1/96 US Liberty-class Forward Deck Hatch #1

1/96 US Liberty-class Forward Deck Hatch #1: SS Jeremiah O'Brien Edition

Complete the forward cargo deck of your "Arsenal of Democracy" tribute with the meticulously engineered 1/96 US Liberty-class Forward Deck Hatch #1. As the lead cargo hold on the vessel, the #1 Hatch featured a unique tapered geometry to match the narrowing lines of the ship's bow. Modeled specifically after the legendary survivor, SS Jeremiah O'Brien, this component provides the architectural weight and industrial realism required for a museum-grade merchant marine masterpiece.

Engineering Precision & Historical Fidelity

• High-Fidelity Industrial Detail: In the world of 1/96 scale, the cargo hatches are the primary features of the main deck. This model captures the nuances of the O'Brien's forward hatch with exquisite fidelity, featuring the accurately rendered hatch coaming (the raised "lip"), individual wooden hatch board textures, and the heavy-duty tarpaulin battening bars. Every structural line is rendered with architectural sharpness, transforming the forecastle into a functional, working merchantman.
• SS Jeremiah O'Brien Specific Geometry: Specifically designed for the EC2-S-C1 Liberty-class hull, this hatch accounts for the specific tapered footprint of the #1 hold observed on the preserved Jeremiah O'Brien. The design includes the reinforced corner bracing and the specialized drainage channels used by the War Shipping Administration (WSA), ensuring a seamless and authentic fit at the bow of your 1/96 scale build.
• Premium High Detail Resin: Crafted in professional-grade resin, this structure offers a level of surface smoothness and structural rigidity that surpasses traditional wood or plastic kit components. This material is specifically chosen to maintain the perfectly straight lines of the coaming and the subtle, repetitive detail of the hatch boards—features critical at 1/96 scale to achieve a realistic, "heavy steel" appearance.

A Canvas for Merchant Marine Authenticity

Unpainted for Total Customization: Arriving in a professional unpainted finish, the hatch serves as a blank canvas for your historical vision. The resin surface is optimized for high-quality primers and specialized merchant palettes:

• The "Working Deck" Look: Apply standard wartime Haze Grey or Ocean Grey to the coamings. For added realism, paint the hatch boards in a weathered wood tone or a dark "canvas" green to simulate the protective tarps used during the O'Brien's 1944 voyages.
• Realistic Weathering: The 1/96 scale is ideal for advanced techniques. Apply heavy salt-spray weathering on the forward edge, metallic wear on the battening bars where wedges were driven in, and subtle rust-streaking along the deck-mounting flange to achieve high levels of authenticity and realism.

Key Features & Specifications

• Accurate 1/96 Scale: Precision-scaled for a perfect fit with 1/96 scale Liberty Ship models (e.g., Dean's Marine or custom builds).
• Technical Accuracy: Faithfully replicates the specific tapered geometry of the #1 Cargo Hatch as seen on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien.
• Solid/Hollow Hybrid Engineering: Expertly designed to provide a robust mounting surface while remaining lightweight enough for R/C stability.
• Museum-Grade Detail: Captures individual battening cleats and structural reinforcements with architectural clarity.

The Defining Upgrade for Your O'Brien Build

The 1/96 US Liberty-class Forward Deck Hatch #1 is more than just a deck fitting; it represents the gateway to the vital supplies that won the war of logistics. Elevate your project with a component that reflects the sheer industrial scale and operational reality of the SS Jeremiah O'Brien.