Went down to the docks this afternoon

Modeling Subjects Ships
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I went down to the docks this afternoon to look at this ship, which has been tied up at Pier 40 for the last couple of weeks. The USCG Cutter Fir, WLM-212 lighthouse and buoy tender. Launched in March 1939, she’s a National Historic Landmark. Here’s the history:

http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/NPS_Fir_HAER_Report.pdf

Isn’t she sweet? The linked document has a wealth of information and drawings.

Then I went a little further south to Pier 80 and found this:

USS Tripoli (LPH-10)

A great day, if not entirely productive. Oops, here come the bus, time to go!

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What a contrast between the Fir and the Tripoli. One looks ready to go back out on duty and the other… so sad.[:(]

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The Tripoli is being used by the Army to launch ballistic missiles for intercept tests.

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It is very cool indeed! Looks like a great way to spen some time. One odd thing that struck me was if you loose the markings the paint scheme reminds me of the Titanic? Beige stack and all.