1/16=1’ PC 1586 class Subchaser

The Adroit Class Minesweepers were designed as an adaptation of the PC 452 type and built as ocean going minesweepers (AM) for the US Navy. Built between 1941-43, Every ship of the class was reclassified as submarine chasers (PC 1586 class).

This oversized 1/16=1’ model was 100% scratch built of recycled (second use) material for my Grand Uncle who worked on the construction of 2 of them at the Ross Island shipyard.

The frame, hull, superstructure, wave break and 40 mm gun tub are made of cardboard.

The lower rail was made from; 30lb fishing line for the posts, button thread for the upper cable, sewing thread for the lower cables and scrap tulle for the netting.

The base is “alley find” wood and shredded news paper, paper mache.

The anchor chain is a remainder cast from another project.

The rest was made from bread bag clips and other second use plastics.

Without NaveSource (http://www.navsource.org/) I would have had a much harder time.
To my luck I found a preliminary draft http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02082.htm
That shows the mine sweeper configuration and many useful photos for reference.











I have since invested in a digital caliper, I hope it helps keep me to scale on further projects.

Ahoy Paul!


Fantastic effort at a complete scratch build of an interesting vessel, mate, and I applaud you on your genuine resourcefullness for materials on the build, my friend...and as you have stated, some slight scale issues, but otherwise, a grande effort! Well researched, and nicely done, thanks for sharing!
~Gunny

Very nice work!

Kenny

Hey Gunny
Just determining what detail was possible for me to achieve was a challenge, trying to measure it with a ruler was nearly an effort in futility. I made frequent use of artistic license.

Just as difficult was the research. All I had to go on was-Sub chaser, Ross Island Oregon and 1942. Several of the 173’ steel hull Submarine Chasers were constructed in the area, but not at Ross Island in 42. After looking up articles about Ross Island on the Oregon historical societies website I knew that I should be looking for a mine sweeper but not what class or type. The date, shipyard and type to converted type information at NavSource clinched it. I suspect that the type change was determined as early as when the order was placed, due to my Uncle insistence that it was a sub chaser and that he never even heard “minesweeper” at the yard.

Wonderful job and research, very inspiring, thanks for sharing!