Built this for an O scale model railroad.
Alaska RR never had a marine division so this sort of just developed over emails in a few days time.
Tug, car float and the ramp to get off the dry land.
Well weathered for that authentic model railroad look

Next one for KP.

I’ve been building Manhattan for the American Merchant Marine Museum @ Kings Point.
1/16”=1 foot.
Basswood hull, plastic foam house’s sheathed with plastic card.
Some Bluejacket fittings, brass wire, tubing and some etched valve wheels....Continue Reading

Had a nice day so went out for a voyage around the water. Looks like I covered about a mile and a half.
A little bit of Seven tree pond, up river to Round pond and then back.
Was quit nice messing about with boats....Continue Reading

Fra Berlanga (0 min 33 sec)

Kind of funny. You really should know what way the ship is headed before applying power. (see at 50 seconds)

Fra Berlanga with the Mr Darby (3 min 41 sec)

This is about all I ran this year.
Next year maybe I'll run them even more.
Mr Darby has had close to 30 hours running time this summer.
It's funny in a way how the constant hum of the twin motors reminds me so much of shipping in the merchant marine.
You know how it just sounds like all is well and running the right way, for hours on end.
Needs some ship yard time this winter. Broke a few items.

I've got plenty of ballast,
New motor is attached.
Have a truck to tow her lined up.
Plenty of #25's.
This coming week should be fun, fun, fun.

Have made loads of time for this project as of late.
It's a great diversion at times.
Picking up a new motor tomorrow. yippe!

Went out last night for a two hours tow about the pond.

Late night tow with the Mr Darby tug boat (0 min 49 sec)

And in ATB mode.

009 (0 min 23 sec)

...Continue Reading

Had to remove the trolling motor off the barge so had the idea of using Mr Darby in the stern.
No notch yet but it should be easy enough to make.
Some spring lines are also in order.
Pushing works pretty slick actually.
Love the summertime weather.
Picked up a gps from my nephew. Speed over ground is an easy 2 mph with a bit more throttle if needed.

Have most of the house cut and glued together.
Now time for paint.

As many of you know I occasionally go down to the American Merchant Marine Museum on the campus of the US Merchant Marine Academy @ Kings Point
and repair some of there ship model collection.
Not an easy job when your own shop is 400 miles away.
Anyway. Here is some of what take place there.
I keep pretty good track of vessel traffic as well. time permitting of course....Continue Reading

The fleet

Had to repair this old model of the Fra Berlanga. Which happens to be the same ship I have that is 20 feet long.
What insperation to start working on the big boat.