cmomm44 wrote:
Bill---
You have once again done the 'impossible' at meeting a deadline with your excellent work---I know you were on 'pins and needles while waiting for the models to arrive in 'one piece' after the debacle of my replica Coast Guard 83' cutter's arrival at Dulles this past May---thankfully all went well and another of your fine jobs of showing a handmade replica where our modern day citizens, especially the youth, can visualize a portion of past history of our Nation----my best wishes for your continued success
Thanks for the post. The debacle of your 83' cutter model was very much a tragic event. Most who follow along on these builds are not aware of what took place. The problem was twofold. First, in my haste to get the model to you, I did not lock it down good enough to the base. I did not anticipate a basketball game using the crate it was shipped in as the ball. Second, without mentioning any names, the shipment was flat out mishandled. It was supposed to get escorted from here in Florida to your reunion in Herndon, Va. Such was not the case. There is always risk in shipping completed models as they are very fragile, by nature. Here's some photos for all to look at. This is what happens when things go wrong............
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As you can see, the damage was quite bad. You can imagine the frustration and anger of all involved here. But, in order to save the day, I spent 16 hours making repairs as best I could givin the circumstances, to present the replica to all at your reunion. Heres some photos of the repairs..........
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Eventually the model came back here and I was able to make further repairs and fabricate a new plexiglass cover. So all is well that ends well, in spite of everything else. A harrowing experience, to say the least. Hope you are well comm44. We will talk soon. Thanks again for the post, as well as all of you folks.