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Mike Maynard
52 articles

USCGC CAMPBELL

June 14, 2013 · in Ships · · 11 · 3.2K

This is a 1:48 scale radio controlled model of a 270' CG cutter. It's scratch built mainly from wood and few commercial parts were used in it's construction(helicopter, crewmen, props, odds and ends). I was a crewman on the actual cutter as well as a plankowner(put the ship in commission). The entire build time spanned 24 years but if I had stayed with it the build time would have been two years from start to finish. The ship model measures 72" and was powered by 2 twelve volt Pittman motors. Just prior to completion I realized that fully loaded the model weighs in at 50 lbs and my wobbly legs would have a rough time placing it in the local pond. Plus carrying a 6 foot long model around corners = broken helo nets and antennas. So these days my cutter Campbell's home port is in a CG museum for all to see. It was a satisfying build, but I'd never build another in that scale!

UPDATE: The Campbell is finally in it's new "Homeport", the Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barnstable Massachusetts.

Reader reactions:
9  Awesome

20 additional images. Click to enlarge.


11 responses

  1. Fantastic! An absolutely incredible achievement! Thank you so much for sharing and for your service!

    Eric aka The Yankymodeler

  2. Mike...Nice work, beautiful model. Being an old "Coasty" myself, I remember the Campbell. I was on the USCGC Spar back in the 50s. Its great to see one of the old weather ships once again.

  3. 6 feet...that is amazing...bodacious build

  4. Stunning, to say the least.

  5. What a massive udertaking and with such a fantastic result. 6 foot long makes for a massive model. Hope that the museum will care for it the way it deserves-

  6. Definitely a Professional build and one deserving of being labeled "Museum Quality" given its residence.

  7. Absolutely stunning.

  8. WOW!...simply Amazing!...a beauty from top to bottom. Nice details, nice paint job, one of the best scratch builds I've seen in a long time!...Even considering I'm not to keen in "clean/museum" finish models...really impressive! Thanks Mike for sharing!

    cheers!

    Jorge

  9. I cannot add anything else to all the accolades presented in the above comments. That is an exemplary piece of workmanship, sir. I applaud your [many] talents.

  10. Thanks to all of you fellow builders for the nice words.

    My only regret with this build is failing to get the keel wet at least once on a lake and enjoying the "fun" a working model offers. Still I'm thankful I was able to complete this ship and for the positive comments, thank you all!

  11. Gee! I thought the Campbell was a 327 ! My flat hat is off to you . Great job. I' m a plank owner off the Munro . It's nice to see the caliber of work that you do .

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