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| Subject: RE: US LST Convention |
Author: Jim Craven
Date: 8/15/2011 10:08 am CDT
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Buddy,
Yes, lots of work and enjoyment into each ship. The enjoyment comes from watching the faces and reactions of individuals who really look at the ships. I see wheels turning, smiles and a twinkle in many eyes as fond memories surface of friends, shipmates and the experiences shipmates share.
As I built each ship or craft I developed different techniques of doing things that work for the scale I am working with and my fingers. Each new launching brings new techniques and sharpening skills. Rest be assured these ships are not simple plastic kits. Each one is handmade and different from the last one.
It is my hope that the individuals at the convention will really enjoy what they see and any suggestions for improvements or chances will be accepted.
Sales - I’ll admit, I would love to have several to many orders for ships. If this convention is ‘profitable’ in that arena I will be able keep coming with a growing collection of ships.
I am perusing plans for the LST 1175 and the US Army's LSV's. An LSV is larger than a WWII LST and an Army O3 commands this 'water craft' as the Army calls them.I reflect back to the Viet Nam era when the Army would try to offer a commission to Navy craftmasters if they transfered to the Army. At that time the Army had a large number of water craft in country..... I knew a few who made the transsion and accepted the commission. Some liked it ans some wished they stayed with the Navy.. such was life back in the day.
This whole thing started as a hobby to stay busy. After several requests for models I decided to try it as a small business. So, time and demand for the ships will determine where this effort ends up.
Take care and maybe one day you'll order a model of the 1126.
JIM
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Author |
Date |
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Jim Craven |
8/13/2011 11:57 pm CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
8/15/2011 8:50 am CDT |
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Jim Craven |
8/15/2011 10:08 am CDT |
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Jim Craven |
8/17/2011 9:48 pm CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
8/18/2011 4:03 pm CDT |
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Jim Craven |
8/18/2011 8:49 pm CDT |
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On May 21, 2005 a monument was unveiled in Seneca, Illinois, dedicated to all the workers, who built 157 LSTs at the Seneca “Prairie Shipyard” as well as all those who served on any LST during World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. The monument contains seals of the US Navy, the US Coast Guard, the British LST Association, and the sponsoring organization, the Illinois LST Association.
The monument contains a sculpture of an LST on top of the gray marble center section. On the two flanking black marble sections are etchings of an LST being launched, an LST beached and unloading its cargo of tanks, and a woman shipyard welder. On the sides of the black sections all 157 LSTs constructed at Seneca are listed The monument stands in Crotty Park in Seneca, on property adjacent to the old Chicago Bridge and Iron shipyard.
Approximately 500 people from all over the country and Great Britain attended the dedication. After the dedication, approximately 200 of those in attendance gathered together for a catered lunch.
About 27,000 people worked at the shipyard during World War II. A number of those and/or their descendants attended the ceremony. They are rightly proud of their contribution to the war effort, as is the city of Seneca, Illinois, the home of the “Prairie Shipyard”.
During World War
2 there were 1051 LST's (Landing Ship Tank) built to carry
troops and supplies to American and Allied troops fighting
in Europe and the Pacific theaters. When WW2 ended most of
the LST's were scrapped, modified, or given to Navies of
other countries. Some remained in service and saw action in
Korea, Viet Nam, and even the Cuban Blockade.
A few WW2 type
LST's remain in service today, but not in the USA.
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