New member from Alexandria, VA

[bkempins]

Hello everyone,

My name is Bernard Kempinski, from Alexandria, VA , just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.  I am primarily a model railroader, but I also love ship models.

I am currently working on a 1/48th scale model railroad depicting the American Civil War in 1863. My project includes a harbor scene at Aquia Landing, a Union (Northern) supply depot and wharf. I am looking for plans for a paddle wheel steamer that might fit in the space I have available. For more info about my project please see http://usmrr.blogspot.com

I would like to build a static, fine scale, water line model of a 140 feet or less  paddle wheel, walking beam steam  transport or supply ship of the type serviced the wharf at Aquia Landing. This picture shows the type of ships I am looking for.

Unfortunately, most of the ships I see available as models are too big for my space.  The Dumas' Mt Washington would be great but it is probably too big. I calculate that I can fit a ship no bigger than 36 inches in length in the space I have.  Does anyone  know of any plans that might work in that space? I have identified some ships that might work, such as the SS Mystic, built by Willima Miller, New London CT (Page 239 Heyl, "Early American Steamers." Volume III.), the USS Coeur de Lion


or the USS Jacob Bell.  But I have drawn a blank in looking for plans.

This will be a static display. I plan to build the hull using laser cut parts, probably plank on bulkhead, but I may use the bread and butter technique since the hull will be relatively thin as a waterline model.

Thanks for you  time,

BCK
www.alkemscalemodels.com

[Dinosaursoupman]

 Hello Bernard,

A paper model in 1/250 scale is available from this site; http://www.myspace.com/mmpapermodels.
You can use that as a basis for building a larger version you'll just have to enlarge it by 520%. I wouldn't be too concerned about the accuracy of the hull shape as very little of it would show in a waterline model.

The USS Coeur De Lion was used to tow a barge upon which an observation balloon was mounted.

Also available is the U.S.S. Commodore Perry. At 143' she would scale out to 35-3/4". She was a converted New York ferry and spent a lot of time on the James River.

Hope this helps, Randy

[bkempins]

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out when I get a chance.

[bkempins]

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out when I get a chance.

I had a chance to look at the files and they are quite helpful. I will try to build one of the models in wood at 1/4 inch scale. I'll post results when I have something to show.

Thanks,
BCK