The C3/T3 break-bulk cargo ship/tanker was the mainstay of ocean shipping for decades, supplanted by container ships in the years around 1970. Shown here is the prototype model on my layout in Albuquerque. The C3/T3 hull is the basis for the 487′ First Generation Container Ship, with a different stern and the machine spaces moved to the stern. The Beavercove has a raised cruiser stern. The middle island could accommodate 20 passengers in relative luxury, at about 20 knots per crossing. Alternate midships islands will be available, as well as poop deck houses, and the decking and details for tanker hulls. Cargo details include the many winches, posts, booms, and rigging used by stevedores to offload cargo; the decks are detailed with the many ventilators, lifeboats, davits, hose reels, and myriad other equipment on these utilitarian and sometimes handsome ships.
The model replicates the sweep and camber of the hull and superstructure, making it a graceful but somewhat difficult to build kit. The bow and stern are large cast resin pieces, joined by a styrene box section, so the hull is easier to fabricate. The camber of the middle house will be a challenge, as it is best built up on the hull, making painting a task that requires some planning. The solid white bulwarks along the forward and rear decks will be replaced by prototypical brass railings, which were not available at the time of this build.
Here’s a closer view of the details built with this model.
Due to the immense amount of brass and white metal castings, prices for a fully detailed kit will probably be about $600, although I am working very hard on less expensive fittings. I will probably offer a basic kit, for those who want to build or supply their own details, at around $300. Prices for a fully detailed built-up will be in the $2500 to $4000 range.
This model will not be part of my regular line, but is available on custom order. It will be about June before kits will be available, but inquire, as hulls and superstructures are available.
what is the size of that ship? like length,height and width
In N scale it is 37+” long, 4.5″ wide and about 6″ high to the top of the masts. In Z scale it is 72.727% of the N scale dimensions. Both N and Z are available now as built-ups for about $4000.00; kit will probably be announced in April 2015.
Hi, Other than “Reply” I didn’t see a way to contact you via email. I am modeling the White Pass & Yukon Railway in N scale (narrow gauge) and was wondering if you still produce the C3 kit? I am going through sources and have found pictures of a few container ships that regularly docked at the Skagway, AK wharf (Clifford J. Rogers, Klondike, Frank H Brown), but not many of other ships. However, the C3 is of the right era, and your model looks outstanding, so I am very interested if you are still making them.
Yes, the C3s are still available as break bulk cargo and as container ships.
Just as a matter of information, the T3 was extremely rare. I took one to scrap many years ago. The T2 on the other hand WAS the mainstay of the U.S. merchant tanker fleet for decades. I sailed on more than a few. Also some C3’s. Fine model, by the way..
Capt. Mike Frye,
Master, Ocean Steam and Motor Vessels, Any Gross Tons -ret.
I agree and should probably reclassify this as C2/T2. But the literature I had available said C3. Many classifications were based on taxes and few were challenged. It’s right on the borderline for length and perhaps too narrow for C3?