Below you can view more pictures of Fred’s impressive models, along with some of the full-size boats he built. Click on images to enlarge.
1/2 Scale Construction Equipment
1/2 Scale Peterbilt Tractor
The finished cab with expertly painted logo.
Yanmar Diesel Engine
This photo is a bit out of focus, but it shows the high quality installation of the Yanmar Diesel engine inside the Peterbilt.
Fred Gathering References
Construction of these 1/2 scale projects begins with Fred taking dimensions and drawing up plans based on the full-size machines. In this photo, he’s examining a full-size Cat wheel loader. The planning stage also involves finding company literature, other scale models, and any other information Fred can dig up.
Fred at Work
Fred examining the welds on an aluminum portion of the neck for the drop-deck trailer. In order to bear heavier loads, some high-stress parts of Fred’s models require metalworking.
Wheel Construction
An early stage of wheel construction. They are built up in hollow form using wood with baffles inside, which keeps the weight down.
Tire Construction
Wooden treads are applied to the outside, giving shape to the tire.
Finished Tire
After applying Bondo and painting, the tires look just like the real thing. A strip of rubber (not shown here) is applied around the center of the wheel once it’s finished and ready to roll. This strip protects the wooden treads from damage, while also providing traction and a quiet ride.
1/2 Scale Cat Wheel Loader Cab
The cab of the 1/2 scale articulated Cat wheel loader begins to take shape in mahogany.
Wheel Loader Remote Control
Fred controls the functions of the wheel loader from this remote control, which can be worn around the neck. This enabled him to walk alongside the large model and operate the drive and transmission, as well as the bucket.
1/2 Scale Cat Wheel Loader Shell
Portions of the body shell begin taking shape in wood. Underneath is part of the frame.
Fleetwood Motorhome Model
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
Starting in 2013, Fred began building a 1/14 scale model of a 2006 Fleetwood motorhome. He had recently purchased the full-size motorhome, and decided to recreate it in miniature.
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
The coach is a Fleetwood Revolution LE, with a 400-HP Diesel engine, and three slide outs.
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
These progress photos were taken in March of 2014.
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
As of April, 2014, the model was basically completed.
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
The Fleetwood model is seen here in several views, with its pop-out rooms extended.
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
1/14 Scale Fleetwood Motorhome
Full-Size Fleetwood Motorhome
Fred’s original Fleetwood is pictured here.
Scale Fleetwood Inside the Real Thing
This photo shows Fred’s scale motorhome sitting inside the front window of the full-size vehicle from which it was modeled. (7/14/14)
Model Boats
Memorial Model
Fred decided to build a fiberglass model of a late friend’s boat. Early construction of the hull is shown here. The finished model now resides at the local yacht club to honor its former member, Noel Carmichael.
Memorial Model
According to a friend, Carl Chioppa, “The memorial model was built for a close friend of Fred’s, and a longtime member of the Watertown Yacht Club, in Watertown, MA. Fred wanted Noel to be remembered for his help and generosity over the years.”
Memorial Model
Fred made wooden molds, the laid-up fiberglass outer hull, and interior shells—just how the full-size boat was built. He then added the wooden trim details.
Memorial Model
The scale is 1”:1’ (1/12 scale), so the model is about 21” long.
Noel’s Boat
Noel Carmichael’s real boat, which Fred modeled above, was 21’ long with an 8’3” beam.
Noel’s Boat
Rachel H Model
The following photos show Fred’s progress on a 1/12 scale model of the 31’ Rachel H—a boat that he’s also built in full-size.
Rachel H Model
Rachel H Model
Crosswinds II Plans
In January of 2010, Fred also started this 1/12 scale model of a 75’ Expedition Yachtfisher made by Nordhavn, called the Crosswinds II. Here are the initial plans and drawing.
Crosswinds II Model
Obviously, Fred likes building in large scale. Here the fiberglass hull is taking shape.
Crosswinds II Model
Crosswinds II Model
Crosswinds II Model
These photos show Fred’s progress a year later, in January, 2011. It was winter, and Fred was back in the shop.
Crosswinds II Model
At this point, Fred said the model Nordhavn was about three-quarters of the way done.
Crosswinds II Zodiac
This photo shows the two Zodiac-type inflatable, outboard driven boats on the forward deck.
Crosswinds II Model
This photo from February, 2011, shows the finished hull ready for white paint. The windows will be dark plexi. In addition to the drive propellers, the model would be controlled by a 10-channel radio control system. This would include stabilizers, thrusters, operating lights, radar and more.
