable of making over 30 knots.
The Model:
This radio controlled model is constructed on the vacuformed plastic hull and cabin structure from a kit. The decks are swiss pearwood sheet lined in white ink to represent the caulking. The railing is piano wire silver soldered in a jig off the model and later installed. The radio controls include individual propeller control which permit, with coordinated rudder action, turning on itself with no lateral motion.
Case: 50" x 10" x 18h
Pegasus was built in the German boat yard of Kroeger-Werft in 1973. She won the coveted title of best and most beautiful "yacht of the year" from Lloyd's Register of Shipping and also Lloyd's Register Yacht Trophy 1973. The yacht was built for the owner of a Greek shipping company at a cost of 10 million Deutschmark. She was equipped with two powerful 2750 KW (3750 h.p.) diesel engines, and was capable of making over 30 knots.
The Model:
This radio controlled model is constructed on the vacuformed plastic hull and cabin structure from a kit. The decks are swiss pearwood sheet lined in white ink to represent the caulking. The railing is piano wire silver soldered in a jig off the model and later installed. The radio controls include individual propeller control which permit, with coordinated rudder action, turning on itself with no lateral motion.
Case: 50" x 10" x 18h
Rattlesnake Massachusetts privateer 1781 1:192
The Ship:
The Rattlesnake was a small frigate with lines and features imposing beyond her true size and strength. The ship-rigged privateer was built in Plymouth, Massachusesst. Her Salem owners were granted a Letter of Marque, authorizing them to raid British shipping under the flag of the United States. With 20 guns and a crew of 85, she was captured by HMS Assurance off our coast, and her lines were recorded in England.
The Model:
This miniature plank on frame model reflects the fine detail that can be obtained in a very small scale. The model is built in the "Admiralty" style, with hull and deck planks removed to reveal interior construction and provide a better view of the hull lines. In the 17th and 18th centuries the British Admiralty used this style model, on a larger scale, to judge the merits of a ship prior to approving its construction.
Case: 9" x 3" x 3" h
The Rattlesnake was a small frigate with lines and features imposing beyond her true size and strength. The ship-rigged privateer was built in Plymouth, Massachusesst. Her Salem owners were granted a Letter of Marque, authorizing them to raid British shipping under the flag of the United States. With 20 guns and a crew of 85, she was captured by HMS Assurance off our coast, and her lines were recorded in England.
The Model:
This miniature plank on frame model reflects the fine detail that can be obtained in a very small scale. The model is built in the "Admiralty" style, with hull and deck planks removed to reveal interior construction and provide a better view of the hull lines. In the 17th and 18th centuries the British Admiralty used this style model, on a larger scale, to judge the merits of a ship prior to approving its construction.
Case: 9" x 3" x 3" h
Rattlesnake Massachusetts privateer 1781 1:64
The Ship:
The Rattlesnake was a small frigate with lines and features imposing beyond her true size and strength. The ship-rigged privateer was built in Plymouth, Massachusesst. Her Salem owners were granted a Letter of Marque, authorizing them to raid British shipping under the flag of the United States. With 20 guns and a crew of 85, she was captured by HMS Assurance off our coast, and her lines were recorded in England.
The Model:
The model, the first attempt at a wood ship model, is a modified kit constructed on a solid hull.
Case: " x " x " h
The Rattlesnake was a small frigate with lines and features imposing beyond her true size and strength. The ship-rigged privateer was built in Plymouth, Massachusesst. Her Salem owners were granted a Letter of Marque, authorizing them to raid British shipping under the flag of the United States. With 20 guns and a crew of 85, she was captured by HMS Assurance off our coast, and her lines were recorded in England.
The Model:
The model, the first attempt at a wood ship model, is a modified kit constructed on a solid hull.
