1/96 US Liberty-class Forward Deck Hatch #2

1/96 US Liberty-class Forward Deck Hatch #2: SS Jeremiah O'Brien Edition

Complete the primary cargo-handling section of your "Arsenal of Democracy" tribute with the meticulously engineered 1/96 US Liberty-class Forward Deck Hatch #2. Positioned just aft of the forward mast house, the #2 Hatch was typically the largest cargo opening on the ship, designed for heavy machinery and bulky wartime supplies. 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: At 1/96 scale, the cargo hatches are the dominant features of the main deck. This model captures the nuances of the O'Brien's #2 hatch with exquisite fidelity, featuring the accurately rendered hatch coaming, individual wooden hatch board textures, and the heavy-duty tarpaulin battening bars. Every structural line is rendered with architectural sharpness, transforming the forward deck 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 rectangular footprint and reinforced mounting points observed on the preserved Jeremiah O'Brien. The design includes the specific drainage channels and corner gussets used by the War Shipping Administration (WSA), ensuring a seamless and authentic fit for 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 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 subtle rust-streaking along the battening bars where wedges were driven in and light salt-fading on the horizontal surfaces 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 geometry of the #2 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 #2 is more than just a deck fitting; it represents the massive capacity of the ships 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.