S.S. John Ericsson — Whaleback Freighter Model (1/350 scale)
We're sorry, a server error occurred. Please wait a bit and try again.
Overview
This listing represents a 1/350 scale model of a whaleback Great Lakes freighter carrying the name S.S. John Ericsson. The model is a representative interpretation based on the whaleback design patented by Alexander McDougall and the typical service pattern of such vessels on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Brief history
- Whaleback freighters were a distinctive Great Lakes bulk‑cargo design patented by Alexander McDougall in the late 19th century. Their rounded, low‑profile hulls shed water and were intended to be more stable and efficient for ore and coal traffic.
- The name S.S. John Ericsson would have honored Swedish‑American engineer John Ericsson. A whaleback bearing this name likely operated on the Great Lakes carrying iron ore, grain, or coal from the late 1800s/early 1900s until being retired, sold, or scrapped — a service pattern typical for whalebacks of that era.
- Exact fates and specifics vary by individual ship; the above is a concise, typical history based on the name and class rather than a confirmed archival account.
Model specifications
Scale: 1/350
Representative full‑size length used: 330 ft (typical for whaleback lake freighters).
Calculation: 330 ft = 3,960 in; 3,960 ÷ 350 = 11.314 in → Rounded length at 1/350 scale: 11.3 inches.
If you know the exact full‑size length of a specific S.S. John Ericsson, we can recalculate the model length precisely for that measurement.
Notes
- This product description and length calculation are based on representative historical and dimensional data; they are not an archival ship registry entry.
- Model details such as fittings, paint, and decals may vary by manufacturer; consult the product images and specifications on the listing for exact finish and included parts.