Case: " x " x " h
USS Surprise PG-97 fast patrol gunboat 1:72
The Ship:
The Asheville Class Fast Patrol Gunboats were developed as a result of experience in the Viet Nam War, which indicated that the Navy needed a class of relatively small, high speed craft to use for blockade duty as well as scouting and surveillance assignments. The gunboats were found to be poor sea keepers in rough weather, and were seriously underarmed. Several of the vessels in the class were transferred to allied countries including South Korea, Columbia, Turkey and Greece. Others were transferred to enties in this country, including the Massachusetts maritime Academy and the Environmental Protedtion Agency. By 1984 the remainder were decommissioned and placed in the Reserve Fleet.
The gunboat was 164.5 feet long, beam 23.8 feet, draft 9.5 feet, and had a displacement of 245 tons, fully loaded. With two 24-cylinder, 725 bhp Cummins diesel engines it had a speed of 37-40 knots. Armament consisted of a MK-34, 3-in/50 cal rapid fire gun in a forward enclosed mount, a 40 mm rapid fire gun aft, and four .50 cal machine guns on the bridge wings. Its complement consisted of 3 officers and 21 enlisted personnel. Its range was 3,000 NM at 12 knots or 490NM at 37 knots.
The Model:
The model is built of wood, and is designed for both static display and radio control.
Case: 36" x 9" x 15" h
The Asheville Class Fast Patrol Gunboats were developed as a result of experience in the Viet Nam War, which indicated that the Navy needed a class of relatively small, high speed craft to use for blockade duty as well as scouting and surveillance assignments. The gunboats were found to be poor sea keepers in rough weather, and were seriously underarmed. Several of the vessels in the class were transferred to allied countries including South Korea, Columbia, Turkey and Greece. Others were transferred to enties in this country, including the Massachusetts maritime Academy and the Environmental Protedtion Agency. By 1984 the remainder were decommissioned and placed in the Reserve Fleet.
The gunboat was 164.5 feet long, beam 23.8 feet, draft 9.5 feet, and had a displacement of 245 tons, fully loaded. With two 24-cylinder, 725 bhp Cummins diesel engines it had a speed of 37-40 knots. Armament consisted of a MK-34, 3-in/50 cal rapid fire gun in a forward enclosed mount, a 40 mm rapid fire gun aft, and four .50 cal machine guns on the bridge wings. Its complement consisted of 3 officers and 21 enlisted personnel. Its range was 3,000 NM at 12 knots or 490NM at 37 knots.
The Model:
The model is built of wood, and is designed for both static display and radio control.
Case: 36" x 9" x 15" h
Royal Thai barge
The Boat:
This model represents the Royal Barge of Thailand, used by the King during annual celebrations. The seven steps on the umbrella indicate that the King is on board.
The model was built in Thailand, and has a solid hull of teak with gold leaf. The figures are made of cast lead. The model, including the case, was purchased for $15.00 in 1971 from the builder, who lived outside Bangkok.
Case: 28" x 9" x 9" h
This model represents the Royal Barge of Thailand, used by the King during annual celebrations. The seven steps on the umbrella indicate that the King is on board.
The model was built in Thailand, and has a solid hull of teak with gold leaf. The figures are made of cast lead. The model, including the case, was purchased for $15.00 in 1971 from the builder, who lived outside Bangkok.
Case: 28" x 9" x 9" h
US Navy recognition models WW2 1:1250
The Models:
This collection represents the main United States naval combatants from World War II. Each major class of warship has at least one model shown. The models are cast metal and show exceptional detail for their size. This model scale was first developed during WWII for identification purposes. The U.S. Navy commissioned several manufacturers to produce naval models of the major countries involved in the war, both Allied and Axis forces.
Case: Not currently in a case, but if cases are needed they would be approximately:
18" x 12" x 3" h - 2 cases
This collection represents the main United States naval combatants from World War II. Each major class of warship has at least one model shown. The models are cast metal and show exceptional detail for their size. This model scale was first developed during WWII for identification purposes. The U.S. Navy commissioned several manufacturers to produce naval models of the major countries involved in the war, both Allied and Axis forces.
Case: Not currently in a case, but if cases are needed they would be approximately:
18" x 12" x 3" h - 2 cases
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