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Model Shipways Speakeasy, Prohibition Era Rumrunner

CMB Online Store | Static Display Model Boat Kits | Model Shipways Static Kits | Speakeasy, Prohibition Era Rumrunner

Model Shipways Speakeasy, Prohibition Era Rumrunner

With the passage of the Volstead act in 1919 and the ratification of the 18th amendment in 1920 America went dry. Thus began the era of prohibition in America which lasted 13 years until the 18th amendment was repealed in 1933. Those 13 years were a tumultuous period in American life. The seemingly unquenchable thirst for alcohol led to some of the most brazen flaunting of the law in American history. From remote backwoods distilleries, the establishment of the speakeasy saloons, the infamous gang wars of Chicago and other cities, to bathtub gin, Americans found a way to get their booze. A large part of the illicit trade in whiskey, wine and beer was the smuggling into the U.S. from Canada and from ships anchored offshore outside of the jurisdictional limits of the law. So much money was to be made from smuggling that fishermen and boatmen of both coasts found smuggling irresistible. They applied their expertise at boatbuilding and boat handling to this lucrative albeit illegal trade.

Fast boats were needed which could carry tons of cargo and be swift and nimble enough to elude the law. To this end a number of fast utility boats were designed and built using the most powerful engines of the day.
During World War One the liberty aircraft engine was developed and at wars end over 20,000 had been produced. Generating over 400 horsepower and readily available as war surplus, this engine found its way into many of these fast boats. At the time the Coast Guard had nothing so powerful and fast and the so called “rumrunners” could easily evade the law. In time the authorities contracted their own fast chasers and a struggle for supremacy on the seas continued until the end of prohibition.

Our model is based on a design developed in 1921 for a 36’ launch. It was designed around a 450 horsepower V-12 Liberty engine. The scale of the model is 3/4” to the foot (1:16) resulting in a model of 27” in length, well suited for RC operation. The model is completely CAD designed ensuring accurate fitting of parts. A plank on frame design it is completely constructed of basswood with cast fittings, brass for the rudder fittings, and a spoked steering wheel. A powerful electric motor, stern tube, propeller shaft and propeller are included.

Plank on Frame Construction
Length: 686mm
Beam: 168mm
Scale 1:16
Entry Level

Price: £229.94 (Including VAT at 20%)
Euros: €280.53 (Inc VAT) / US Dollars: US$310.42 (Tax Free)

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Model Shipways Speakeasy, Prohibition Era Rumrunner

CMB Online Store | Static Display Model Boat Kits | Model Shipways Static Kits | Speakeasy, Prohibition Era Rumrunner