The Ship Model Society of New Jersey 

Ship Models by Nicholas F. Starace II

USS New Jersey

This museum-quality model is currently on display aboard the USS New Jersey at Camden, NJ. Finally brought home to her “name” state in 1999, the battleship is now enshrined as a museum; a memorial and tribute to those who have served in her in war and peace.

It is the second model of this ship built by Nick. However, this is a static display model as compared to the radio-controlled model he built that is shown elsewhere in the gallery. This model also differs in that it depicts the vessel in 1985 as compared to the other model which depicts her as she appeared between WW II and the Korean War.

Main Particulars

Scratchbuilt to plans by Alan B. Chesley, et. al.

Scale 1/16” = 1’

LOA 55 7/16” Beam 7” Height 15 1/2”

Vessel Commissioned 23 May 1943

Decomissioned in 1991

Model Completed August 2001

Construction Hours - 4850

 

Construction Highlights

Wood decks consist of 1850 hand laid pieces of “teak” planks simulated by red gum strips.

Construction materials - basswood, styrene, red gum strips, copper sheet, resin, fiberglass and brass.

Photo-etched railings, radar screens, ladders, gratings and frames for helo pad nets.

Use of dry transfer decals throughout.

Extensive use of resin casting for such components as gun turrets, directors, 20 mm Phalanx guns, 16” gun barrels, Tomahawk launchers, Harpoon cruise missiles, windlasses and deck apertures.

Commercially purchased cordage, blocks, anchors chocks, bitts, chain, fire hose/hydrants, life rings, doors and winches.

Floquil solvent and acrylic paints and teak stain applied throughout.

 

References

Battleship New JerseyBattleship New Jersey, by Paul Stillwell

Iowa Class BattleshipsIowa Class Battleships, by Robert Sumrall and Tom Walkowiak

Battleship MissouriBattleship Missouri, by Paul Stillwell

National Archives at College Park, Maryland

Battleship New Jersey Historical Museum Society archives

 

THIS MODEL WAS BUILT BY Nicholas' son, NICKY, WHEN HE WAS 15 YEARS OLD. 

IT IS A GENERIC CLIPPER SHIP NAMED "SEA WITCH" HAVING AN LOA OF 21". THE CRAFTSMANSHIP IS QUITE REMARKABLE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CONSIDER HIS AGE. 

THE MODEL STANDS AS A REMINDER OF HIM, HIS SPIRIT, AND HOW MUCH HE HAD TO OFFER BEFORE HE WAS TAKEN FROM US.

Grandson Nicky at age 6 standing in front of two of his models. 

Sailboat and Nicky's latest creation a mounted hand-crafted anchor.