Along New England.... Woods Hole (MA.) Model Show

[Ron J]

The Grey Model, is the" Nantucket LV112" in WWII Colors and Armament. During the War, Her Lanterns were removed, Red hull painted Grey, and Small Cannon installed.Model built by Captain Robertson Dinsmore.

The next is the "Boston Lightship", built in 1946. She was built in Michigan, to be Stationed at Diamond Shoals, North Carolina. She ended Her career as the "Boston". Later given to a non profit Group in New Jersey, who after many years could not afford to keep Her. She fell into ill repair, and was scuttled,off New Jersey as an artificial reef! Captain Dinsmore was 2nd in Command, aboard Her maiden voyage, and brought Her down the Mississippi River in 1946. He also built this model! This Lightship is special to me..I own the actual Ships Bell!

The Next is the Eagle 56, a Coast Guard Cutter, pre WWII, built by Captain Dinsmore. This Vessel was 100' in length, built to chase Rum Runners in New England during Prohibition.

Next is the 180' Buoy Tender "SAGEBRUSH" also built by Captain Dinsmore. This Vessel was also scuttled after many faithful years of Service, in 1988.

The last Vessel is a more modern Coast Guard Cutter, still in use today... I forget the builders name..

Will post more models tomorrow?? Many more, great Models were there...

Rj

 

[Roscue2]

Those are some nice models Ron, and thanks for the history lesson. Also, worse things than becoming a reef I guess. Could always be scrapped and sold to China.

 

[Ron J]

n/t

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

I assume that they are built from wood, metal, and plastic or a combination...and built from scratch. I seldom see models of this quality...the workmanship is fantastic. I wonder how long it took to build some of these models? Ron, thanks for posting these pictures. Kelley (Texas)

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

are eventually scrapped, or sunk to make a reef. I have always felt that there surely has to be some use of these old ships. Kelley (Texas)

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

Do you ever get the opportunity to sail aboard a Coast Guard ship? Kelley (Texas)

 

[Ron J]

In regards to both questions. Prior to 9/11, while I was Service Mgr., at one of Our Nissan Dealerships, one of Master Techs, was active in the Coast Guard Reserve. He was stationed in Gloucester, Ma. Only 30 minutes from my house. Bob, was a Chief, and active every other week. He knew my interest, and knew my Dad had served 28 years in the Coast Guard. Bob arranged through his Commander, to take me and a friend out on Patrol for a day. So on a beautiful, but nippy February , My buddy Tom and I drove to Station Gloucester, met Bob, where he took us for a tour, and then into the locker room, where we donned bright Orange Mustang Survival Suits. When the rest of the Crew were ready we all boarded a 47 foot, patrol boat. Seeing how it was February, there were not too many other vessels out there. We patrolled the waters of the North shore. Marblehead, Swampscott Salem. Manchester etc. The 47's are all Aluminum , with twin Diesel engine. They are still used to day in most Stations, but are slowly being phased out for smaller 45 footers. I will never forget that day! Bob, has been active CG for years now, and due to retire.

In regards of obtaining the Bell, it was advertised on an on line auction site, for a lot of money. I followed the auction, and the Bell did not sell. I contacted the seller after the auction had ended. We haggled a few days, before coming to terms. Prior to payment, I had seen the pictures, so I knew it was the real thing. I knew the history of the Lightship, asked questions of where he had gotten the Bell, and his story made total sense. It is one of my prized possessions.

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

Just seems that it is not strong enough when compared to steel. Aluminum is difficult to weld and would appear to me to be more easily damaged from the salt water. Kelley (Texas)