New Book on the US Frigate Essex Model!

SeaWatch is thrilled to announce an upcoming publication detailing the fascinating build of Walter J. Zimmerman's meticulous, scratch-built model of the US Frigate Essex.

Based on his decades of research, this new book will take you behind the scenes of Zimmerman's seven-year project (1969–1976) to create one of the most accurate representations of the Essex.

What Makes This Model Unique?

Zimmerman's model is an invaluable historical resource, built using rare details from the "Fox Papers"—notes on the ship's original dimensions and characteristics recorded by Josiah Fox in 1809. These documents were discovered in 1940 and donated to the Peabody Museum of Salem. The "Fox Papers" revealed unique features of the Essex not found in other models of the period, such as:

• Deck Planking: The planking on the gun deck and quarterdeck had eight wide center planks running the entire length of the deck and were not tapered at any point.
• Transom Windows: The Essex had five transom windows ("lights"), as clearly stated by Josiah Fox.
• Single Ship's Wheel: The model correctly features a large, single ship's wheel, based on the Fox papers and research on Admiralty models of the period.

Walter J. Zimmerman’s model was built to a 3/16" to one foot scale. The project required an estimated 6,000 hours of construction, research, and drafting. The completed model was donated to the Peabody Museum in 1976 for the American Bicentennial.

About the Author

Walter J. Zimmerman’s passion for maritime history began in the seventh grade with a project on the US Frigate Constitution. His background in business afforded him the opportunities to travel and conduct extensive research for what would become his greatest undertaking: a scale model of the US Frigate Essex.

The model building project spanned seven years (1969–1976). His meticulous work involved consulting with leading experts, including Peabody Museum Curator Phillip Chadwick Foster Smith ("Chad" Smith) and naval architect William A. Baker, as well as gaining access to the rare "Fox Papers" at the Peabody Museum.

Zimmerman finished the model in early 1976 and donated it to the Peabody Museum for the American Bicentennial. 

We believe this new book will be an essential resource for all ship modelers and naval history enthusiasts! Look for more details and pre-order information in upcoming newsletters!