Hartman Fiberglass Delta Queen

[herrmill]

For anyone interested in the PS Delta Queen...

Loyalhanna Dockyard of Bergen, NY announced last week that they have acquired Hartman Fiberglass & will be offering both the original & current CG version 1/50 Delta Queen hull & fitting kits sometime this summer along with the rest of the line. 

Aside from Saito, Hartman, founded & operated by the late Dwight Hartman, was the only manufacturer offering a large scale Delta Queen kit & plans.  Hartman is well-known & respected with American model boat builders for their high quality line of tug & sailboat hulls. 

It has been sometime since I posted with my plans to build a Saito Delta Queen kit.  Long story short, my purchase turned out to be a rather well done eBay scam that took in several others in the US & EU that were interested in rare & hard-to-find hobby items or coins. After that setback, I was fortunate to obtain one of Dwight's plan sets, but was unable to get the early DQ hull before his passing last year, so this news from Loyalhanna is indeed good to hear.  

I know of several others in the States who feel the same & are eager to get their hands on a hull. One of them was kind enough to send me photos of last week's Annual Steamboat Race between the DQ & Belle of Louisville which I've attached below for your enjoyment.  After a spirited race & subsequent challenge due to river tow interfering, it appears the DQ again gets to wear the antlers for another year. 

More news can be seen on Loyalhanna's homepage http://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/

Chuck

[towboatjoe]

I will sorely miss Dwight. Here's a photo I took of the DQ docking in Marietta, Ohio and one I took of her passing my area.

[herrmill]

Joe,

I know where you are coming from even though I only had the chance to talk with Dwight once & share several letters.  He was one of a kind, a vanishing breed of craftsmen.  Am happy to see Don take on his line after hearing how he plans to keep Dwight's collection intact & not just wanting to parcel out the best sellers. 

That photo does bring back some memories... Marietta is only 55 miles downriver of where I grew up.

Chuck

[herrmill]

BTW, it was Phillip (Norway 2112 of RCG) who sent me those photos from last week's race.  He's been interested in getting Dwight's DQ & told me yesterday he would like to build BOTH the original as well as '91 CG refit version PLUS the Delta King!   

Chuck