by Bill Altice
Member since 09-Mar-1984
Build Type: Scratch
Country: United States
Era: 1815-1914→ 1861-1865
Length Range: 125-200 feet (38-61m)
Model Material: Wood
Model Type: Static
Propulsion Type:
- Fuel→ Coal
- Impeller→ Propeller
- Engine→ Reciprocating Steam
Subject Type: Vessel→ Naval and Privateer→ Steel Navy→ Patrol Vessels→ Gunboat
About the Vessel
Monitor is famous for being one of the first two iron-hulled or iron-clad ships to engage in combat, the other being CSS Virginia. This occurred during the Battle of Hampton Roads of the American Civil War. Their engagement ended in a standstill, but Monitor was successful in protecting the remainder of the Union fleet after her arrival. Virginia had previously destroyed the frigates USS Cumberland and USS Congress and had run the steam frigate USS Minnesota aground.
Monitor’s unique revolving turret was designed by American inventor Theodore Timby and the remainder of the ship by the Swedish-born engineer and inventor John Ericsson.
Model Images
Links
- Model of USS Monitor by HRSMS member John Cheevers
- Another model of USS Monitor by HRSMS member John Cheevers
- Model of USS Monitor by HRSMS member Charles Landrum
- Wikipedia