Crosswinds II Model
These photos were taken on April 13, 2011, with the boat virtually finished.
Crosswinds II Model
The weather was warming up on the east coast, and Fred was planning his first water tests. Video of the first launch can be found near the bottom of Fred’s craftsman page.
Crosswinds II Model
A close look at the details of the back deck.
Full-Size Crosswinds II
A photo of the full-size Crosswinds II for reference.
M.V. Olympus
The full-size Olympus yacht underway. Formerly named the Junaluska, this 92’ yacht was launched in May, 1929. The original boat has been fully restored in its home port of Seattle, WA. Fred obtained construction details for his own 1/12 scale model from the ship’s captain.
M.V. Olympus Photo
This photo shows a black and white side view of the Olympus blown up to 1/12 scale. Fred used the photo as a measurement reference during construction of his scale model.
Olympus Model
This 1/12 scale model would not be radio-controlled, but would still represent the graceful vintage yacht with its high level of detail—particularly on the cabin and deck.
Olympus Model
These photos taken in October of 2012 show progress on the hull.
Olympus Model
The hull was planked with wooden strips and sanded. Then filler was used to get a perfectly smooth, grain-free surface for painting.
Olympus Model
By November 15, 2012, the hull was primed.
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
The deck boards were glued in place, but not yet caulked.
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Progress photos from November 26, 2012. Here Fred works on the superstructure and bridge in his large shop.
Olympus Model
The mahogany superstructure begins to take shape.
Olympus Model
Even though Fred builds relatively large scale models as it is, his shop is big enough to build full-size boats!
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
More progress from November 28, 2012. Work on the pilothouse exterior was almost completed.
Olympus Model
In this photo you can see some wires leading into the interior. Although the model wouldn’t be powered, it would have working lights.
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Progress from December 11, 2012. The cabin and pilothouse continue to gain details.
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
This photo is slightly blurry, but reveals the many stringers under the rear deck roof.
Olympus Model
Windows were installed, but protected with white plastic to prevent damage during construction.
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Fixtures
Updates from January 3, 2013. Galley cabinets and fixtures were taking shape.
Olympus Galley
Olympus Galley
Staircases and other interior details were also added.
Olympus Galley
Junaluska Tender
Fred’s model of the original tender for the Olympus yacht, called the Junaluska. The tender was named in honor of the yacht’s original title.
Junaluska Tender
The original 1929 tender was separated from the yacht over 60 years ago, when it was conscripted for use during WWII. It was finally traced down and restored in 2004, and was reunited with the yacht.
Junaluska Tender
The full-size tender seated 6 adults. The Olympus also has a more modern tender—a 15’ Boston Whaler Super Sport.
Olympus Model
Progress photos from February 25, 2013. The red bottom paint has been applied, and the hull is ready for white paint. The superstructure was almost complete at this point.
Olympus Rudder
A close-up of the Olympus rudder.
Olympus Model
Fred would enlist a friend to wire the interior lights next, before carpets were laid down, and the roof attached.
Olympus Model
Fred noted that projects like this helped the winter pass quickly.
Olympus Galley
Some details from the galley.
Olympus Galley
Olympus Model
More progress from March 5, 2013. The hull was painted white, and the gold leaf lettering was applied to the name on the stern.
Olympus Props
A closer look at the polished brass props.
Olympus Model
Rear deck seating.
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
This photo shows the anchor winch.
Olympus Detail
From March 6, 2013. The gold leaf paint has been outlined in black on the hull of the Olympus.
Junaluska Detail
The gold leaf paint was also outlined in black on the tender.
Junaluska Tender
A side view of the tender.
Olympus Model
These last photos were sent in by Fred on April 29, 2013. They show the nearly completed Olympus sitting on dry dock supports.
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
The model was awaiting final installation of the electrical wiring and lights.
Olympus Model
Junaluska Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Model
Olympus Plaque
Fred’s custom plaque for the Olympus model. He completed the model by the end of 2013.
*Note: To see more on the finished model of the Olympus, see this profile from Classic Yacht Register. You can also view of video slideshow of the construction process.
The True Yachtsman’s “Last Boat”
The Last Boat
Built as a conversation piece at a boat show, the “Last Boat” is for that long final ride of the true yachtsman. Yes, that ride—it’s a coffin! Fred built it out of mahogany using the West system, just like a classic wooden boat. It’s certainly a conversation starter at shows.
