San Francisco Bay Scow Schooner – 1:48 Scale Heritage Kit

Precision Engineering for the Multi-Mast Wood-on-Frame Build

The Midwest #972 Scow Schooner is an essential project for the builder looking to move beyond single-mast hulls and into the complex world of schooner rigging and heavy deck detailing. These "square-toed" workhorses were the heavy-lifters of 19th-century San Francisco, designed to haul lumber and bricks across the shallow sloughs of the Golden Gate.

This kit provides the structural foundation and high-detail materials required to create a museum-quality replica, allowing you to focus on the fine-tuning and finishing that defines a high-end display piece.

Kit Features & Contents:

Laser-Cut Precision: Engineered with Laser-Cut Quality Basswood and precision parts. This ensures near-perfect fitment and a fair, square hull, significantly reducing heavy sanding time.

Intermediate Schooner Rigging: A perfect platform for expanding your rigging skills. The schooner rig introduces the technical challenge of coordinating two masts, gaffs, booms, and a bowsprit.

Complete Fitting Set: A comprehensive hardware suite including Mast Hoops, Brass Wire, and Rigging Cordage.

Detailed Deck Machinery: Features an Authentic Anchor Winch & Gears, Winch Drums, Hawse Holes, and real Chain for both the Anchor and Bobstay.

Cast Metal Trawl Rigs: Includes high-detail cast metal trawl rigs to capture the rugged, industrial look of a working bay schooner.

Custom Sail Fabrication: Includes premium sailcloth and full-scale templates. This allows you to achieve the authentic "drape" and scale-accurate seams that seasoned modelers prefer over pre-sewn alternatives.

Technical Documentation: Includes a legendary 64-page illustrated manual and full-scale plans—designed not as a basic tutorial, but as a technical reference guide with progress check-off boxes.

Display Stand Included: A custom-milled wood display stand is included to showcase the unique flat-bottomed lines of the scow.

Technical Specifications:

Model Number: 972

Scale: 1:48 (1/4" = 1') – The industry standard for high-detail desktop models.

Overall Length: 17" (43.2 cm)

Overall Height: 17.2" (43.7 cm)

Construction: Laser-Cut Wood-on-Frame / Success Series

Experience Level: Intermediate / Level-Up