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| History | Tugboat "Dearborn"; this modern twin-diesel tug was built in 1932 for the Ford Motor Company, and was tasked with ore ship handling at Ford's Rouge plant. |
| The Model | Model is scratch-built with minimal use of commercial detail parts. Designed for radio-control, the model may be provided for static display if desired. Hull is plank over glue-laminated ribs and is fully lacquered inside, followed by a fiberglass coating. Exterior is fully plated and riveted. Cabin structure is aircraft plywood sheathed in styrene sheet for a steel-like finish.
Built from original Great Lakes Engineering Works plans and original Ford photos. Scale is 1:24, for a 42-inch long model. Completed 2008. |
| The Artist | Patrick Matthews is an automotive engineer in Detroit, but greatly enjoys getting home to his modeling. Patrick has authored a book on model boat construction as well as numerous articles in "Ships in Scale" magazine. He
enjoys the mechanical challenge of operable R/C models, and his subjects have included tugs, the steel navy, and fishing schooners. Commission work is invited. |
| Contact | Patrick Matthews at patmat2350@sbcglobal.net |
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