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Model Boat Kits in HO scale (1/87) and Other Modeling Items
- Deadrise with crab traps on sunshade
Prototype and history: The term deadrise is applied to all boats with a V bottom and a hard chine (sharp angle between
the bottom and sides of hull). While this boat is rigged for crabbing with traps, the same boat had many other uses. The same
basic design could be found from the 1930's to present day; the main difference being that in the 1990's many began to be built
of fiberglass. The dimensions range widely as do the cabin designs and engines; however 40' is an average length.
Kit
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Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model is approx. 5 1/2"
The price of this kit is $25.00 + S&H
- Small deadrise for oyster tonging
Prototype and history: This smaller boat has the same basic history as the larger version; however its smaller size limits
its capabilities. Hand tonging for oysters and trotline crabbing would be more common uses. Here the
dimensions also
vary greatly, but the beam is generally more narrow in relation to length.
Kit
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Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model is approx. 5"
The price of this kit is $20.00 + S&H
- Drake Tail for oyster tonging
Prototype and history: This boat, named for its sloping, rounded stern, was most often built at Hooper Island. References
state that it was the first boat built for use with an engine -- in the late 1920's. Since the early marine engines used gasoline,
the fuel tank was located in an open area to prevent the build up of fumes. A steering line ran along the perimeter of the hull and
in many cases straight through the cabin; thus allowing steerage from most areas of the boat. The very narrow hull allowed
good speed with even a small engine (important to rum runners during Prohibition). Very few of these boats were in operation
later than the 1950's.
Kit
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Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model is approx. 5 3/4"
The price of this kit is $30.00 + S&H
- Utility or Buy Boat 49'
Prototype and history: In the Chesapeake Bay, this boat is commonly called a buy boat. Watermen in smaller boats would
bring their catches to this larger boat to allow them to continue their work without going into port. This general design is found
in all coastal waters of the U.S. and may go by other names; therefore I also refer to it as a utility boat. Aside from
collecting catches from others, they would be used directly for dredging oysters (both sides at one time) and general hauling. In
the prototypes, the winch engine is more often below deck, but for
aesthetic purposes I have placed it on deck. These boats have
been around since the 1930's and some are still found operational today.
Kit
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Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model is approx. 6 3/4"
The price of this kit is $50.00 + S&H
- Hooper Island Design
Prototype and history: As the name implies, these boats were first built at Hooper Island back in the 1930's; however
their advanced design would make this model suitable in a modern setting. This is described as a "dry boat", as the
flared bow directs the bow spray away from the cockpit in choppy waters. The aft rack on this model is also found on other
designs and allows for storage of crab traps. On the prototypes the aft rack and the sunshade is removable to allow a dredging rig
to be installed during the oyster season.
Kit
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Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (including aft rack) is approx. 5 1/2"
The price of this kit is $30.00 + S&H
- Dredge Rigged Deadrise
Prototype and history: The mast, boom, and hydraulic winch are added to many of the deadrise boats during the oyster
season (cold weather months). The arrangement can be used for scraping for crabs or dredging oysters. The cuddy cabin is not unusual,
but is less common; consequently this kit has been revised with the option to build it with a full cabin.
Kit
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Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model is approx. 5 1/2"
The reduced price of this kit is $30.00 + S&H
- Skipjack with dredges
Prototype and history: This sailing workboat has an extensive history that goes back before 1900. One of the few
working skipjacks still in use today was built in 1904. The raked mast, sharpe bow, and attached push boat make this an
easily identified boat. The push boat is mostly filled with the large engine that pushes the boat when not on station, dredging for
oysters. There are variations in cabin design and placement of deck equipment, but the overall appearance of these boats remains
unique. The winder and engine pull the dredges aboard, where they are emptied and the catch culled. These same boats were used to
carry produce from the eastern shore to Baltimore up until the bay bridge was constructed.
Completed Model
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Model Detail
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Kit Photo
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (LOA) is approx. 8"
There are over 50 different types of parts or materials in this kit!
