Behold, the model that rules the waves.
Jerry Shaw of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, has been building this model supercarrier in his garage for three decades. It's 12 feet long and weighs 2 tons, counting the display case. The carrier is fully motorized, with the ability to lift and drop anchors, lift decks, and rotate radar dishes. There's a working helicopter and 90 scale model planes, because what's an aircraft carrier without a few aircraft to carry? There's even a flight deck crew.
The model is based on the USS Forrestal, a supercarrier in service in the Atlantic from 1951 to 1993. Part of the authenticity of the model came from a little gift from the Navy. After they found out about the project, officials at the Navy gave Shaw the original blueprints, allowing him to construct it down to the most minute detail.
Now it's the flagship of his model building career, and just an incredible all-around replica. You'll be able to see it at the Naval Academy in Anapolis, MD starting next month.
