Model Boat Designs Article

The History of the Liberty Ships

Like all model ships, the Liberty ship model is based on a ship
with a fine history. Indeed, a Liberty ship model is not one
particular ship, but a whole genre of ship. Liberty ships were
first commissioned as cargo ships for the United States Merchant
Marines. These ships were fine ships, and in possession of the
greatest available technology at the time. When one understands
the rich history of the Liberty ships, then one can discover a
new appreciation for the Liberty ship model.

The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 was meant to rebuild the U.S.
merchant fleet. However, these ships were outfitted with various
protections against marauders, and designed to protect valuable
cargo. Slow production in the early years of the program
prevented the fleet from becoming excessively large. However,
during World War II toward the end of 1940, Britain requested
shipbuilding aid. The U.S. did increase production for the
purpose of selling the excess ships to the British.

When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the U.S. entered
WWII, the production of the Liberty ships picked up even
farther, beginning a successful effort to mass produce these
large ocean going vessels. Because there were so many Liberty
ships, it is possible to find a Liberty ship model rather
easily. Even specific ships like the S.S. Jeremiah O’Brien are
available in Liberty ship model form, and can be found with
precise and individual detail.

The ships endured a great deal of punishment throughout the time
that the U.S. was involved in the war. They were instrumental in
many cases of transporting people and supplies, and enduring
extreme conditions. The ships had proved themselves useful
throughout the war, and they had helped place America as the
leading maritime nation. Part of the rise of American political
and economic power is a result of the two World Wars, and the
enormous proof of resources offered by the Liberty ships. In
order to retain this distinction, the U.S. kept many of the
ships. But there was still a large excess of them. Some were
sold, and those that were not sold, and not used in the fleet,
ended up in scrap yards.

Now, of course, Liberty ships have been mostly replaced. There
are still a few working specimens remaining for public view, but
most of these noble ships can only be seen by those who are
fortunate enough to have a Liberty ship model.