Model S.S. Tahoe on display, builder to give talk

Tahoe Maritime Museum hosts Alan J. Zulberti on Sept. 14 from 11am-noon to talk about his three-year project in building an operational model of the S.S. Tahoe.

Built nearly 115 years after the original ship was launched at Glenbrook in 1896, the model is entirely hand-built, has a riveted copper hull with more than 5,000 rivets and is powered by the only known twin engine steam plant. Six-feet long and radio controlled, the ship provides the sounds of an actual steam whistle, a ships bell and steam cuffing. The model is quite fast with a trial run at a scale speed of 36.9 knots.

Zulberti is an active member of the San Francisco Model Yacht Club. This is his third model boat, which follows his construction of a WWII Patrol Torpedo boat, which received first place in Military and Best in Show a few years ago. The PT-588 was also the subject of a six-page feature article in a national magazine, Ships in Scale.

The model will be on hand during the slide show presentation. Lecture is free with admission. Adults $5. Members and children under 12 are free.

Tahoe Maritime Museum is at 5205 West Lake Blvd. in Homewood.