Large Mobil Oil Tanker (1965-1990) In N and Z Scale

[pnolan48]

This impressive N Scale model of the Aframax-class Mobil Engineer measures  42 inches long and more 6 inches wide—the prototype was 560' long and 85' in beam, and served for more than twenty years. Because all components are computer cut, the model is also available in Z.



The exquisitely detailed model is constructed with a styrene hull and superstructure. Piping for loading and offloading cargo is precisely modeled, as is the high pressure piping system for cleaning tanks.



All railings and stairways are photoetched brass. Platforms for walkways are computer cut from styrene to the dimensions and precision of photoetched brass. Overflow and inspection hatches are exactly located as on the prototype, as are many other custom details such as vents, deck hatches, fire monitors, rescue craft, posts and booms, stack, masts, winches and windlass, anchors and many other details.



This truly museum quality model is available in N or Z scale for $3200, plus shipping. Shipping is in a custom built box and runs about $100 in the US and $200 internationally. Shipping cost will be determined at time of shipping.

Kits are available, but directions for main deck details are not detailed, although general diagrams are provided. The kits do not include materials for the on-deck piping inspection hatches: these are constructed from inexpensive dowels, styrene tubes, and piano wire (or other materials of the builder's choosing), with diameters of the modeler's choosing. The directions cover the building of the 3-part hull and superstructure, and the general arrangement of details. The kit includes thousands of scale feet of railings and dozens of stairways, as well as 3D printed fire monitors, built-up winches and windlass, and many cast parts. This is a kit for advanced modelers and is priced at $650 plus shipping. Contact nscaleships.com or email peterknolan@gmail.com for more details.

[Baronjutter]

A stunning model, but probably worth more than my entire layout!

[peteski]

Absolutely amazing!

[GaryHinshaw]

Fantastic model Pete!  It makes me wish my layout had a (big) port. 

[jereising]

Just plain beautiful!

[Denver Road Doug]

That is so very awesome.   Out of my budget at the moment, but maybe someday.   Beautiful model!   

[pnolan48]

Thanks, folks! This ship really shows what I've learned in the past two years. Just about everything except the anchors, anchor chain, and valve wheels were mastered by me, and cast/assembled. The fire monitors were done by Stony Smith for the Edna G. project. I'm going to build one for myself this winter, with even finer detail. I learned a lot about tanker operations during this build.

As for a large port for a large ship, remember my harbor on the Portsmouth Branch was only 6" wide, by about 20' long on one side of the layout, and about 12" wide by 4' long on the other. Those two harbors held five large ships, and a host of medium and small ships. I've always been surprised at how small some offloading docks were--at least until containers came along. Some of the docks in New York had to be emptied continuously because they would hold only a small portion of a freighter's entire load.

Of course, at the other end of the scale are the ore docks!

[nkalanaga]

Out of my budget too, and not likely to be seen in Montana...  But if I had a harbor scene, I might try to afford it.  One large ship could BE the scene, and from that angle, would be worth the price.

[packers#1]

Certainly a masterpiece of a creation, and kudos to you for it sir! However, I don't believe I'll ever have a need for it unfortunately 

[djconway]

I thought you were a model railroader.  Looks like the maritime modeler is showing through.
Excelent model

[pnolan48]

The railroad is in pieces right now, awaiting a decision between Ohio and Alabama. I got back into ships because the Portsmouth Branch had a long level stretch next to the main yard, and an aisle alongside that stretch that was 4' wide. I stole 6" from the aisle, which made the front to back reach over the yard only 26". I anticipate, when I string together the semi-modules in a new location, the main harbor might be bigger.

[nkalanaga]

Some "model railroaders" build scenery, then run trains through it.  Some build structures and park trains next to them.  Some build ships and run trains to them.  And some lay some track and operate prototypically with no scenery or buildings, just labels showing where the industries are.  "Model Railroading" probably has room for more individual hobbies than any other modeling hobby.

[pnolan48]

Exactly! A Liberty-class ship (a C2, 450' long) would hold about 100 freight cars of cargo in the 1950s era. A T2 tanker (of the same size) would probably hold more than 100 large tank cars. Capacities go up and down from there. There are still plenty of 450-ton 180' long freighters in service, so not every ship has to be large. I was smitten by a Japanese freighter of these dimensions that was used to transport specialty cargo between Japan and small ports along the West Coast. The ship holds probably about five freight cars of cargo, yet has every part that a larger ship has. When the ship called at Ocean Shores, Washington, the captain was feted by local community leaders at a dinner. The ship was not at all out of scale with the fishing boats that fill this harbor.

So I thought of my harbor just like a coal mining area, with each ship a local mine.

Of course, container ships change the equation a bit. But there are lots of tiny container ships--perhaps 20-40 containers--making their way from small port to port. And I love the transfer in Long Beach that seems direct from the ship to a train.