"Rum Chaser" Prohibition Patrol Boat by Carl Whitten

[Carl W]

Since late 2025 of have been designing a scratch-build of a Rum Chaser Prohibition Patrol Boat of the 1928 - 1930s. I am using 3D software and the final model will be 3D printed. If you are interested in all the steps and details involved follow along. I am well along on the project and should be able to post frequently to catch you up. I will post mostly things a model builder would find interesting. Please request more details if needed. If you would like to see my 3D design level and model building skills visit my Carl Whitten Artist on Youtube or my 3D designs on Cults3D.

My first post: The picture shows my designed model for my first post and what to expect as a finished model.

Next post: Gathering research photos and plans. 3D software used.

 

[Carl W]

Post 2: Gathering research photos and plans. 3D software used.

Ships Plans & Photos: I was able to find blueprint drawings of the ship from the National Archives Catalog. They were helpful in designing the hull, wheelhouse and cabins. The details for designing everything else required good photos. My internet search found about 100 photos but the best came from Leslie Jones a long time Boston paper photographer from the Boston Library. Patrol boat photo Example 2. I was not able to find any color photos only B&W due the years 1928-1930s. I know this Coast Guard ship was light grey but there was a little contrast trim color. Also I do not know the inside of the wheelhouse colors. If any one finds any color photos please post.

3D software: Shapr 3D. Not Free. Available direct online From Shapr 3D or the APP stores. I downloaded the Free version and learned how to use it but you can not export what you create without buying the subscription. I love the program so I pay. I have been using it now for two years. I know Blender is free but once you learn one program it is hard to convert. Shapr lets me key in my ship parts in mm sizes so in building this model I am working at 1/2 inch to the Foot, but The final model will be 50% of that. So I know a 4mm part will be 2mm in the final model. I reduce the parts in by Chitubox (Free Version) slicer when printing the 3D model. The find model will be about 18.75" long.

 

[Carl W]

Post 3: 3D building the 1 pounder deck gun. In order to build the gun required 59 different shapes from 38 line sketches created in Shapr 3D. All shapes were condensed into 2 parts (2 STL files) for the final model in order for the gun to rotate on the gun stand. The Windlass was similar.

View attachment 1 pounder by Carl Whitten.mp4

 

[James Vinski]

Carl, that looks fantastic! Kudos for the work of researching and creating a 3D model. And at 1/48 scale that is a perfect fit for many military scale model airplanes and vehicles. You could even use the diecast metal 1/43 cars and trucks at dockside (if you expand on this the O gauge railroad models are perfect too!). Well done, and thanks for sharing.

 

[cdnfurball]

Interesting topic, there is a lot of history up around Kenora Ontario. Especially in the Lake of the Woods area. Apparently there is a good number of old rum boats at the bottom of Lake Woods. On one of my trips to visit family in Kenora, I had a chance to sit down with a local olde guy and he started talking history. He talked about laying in bed at night as a kid and the “ runners “ out on deliveries.
He did say some boats would use 12 or even 16 cylinder car engines. Ahhhh anything in the name of speed

 

[tomcervo]

Good read about the "six-bitters".

 

[MCPO Ralph]

Wow, another beautiful ship.

 

[Eskimo]

I sailed with an elderly captain in the 1980's. He had started his seagoing career on sailing ships on the rum run from various ports on the S. American coast to St Pierre and Micquelon (two French Islands) just south of Newfoundland. They would drop off various consignments along the way to boats they would rendevous with offshore along the US Coast. He claimed that the smuggling trade worked well until the US Coast Guard started using airplanes around the 1930's to spot and outrun them!!
A wonderful character full of tales, mostly believable!!
John.

 

[Carl W]

Post 4: Rum chaser wheelhouse 3D Design.

Thanks everyone for the positive comments. I have ordered the Book "Patrol Boat 999. The book talks about the Florida Keys locations and sea channels that I know well. I spend a lot of time boating and diving in the Keys. So far I love the book.

The wheelhouse is designed to be 3D printed with 3 walls/floor attached and the back wall removable in order to paint inside. The roof is also removable with a hidden tunnel in the ceiling support to allow for LED wires and Lights. The back wall has a square column for the LED wires. Inside there are 2 Radio cabinets, 2 shelfs, 2 floor hatches & ships wheel & controls. Also there is a Helmsman 3D figure in development. See photos.

 

[Carl W]

Post 5: Rum Chaser Patrol Boat Cabin 1 and 2 and below decks. These are my 3D designed cabins 1 and 2 behind the wheel house. You can see from the 3D artwork what is on top of the cabin assemblies. Also a 3D artwork/blueprint showing what is below the decks is most interesting. See what each cabin function was used for. Zoom in close to see the small type. The below decks are not part of my model but that would make a great model. Maybe someday!

 

[Kingspoke]

Carl, will you have these files avalable on 3Dcults for download in the future?
These are excellent!