NYC Fire Boat ThreeFortyThree
The newest, largest and most powerful fireboat in the US, the Ranger 4200-class is 140' long, 36' in beam, with 8,000 hp driving four propellers, capable of 18 knots. The ship is named after the 343 NYC firemen who died during the September 11, 2001 attack. In N scale
Shown is the hull and superstructure constructed during my 2013-2014 winter stay in Alabama, without the railings, stairways, fire cannons and fittings that are back in Ohio.
The hull is cast resin. The multi-deck styrene superstructure is complex, with many small recesses, compound curves and delicate parts, and requires advanced modeling skills. All three forward spaces can be built with interior details. A built-up model will be $450; the kit will be $149. The fire boom assembly may be added cost.
Chicago Fireboat Christopher Wheatley
The newest Chicago fireboat is a unique design for the shallow rivers and restricted height bridges around the city. It is 90' long, 25' in beam, and only 16' high with its mast folded down.
Shown is the hull and superstructure, with details available upon my return to Ohio. The hull is cast resin. The styrene superstructure is fairly easy to build, for a ship. The interior of the bridge can be detailed. A built-up model will be $299; the kit will be $99. The fire boom assembly may be added cost.
80' Fireboat/Harbor Tug
Many smaller fireboats were originally tugboats outfitted with auxiliary take-offs or engines for fire cannons.
This model represents a steam-powered 80' long fireboat with a 20' beam. As many of these long-lived boats were converted to diesel, a small diesel stack is available. The hull is one-piece cast resin; the main and pilot house are an easy build from styrene.
Railings, ladders, fire cannons and other details will be included upon my return to Ohio. The interior of the pilot house is open and can be detailed. A built-up model is $199; the kit will be $69.
When I get back to Ohio in February (unless the weather remains horrid), I'll show these with full details.
