SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model
SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model SS Australis Ocean Liner Handmade Wooden Ship Model

SS Australis 86cm with lights

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Hardwood display case for cruise ships

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The SS Australis occupies a unique and significant place in Australian immigration history, bearing witness to the closing chapter of a remarkable era. In 1977, it served as the final vessel to carry government-assisted immigrants to the shores of Australia. Its immense passenger capacity set a record among post-World War II immigrant ships, making it a vessel of great consequence during this period. Many who embarked on this journey still hold cherished memories of the Australis, recalling its grandeur and the vestiges of Art Deco style that adorned its interior. The ship was not merely a mode of transport; it was a symbol of hope and opportunity, marking the culmination of a noteworthy era in Australian immigration, and its legacy endures as a testament to the stories and experiences of countless individuals who embarked on this historic voyage.

Today, the SS Australis endures as a legacy, leaving an indelible mark not solely in the annals of maritime history but also in the collective memory of those whose lives were profoundly altered by their journey on this iconic ship. If you wish to possess a replica of the SS Australis, your search ends here. This meticulously crafted 86cm SS Australis Ocean Liner wooden ship model is not only a timeless and ideal gift for those captivated by its history but also a cherished keepsake, rekindling memories associated with this remarkable vessel.

Key features of the SS Australis Ocean Liner ship model with LED lights:

  • Dimensions: 86 x 12 x 30cm – 1:255 scale
  • Crafted with plank-on-frame construction, featuring individual wood strips carefully applied to the hull.
  • Distinguishing itself, all windows, portholes, and other sections are intricately carved into the wooden hull, ensuring authenticity instead of using stickers.
  • Vibrant LED lights bring the model to life, illuminating its intricate details.
  • Delicate lifeboats gracefully suspended from davits, and railings accentuate the stem and stern.
  • Employing wooden and metal fittings throughout the construction, avoiding the use of plastic components.
  • The model is painted with meticulous attention to detail, mirroring the imagery and color scheme of the actual SS Australis ship.
  • Securely affixed to a wooden stand, the model is accompanied by a brass nameplate, providing a perfect and distinguished display.

The history of the SS Australis

Like many post-Second World War ships, the SS Australis was a ship built with modern thinking and ideology. The ship itself is a major part of Australian migration history, and was capable of providing the largest post-war passenger capacity of any migrant ship built by the Australian government. The ship would regularly visit Australia and the ship, and its pristine, art-deco style, became revered among those who had spent time on this vessel.

Originally, the SS Australis was known as the America, and was designed by William Francis Gibbs. The ship was developed with the intention of being used in the North Atlantic trade, and was launched prior to the Second World War, launching on the 31st of August 1939. The ship itself was launched by Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, and was noted as being the largest passenger vessel ever built by the Americans. Over 1,200 people could be part of the ship at any given time.

The ship was turned into a troop transport during the Second World War, upgraded to carry over 8,000 soldiers at any given time. It was renamed the USS West Point at this stage, too, with worries over public morale were a ship called America to be sunk.

During the wartime effort, it served across Europe, Africa, and in South America and was under regular attack by Axis forces. However, after the war, the ship survived and was used as part of the North Atlantic trade machine. In 1965, it was sold to the Chandris Line and was given its latter name, the Australis.

It was also converted into a fully air conditioned single-class ship, as opposed to the three-tiered class ship that it was previously. Much of the original design was retained, and many murals and additions were included to help further showcase the opulence of the ship.

For years, it played a key role in migrations from nations including Greece. The ship was a key part of the migrant ship fleet until 1960, when a fire broke out during a trip from New Zealand and Suva. The ship sustained major damaged, including damage to the ballrooms and cabins.

The ship eventually fell into Panamanian ownership and was renamed the Alferdoss. Sadly, in 1988, the SS Australis was run aground near Piraeus to stop the ship from being able to sink. Regardless of a somewhat inglorious end, the SS Australis retains huge interest from the naval community as one of the most important ships of its time.

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1 review for SS Australis 86cm with lights

  1. Andy. F

    I recently ordered SS Australis as a remembrance to my family & my childhood from sailing on her from Melbourne to Southampton in 1973 to her tragic demise in 1993 where the elements of nature eventually took her. I had asked if I could have the hull changed to her grey colour as that is how I remembered her, without any hesitation my request was met. Jenny & the crew at Seacraft were amazing, my model is perfect, fantastic craftsmanship from the model maker, my memory lives on. The packaging was perfect, fully protected with fast delivery & awesome service. I look forward to my next purchase, these guys are a must, thank you Seacraft.

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