Due to Kay’s illness and passing, and then a move to a new residence, I’ve ignored this website and parts of the business for way too long. On September 9, 2019, my new workshop will officially open. It is a finished stall in a three-car garage, with the other two stalls and the entire upstairs available for bulky or messy work like shaping eight-foot N scale hulls or accommodating a paint booth and photo studio.
It represents the first true modeling and manufacturing facility since I left Ohio about four years ago. The workshop has been moved five times since, twice in a hurry, which has led to boxes upon boxes being scrambled each time. I had hoped to open it in February, but historic amounts of rain last winter delayed that earlier opening.
With a new partner in life, I hope to be introducing a comprehensive line of 3D-printed marine parts, along with my long-promised online ordering system. In the works are some projects that have been delayed the last three years. First will be WW II warships, notably Benson and Fletcher destroyers and Atlanta and Cleveland cruisers, followed by a Baltimore cruiser. I have built all of these for customers but now will be able to share them. I’ll also be filling some gaps in the commercial merchant fleet: more small pleasure boats and smaller freighters, tankers and barges.
My thanks to customers who have shown patience during the delays of the past few years.
Look forward to some new products.
Have you thought about doing the Cliffs Victory. Cleveland Cliffs freighter was a converted liberty ship and was the fastest on the lakes for many years. A dual purpose model, a laker and a victory ship.
It wouldn’t be too hard. I have the bow, superstructure and hatches. I’ll have to study the stern and the mid-sections. Would you buy one if I made one? She had a pretty deep draught of 35 feet, about 8 feet more than most Lakers, so she couldn’t pass through the locks unless lightly loaded–perhaps too lightly for stability. And if she was fully loaded and riding as low as other Lakers, I’d be trimming the bow and stern at the bottom. I didn’t know this one existed, so thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Writing to inquire as to whether a completed model, or a model in kit form of a USCG Active class cutter might be available?
Yes, both completed models and kits are still available. There are four completed models left. These have cast resin superstructures. The superstructure for kits has now been replaced with a 3D printed structure that makes assembly much easier. There are only a few hulls still available for kits. I think the silicon molds have aged beyond usable life and will not replace them. Will I build a completed model from one of the hulls and the new 3D printed superstructure? Yes, but hulls are very limited.
Thanks for your reply Peter, sorry I missed it until now. Would it be possible to discuss details via email or phone? Interested in the USCGC General Greene WMEC140 (former crew member).
Yes, that is possible. I am very willing to answer questions or discuss details via emails (peterknolan@nscale ships.com) or telephone (505-620-7803). Often a caller has much more info about a ship than I do. Usually I answer both here and also with a private emil that may have more details.