The price of this kit is $65.00 + S&H
- Trawler with Otter Trawls
Prototype and history: This is a traditional style 48' side trawler with the superstructure set aft. The pronounced sheer of
the foredeck and sturdy bulwarks make this a very seaworthy vessel. The booms are outriggers for the nets (otter trawls) that are
drawn through the water to catch fish. The same vessel was sometimes rigged with a beam trawl for shrimp. The cabin facilities would
allow the crew to go out for a week or more at a time.
Completed Model
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Model Detail
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model is just over 6
1/2"
The price of this kit is $60.00 + S&H
- Harbor Tug [Steam] & Harbor Tug [Diesel]
Prototype and history: These kits represent a steam tug built in the thirties up through the mid forties; the diesel version
began replacing steam in the late forties. By the early fifties, it is unlikely that any newly built tugs were steam powered; yet they
continued to be in use as late as the sixties. Most tugs that are commonly seen are of a larger variety-- 90' and longer; however,
smaller tugs can be found as short as 30'.
Steam Model
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Diesel Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (LOA) is approx. 6"
The price of either kit is $45.00 + S&H
- Clam Dredge 37'
Prototype and history: A unique type of workboat with a conveyor to bring up clams dislodged from the substrate by water
pressure. The mass of this rig required special supports and often a boat with a wider beam. In addition, an
auxiliary engine to run
the water pump and an ice chest/cooler are generally located on the port side to balance the boat. There boats were used in the 40's
and are still in use today.
Completed Model
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Model Detail
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model is approx. 5"
The price of this kit is $45.00 + S&H
- US Coast Guard 38' Picket Boat
Prototype and history: This wooden hulled boat was first developed in the late 30's to track down rum runners. It continued to
be used up until the early 50's for other law enforcement duties. Its sleek hull design enabled a speed of 20 to 30 knots; however, it
was not seaworthy in rough waters and consequently not used for rescue work. After WWII, minor exterior changes were evident and the
paint scheme was very different; parts and decals are included with this kit to build either style.
Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (LOA) is approx. 5"
The price of this kit is $40.00 + S&H
- Shrimp Trawler 51'
Prototype and history: Like many other boats, this type varies greatly in length, cabin size, and boom and net arrangement.
This particular model represents the average size and the other features are typical. As a shrimp boat they are found in the warmer
latitudes; however similar style boats are used in cooler waters for other prey.
Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (LOA) is approx. 6"
The price of this kit is $70.00 + S&H
- Gill Net Boat
Prototype and history: This off/near shore vessel was designed for a minimal crew and a variety of operations. This specific model
is equipped to set and retrieve gill nets. This boat was designed for the Pacific coast; however, very similar boats were used in the
Great Lakes and others can be found throughout the world. There could be many variations in equipment and colors; however, this kit is
loaded with details and additional items are not necessary.
Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (LOA) is approx. 5"
The price of this kit is $55.00 + S&H
- Merchant Schooner 57' (on deck)
Prototype and history: Schooners of this type were built from the 1850's to the early 1900's, and were used for decades after
launching. They ranged in length from about 50 to 100 feet on deck. The larger vessels hauled grain, produce, meats, and lumber to the West
Indies, and on the return trip, carried rum, salt, sugar, molasses, ginger, cocoa, and fruits. In the early years, cargos such as furniture,
fish, grains, and West Indies products were hauled between northern to southern coastal states. The smaller schooners were more commonly used
in inland waters carrying goods between port cities.
Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (LOA) is approx. 12"
The price of this kit is $85.00 + S&H
- Fish Tug 49'
Prototype and history: The fish tug was (is) developed in the late 1920's to deal with severe cold weather conditions. All working areas were enclosed, making it unique among work boats. Large doors along the sides and at the stern allowed setting and retrieving of fishing nets. The earliest versions of this type boat were wood-sheathed, steam, tug boats, and most were of the home made or built to order varieties. In later years, most were tinned over or built entirely of steel. Some of these boats are still in use to this day.
Completed Model
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Prototype
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Details: The actual length of this model (LOA) is approx. 7"
The price of this kit is $30.00 + S&H
LOOKING FOR LARGER HO SCALE BOATS? SHIPS?
I am now an authorized dealer for Sylvan scale models.
Their excellent products can be seen at their web site:
Sylvan Scale Models
I can provide these items with free shipping within the U.S.
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