Hi everyone. I'm new here but have a unique model I'd like to share with you guys.

[MrWick]

I recently purchased an 8 foot model of the Edmund Fitzgerald that was built from scratch over the course of 10+ years by a gentleman named Russ Clemmer. I've been told it is the "best" in existence. I am not a model builder and really I don't want to pay for any type of membership. I just want to share this model with others and I imagined this group would have a particular interest. I'd like to hear the expert opinions of this group. I've recently loaned the model to my hometown museum and there was an article written by the local newspaper that includes lots of good pictures (better than mine). Most people get 1 free article but if you run into a paywall you can launch a incognito window and that usually works (or so I'm told). Thanks!

https://www.apg-wi.com/ashland_daily_press/news/local/the-legend-lives-on-world-class-model-of-edmund-fitzgerald-drops-anchor-in-ashland/article_67ce245c-d3ea-11ed-a7ea-dba7a6b69571.html

[Baker]

Oops.

 

as a resident of the eu i am not allowed to view this

 

 

[shipman]

For better or worse, the UK is no longer officially a member of the EU, but once again 'independent'.

 

As a UK resident, why am I too denied this information?

[Bob Cleek]

Very nice model and a very appropriate setting for it!  Let's hope they get her in a case and out of that sunny window soon! (UV can fade paint and cause deterioration.) 

 

By the way, there isn't any type of membership charge for the Model Ship World forum. Welcome! Given the quality of the Fitzgerald  model, I'm sure a lot of people here would be interested in seeing photos of your brother's other models. He was obviously a very skilled craftsman.

[allanyed]

31 minutes ago, Bob Cleek said:

Let's hope they get her in a case and out of that sunny window soon!

Take this comment from Bob seriously.   It should be in a case in a room with a northern exposure or even better. a windowless room with no chance of direct sunlight.  

Allan

 

[druxey]

What Allan and Bob recommend I completely agree with. Uncased, the model is also exposed to prying fingers, careless dusters and other hazards. She deserves a good protective case!

[Ouija2006]

Here is the article in PDF format for everyone who does not have access to it.

 

Have a great day!

 

The legend lives on_ World-class model of Edmund Fitzgerald drops anchor in Ashland _ Local _ apg-wi.com.pdf

Edited April 8, 2023 by Ouija2006

[JKC27]

As a great lakes boatnerd, this has to be one of the finest Fitzgerald models out there.  Fantastic!  Especially with everything being handmade.......just wow!!!!!!!

[Roger Pellett]

A really nice, well done model.  Although it’s impossible to avoid the hype- Gordon Lightfoot et al, the Fitzgerald also represents the culmination of the Great Lakes Straight Deck bulk carrier design that began to evolve in the last quarter of the Nineteenth Century.   Built in the later 1950’s; when originally built she was still powered with coal.  She was lengthened and although still steam powered I believe she was converted to burn heavy oil shortly before her loss.  The next generation of bulk carriers built in the 1970 ‘s and ‘80’s to take advantage of the 1000 ft long SOO locks are of a completely different design.

 

Running small local history museums is a tough business, and many older buildings in northern cities like Ashland, Wisconsin are not air conditioned during the summer months.  I hope that their initial enthusiasm lasts long enough to see the model be properly displayed.

 

Roger