USS Rochester 1/8 Scale Model - by Charles Lamm...
I did not serve aboard the USS Rochester. I served
aboard the USS Guadalcanal LPH-7 from 71' to 75'. My friend Maxie Cox
did however serve on her and I believe it was around 1957.
When he found out that I built ship models he asked if
I would build the Rochester. After researching it I knew that it would
be a great project.
The research took about a year. Your web site was most
helpful. The building part took just over a year to build using every
spare minute that I had, (ask my wife). Normally this would have been a
two year project. It is radio controlled and looks great in the water.
She had to be ready by the October 08 fleet run in
North Carolina. I wanted to dedicate this to the former crew members of
the Rochester during this fleet run and surprise my friend. I call
several crew members but they had other commitments. He thought that it
was not finished and it was not, however it was 99% complete. He was
totally surprised and took the helm during her maiden voyage. What a
great day.
The final picture shows her in homeport proudly
displayed. The stand was custom made for this model.
I have included a link for you of the run:
http://www.wmunderway.8m.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1223773093/0#0
and our black Friday run:
http://www.wmunderway.8m.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1227916053
Charles Lamm
Fiberglass hull and fittings from Scale Shipyard. Also, a piece of the wooden deck of the Rochester. My friend gave me a small piece to use on the model Superstucture parts from C& C Hobbies. He laser cut it to add details and reduce building time for me. Also, you see 3"50's from J&D Productions 3"50 assembled and all the parts used. Very detailed. Armament from Scale Shipyard. 8" and 5" guns and gun directors Wooden deck from C & C Hobbies. The wooden deck has over 2,500 pieces on it. Also we see the 4 shafts and props. They are made from brass and are 1.5" in size Superstructure and gun tubs Attaching shafts and struts Motors with 3:1 gear reduction. Provided long run times Rear gun tub. Note combing on the rear hatch area. This is for the hatch to sit on and prevent water from coming in Rear of superstructure and rear mast Gun director stands - handmade More detailing - portals below bridge Back of 3"50 gun tub ladder More detailing of ladders, stack vents, gun tubs and directors Ship's crane - made from scratch using basswood and plastic. Each hole is drilled and hand-filed Adding piping and fire plugs Crane in place and starting rear hatch Port side detailing, piping Crane, hatch, wooded deck fibergassed around it to protect it from water Painting of guns, gun tubs and directors Bow and stern painting. Process calls for everything to be painted in deck grey first, then dark grey, then light grey to give better finish Superstructure painted with dark grey first. 8" guns painted light grey Deck masked off for painting Painting including gun tubs, fire plugs and life rings Adding detailing like main deck railing, anchors and chains, antennas, spotlights Plaque with ship's patch. Both mounted on teakwood from Rochester's deck. Radio, batteries, fuse blocks, speed controllers, and finish wiring Vents on gun tubs, fire hose rack, spot lights Life rafts; note ladder and metal walkway grating on gun director stands Antenna's, cruise group and battle ribbons Vents, piping, fire stations, electrical boxes Abandon ship ladders, bilge keels The model maker Charles Lamm on the right and Bud Cox on the left In formation with other ships on fleet run
Fiberglass hull and fittings from Scale Shipyard. Also, a piece of the wooden deck of the Rochester. My friend gave me a small piece to use on the model
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