The Last Boat
Stevie Ray Vaughn sang of, “Willie Wimp and his Cadillac Coffin,” but the true yachtsman would want to take it a step further. Fred was taking orders from anyone interested in this classy final resting place.
Full-Size Boat Projects
Some of Fred’s full-size boats are featured here. As a professional boat builder, Fred developed the skills that would later come in handy building his 1/2 scale projects. Below are photos and information on just a few of the custom full-size boats that Fred built.
2001 37’ Offshore Runabout “Miss Packard”
M.V. Miss Packard
The M.V. Miss Packard is a custom-built runabout sport cruiser. The hull was constructed using 1-1/4 Ocume marine grade plywood, with Honduras mahogany planking on the exterior.
M.V. Miss Packard
Framing consists of Mahogany. It was fitted with a completely rebuilt Packard model M-4, V-12, 2,500 ci raw water-cooled gas engine.
M.V. Miss Packard Engine
The engine was rated at 1,350-HP at 2,400 rpm. It’s the same type of engine that was originally used in WWII PT boats. It has a Vetus bow thruster, and inboard V-drive with air induction surface prop.
M.V. Miss Packard
The boat rides on a custom-built performance trailer.
2005 30’ Offshore Runabout “Patriot”
The Patriot is a 30’ custom-built offshore sports runabout. The hull has a 3 aerated step design, cold mold West system, and was constructed using one layer of 1/4 Ocume marine grade plywood, with Honduras mahogany planking on exterior.
Framing consists of mahogany. Decks are stained mahogany, West system (no screws). Finish is stained light mahogany. It was fitted with a new GM 540 ci, 620-HP engine, which has a new variable pitch Pulse Drive out unit with a Surface Prop. The interior features vinyl roll and pleated seats for five, twin bilge pumps, stereo radio, tonneau, and mooring covers. It also has a remote-controlled engine hatch cover. It rides on a custom-built Load-Rite twin torsion axle trailer, with 16” polished aluminum wheels. This is another one of Fred Heim’s museum quality masterpieces. Fred has been building boats for 45 years, including several one-of-a-kind vessels.
Stats for the Patriot—draft: 2’ 3”; beam: 7’ 6”; fuel tanks: twin 36 gallons each; dry weight: 6200 lbs; cruising speed: 40 knots, maximum speed: 65+ knots.
31’ Fantail Launch “Rachel H.”
The photos below show another one of Fred’s retirement projects, a more traditional fantail launch design. The boat is named, Rachel H. in honor of Fred’s wife. Fred submitted many photos of the construction process which can be seen below.
Stats for the Rachel H.—
Design: James Doe. Builder: Fred Heim. Length: 31′. Beam: 8′-3″. Weight: 7000 lbs. Power: Yanmar 20-HP, 3-cylinder Diesel. Speed: 7-8 knots. Capacity: Seats 13 people. Features: head, bow thruster, sink, refrigerator, full electronics, weather curtains, removable table.
Rachel H. Framing
These first photos show initial stages of the boat’s construction.
Rachel H. Hull
Rachel H. Construction
Rachel H. Construction
Rachel H. Construction
Rachel H. Cabin
A look at the cabin, as the boat neared completion in November, 2008.
Rachel H. Bow
Rachel H. Stern
Rachel H. Propeller Shaft
Rachel H. Upholstery
In December, 2008, the upholstery was completed. Photographers from Wood magazine visited Fred to take photos for an article they ran on the boat.
Rachel H. Details
Rachel H. Details
Later that December, the steering wheel was put in place.
Rachel H. Trailer
The custom-built stainless steel trailer is nearly finished here.
Rachel H.
In late January, 2009, the top was completed.
Rachel H.
Rachel H.
The boat was also mated up with the trailer that January.
Rachel H.
Rachel H.
Everything was on schedule for the boat’s first showing at the Boston Boat Show in mid-February.
Rachel H.
Photos of the finished project at the Boston Boat Show.
Rachel H.
The finished interior and canvas features all-weather side curtains.
Rachel H.
In this photo, Fred explains some of the boat’s features to show visitors. His next stop was the Mt. Dora Wooden Boat show in Florida.
Launching the Rachel H.
The end of the building saga, and the beginning of the fun. These photos show the boat being launched in Florida, at the Mt. Dora Boat Show in the spring of 2009.
Launching the Rachel H.
Since being launched here, the vessel returned north where it would spend the summer at the Watertown Yacht Club, on the Charles River, to be enjoyed by Fred and Rachel.
Launching the Rachel H.
A captain’s-eye view as the Rachel H. sails warm Florida waters.