Navy Reunions

[dlr110]

If you were in the Navy on a ship, sub, or air squadron and like to keep up with command reunions check this link for the 2022 & 2023 scheduled reunions.

https://www.hullnumber.com/reunions_all.php

[beresman]

I was not in the navy, but my dad was, on BB46 (USS Maryland) through WW2. I remember him going to a number of reunions until there weren't enough crew members left to hold them anymore.

When I was a kid, I used to build those plastic model kits. I wasn't interested in cars, but mostly naval ships. Dad was annoyed that you could get a model for every class of battleship except the Maryland, so he got the plans for the ship from the USN, and built his own in HO scale from scrap brass and basswood. Took him 15+ years to do it, making everything by hand. That model now sits in the visitor center of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.

I do not have his patience for that kind of thing; rebuilding a knife is enough for me. But I like to brag on him when I can.

[dlr110]

I was not in the navy, but my dad was, on BB46 (USS Maryland) through WW2.

Brent you should and I know you are very proud of your dad. I've never seen the model, but I bet it's
very good to be on display at the academy.

[doglegg]

I was not in the navy, but my dad was, on BB46 (USS Maryland) through WW2. I remember him going to a number of reunions until there weren't enough crew members left to hold them anymore.

When I was a kid, I used to build those plastic model kits. I wasn't interested in cars, but mostly naval ships. Dad was annoyed that you could get a model for every class of battleship except the Maryland, so he got the plans for the ship from the USN, and built his own in HO scale from scrap brass and basswood. Took him 15+ years to do it, making everything by hand. That model now sits in the visitor center of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.

I do not have his patience for that kind of thing; rebuilding a knife is enough for me. But I like to brag on him when I can.

[deo-pa]

… so he got the plans for the ship from the USN, and built his own in HO scale from scrap brass and basswood.

HO scale is 1:87 and the Maryland was 624 feet long, making the model about 7 feet… now that is a serious model! Beresman do you have a photo you can post?

Dennis

[zzyzzogeton]

Here's a picture of the model in the Annapolis Visitor's Center.

[beresman]

I apologize; I mis-spoke. He originally talked about making it HO scale, but ended up making it 1:120, a much more manageable 5 feet or so.

I thought I had digital photos, but I can't find them. Here are scans of a few of the photos he took, plus an article (I have a scrap book filled with various stuff related to this model).

[Samb]

Awesome!

[ea42]

Brent that's incredible, the detail is just mind blowing. That's a testament to some amazing dedication right there.

Eric

[Dan In MI]

That model is absolutely amazing. Suffice it to say that I completely lack the skill needed to come up with such a thing!

[steve99f]

That ship model is amazin'! Well Done!

[KLJ77]

Brent,

As a Navy Vet, I was intrigued by your story of your father building a model of the USS Maryland. I did a search regarding Annapolis and could not, for the life of me, find a photo of it at their website. One would think their website would have a photo of this wonderful model. Maybe I just wasn't looking in the right place.

With that said...I am in awe of what your father built. It is absolutely amazing. He must have had the patience of Job. I can't even imagine the pride you must hold in your heart for him. Thank you so much for sharing this story and the detailed photos.

[Quick Steel]

I almost missed this story and model. What a magnificent effort.