USS Lake Hopatcong

[Joe C-P]

You might recognize the underlying model, an EFC Laker from WW1.  I bought it to build USS Lakewood, a real ship, and there's two in a pack so...







After WW1 the US Navy and Marine Corps worked to test and learn amphibious operations.  This is one of the vessels adapted, the retired cargo ship Lake Gaspar recommissioned as USS Lake Hopatcong, her holds adapted for artillery, light tanks and vehicles, dedicated spaces for horses and mules, and other supplies necessary to support landing troops.  On her starboard side two large hatches were opened, with ramps that could be lowered to let troops and animals walk and vehicles drive onto a dock, while on the port was hung a large powered barge for transporting the same to beaches, large boats on the fore cargo decks, and a catapult and crane aft for a seaplane scout bomber, plus a single 4" gun for fire support and AA.

[sandiego89]

Really nice!  What scale do you think she is?

[Joe C-P]

Really nice!  What scale do you think she is?

1/600.  It's a Shapeways printed model, as one can see.   
For the real world Lakewood I spent time sanding and smoothing, as that one is meant for display.