USS Salinan ATF 161

Jon and Alan Owens have created the ultimate ATF Model.  Its a huge 3 foot long creation, with an interior that is complete from the main deck up, a functioning 10 Ton Boom .... and the ship is Radio-Controlled and is fully functional.  Jon is a former Salinan crew member from the 1970's decade and Alan, his son, is at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  Alan laid the keel on New Year's Day 1995 after his dad, Jon, located some blue prints.  It took him year's to complete, tinkering when he found the time, and Alan says that it still could use some minor detail work.

Early in 1998 Alan mailed some photos of the first Salinan to Scale Ship Modeler magazine.  He was surprised when they asked him to write an article, but he was stunned to find 
it on the cover of the July 98 issue!  Not to be outdone, Alan decided to build a second Salinan RC model in July 1997.  At first he wanted to make a model of the Navajo ATF 64, but had difficulty with plans.  He chose an earlier design era that included the 40mm gun tubs on the 01 Level and started his work, not knowing what he would name his finished ship.   Its a another Salinan today. So, now they have two functioning large RC model ATF 161 ships.

Alan entered Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1998 and he completed the 2nd model mostly at school.  He has taken on the chore of restoring all their ship models at the library located there.  He has reams of ATF photos and plans and is always willing to help out with advice to other model builders  . . .  and yes, Alan has started a third ATF model.  He can be contacted by email by clicking here ->>  mariner02@hotmail.com 

The photos below show Alan & Jon Owens holding their ATF model and also the vessel underway (looks so real).  The last photo is Alan's second ATF model that he built by himself.

Click on a thumbnail photo below to see the full photo.

NAFTS, National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors