I started this model the day we put the real USCGC CAMPBELL WMEC-909 in commission (in July 1988, I’m a Plankowner). Its hard to admit it took me forever to scratch build this model but as all modelers know, things don’t always progress as smooth as we would like them to go. Being on active duty seemed to keep me from finishing the boat but I persisted and know I can start a new ship project without modelers “guilt” of leaving a big project unfinished.
The entire model is mostly balsa wood strips(plank on frame) with a plywood deck. The best part of the build was the PLASTIC parts, but many of these items were scrach built too. I used a few commercial parts like the crewmen, hh-65 helo, and a few other odds and ends. The Firescout drone is a hunk of balsa sanded down to a drones appearence. Actually the first time the flightdeck was used on the actual cutter was a Navy Kamen not a CG helo.
Anyway, a big shout out to two builders that aided me in this build. To Keith Bender, modeler extrodinaire, who encouraged(hasseled) me into finishing this large piece of work, …and to Loren Perry, who’s 1984 breakthrough USS Vogelgesang model inspired me to start this project all those years ago. To both of you gentlemen, a BIG thank you!
PS I’ll never build anything else this large again, I’ll stick to plastic…
I have slowly been collecting supplies, plans, and courage, to start the USCGC Venturous (WMEC 625). My first duty station many moons ago. This gem of a build sure is re-sparking that fire. I will be happy if it turns out close to half as awesome as yours. Again… great job!
By the way… what are the final measurements? Max length and with?
Holy Cats!! That is museum worthy. Congratulations to you for finishing this beautiful model after 24 years. Such a lot going on in it. (love the deck ape with the spilt 5 gallon bucket of paint, been there).
Since my hands are all thumbs, I give you the full compliment of ten thumbs up.
Absolutely beautiful. The internal detail is awesome! I suspect the build time reflects more that amount of detail rather than the size. I know RC boaters who would complete a model that size in much less time, but the result would be very sparse in terms of detail, and virtually no internal detail.
On the other hand, folks I know who do put in that much detail spend a number of years on even a smaller model. So you may find a less detailed model, even scratch built, would be a significantly shorter build. Also, a bread and butter style hull frequently leads to a shorter build, though there is much less room for internal detail.
On the other hand, in such a large scale, unless you have an extremely large house, you wouldn’t have room to display too many models, so build time is not as important anyway
Twenty-five years but so worth it! WOW, that’s a fantastic job! I can’t even get a kit built and you scratch-build most of her- just amazing- kudos sir!!!
Now you know why I build in that scale for my clients .Of course , I can’t take that long .Your work is incredibly clean and sophisticated .The interior detail is stunning . This is the kind of thing that makes me glad to be a modeler and a " PROFFESSIONAL " modeler too !
I tell my clients , If I take pictures of an area ,whatever is there gets included in the model ! They seem to like that . Again , a STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL piece of work ! ! Tanker-builder (MINSHIPCO’S CEO and founder )
I forgot to post the dimensions of the model and a few other particulars.
The hull is 72 inches long, 10 inches wide and 22 inches from keel to top of mast.
I didn’t mention that the superstructure is removable and set up for radio control. Its powered by two 12 volt Pittman motors and controlled by a 5 channel radio. The hanger and bridge are illuminated with LED’s. Unfortunately when fully loaded it weighs about 50 pounds and is very difficult to move it around corners without breaking something off the hull. I guess it’s “homeport” will be a CG museum, but I hope to have at least one shakedown cruise at the local lake. My R/C boats average 3 feet in length, a lot easier to handle these days with arthritis. Still, it was a build of a lifetime, but I’m sticking to smaller models these days.
I’m guessing you are/were a member of the Hooligan Navy, I have plans for building a 210’, the Vigilant as it appeared before FRAM. I hope you continue your effort to build the Venturous, the 210’s are a unique looking ship with a great service history. Besides there’s nothing like building a model of your old ship, looking at it and recalling the days spent underway with old shipmates.
Yes, I am an x-coastie bosun (my tag is my class). I spend many moons aboard the mighty V. I don’t believe I have 20+ years to finish mine, haha. It would be nice to actually kick the project off. I lack the work space and thus I keep putting it off.
My Venturous plans are also pre-FRAM. I am curious, is the RHIB scratch-built too? It looks great in the photographs.
50lbs!!! Holy cow… That’s what? an average 6 year old?
Keep us updated on where your model ends up. Hopefully it will be like you say, a museum (or Cape May even).
I’m a plankowner from Harriet Lane(WMEC 903), and bought the Scale Shipyard 1/96 scale hull. At 30 inches long, it can be RC’d, but it is a bit tender for my taste. A fellow clubmate build Spencer in this scale, and his model is definitely a calm water sailer. I like the idea of building her in 1/48!
Question: Did Campbell ever really carry the CIWS and Harpoons? I ask because I was also involved with the 378 FRAM program-- the ships were designed to accomodate the Harpoon, but only Mellon actually was equipped, to do the certifications for the class. (I’ve got a great photo of Mellon doing her live fire of the Harpoon.)
Wow… I had no idea the Mellon actually did a launch. Learn something new every day.
I read the Midgett (WHEC-726), being the newest of the 378s, was equipped but never actually fired a single one. I thought none of them fired any Harpoons.
On a side note, the only thing the Midgett is really know for, is its Captain’s arrival announcement…
“Now… Midgett arriving” LOL
Sorry, Thunder, I did not mean to hijack you thread. Your build still ROCKS!!!
