Governor Alfred E. Smith (fireboat) 36 Inches Ship Model

Own a handcrafted replica of one of the most legendary fireboats in American history. John J. Harvey served with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) from 1931 to 1994, earning a reputation as one of the most powerful and technologically advanced fireboats of her era. Most notably, she was called back into service on September 11, 2001, providing critical water-pumping support at the World Trade Center site when local water mains failed. Her extraordinary return to duty transformed her into a lasting symbol of resilience, heroism, and American maritime engineering.

Our 36-inch handcrafted John J. Harvey model faithfully captures the distinctive appearance of the original vessel. Each model is individually built by experienced craftsmen using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method—the same principle used in authentic wooden shipbuilding. We select only premium hardwoods, including Western Red Cedar, Teak, and Mahogany, to ensure exceptional durability, fine craftsmanship, and a timeless finish.

Every element is carefully recreated, from the classic wheelhouse and elegant hull lines to the prominent deck monitors, firefighting equipment, mast, deck fittings, and other signature features that defined John J. Harvey's decades of lifesaving service. Rather than being mass-produced, each model is individually handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, creating a museum-quality display piece worthy of any maritime, firefighting, or FDNY collection.

One of the defining characteristics of John J. Harvey was her pioneering diesel-electric propulsion system and exceptionally powerful firefighting capability. As one of the first high-capacity diesel-electric fireboats, she could discharge up to 16,000 gallons of water per minute. This model beautifully highlights those historic features, showcasing the vessel's prominent deck monitors and distinctive deck structures that made her an engineering landmark of the early twentieth century.

The 36-inch model offers a larger, more commanding display while showcasing an even greater level of craftsmanship and detail. Its increased size allows John J. Harvey's classic wheelhouse, prominent deck monitors, elegant hull lines, firefighting equipment, and deck structures to be appreciated with exceptional clarity, creating an impressive centerpiece for an executive office, study, display cabinet, or dedicated collection room. Preferred by serious collectors, FDNY enthusiasts, firefighters, and maritime professionals, the 36-inch version delivers enhanced realism, stronger visual presence, and a museum-quality presentation while remaining ideally suited for larger display spaces. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a premium handcrafted replica that fully honors the vessel's extraordinary service and historic role on September 11, 2001.

Each piece is individually handcrafted, and production typically takes 3–6 months, depending on the model's size and complexity. Throughout the process, we'll keep you updated with detailed progress photos at every major milestone, allowing you to review the craftsmanship and approve each stage before we move forward.

You'll receive photos during:

Hull construction

Deck detailing and superstructure assembly

Final painting and finishing

Your satisfaction comes first. We proceed to the next stage only after you've reviewed the previous one.

Secure Worldwide Delivery

Once you approve the completed model, it will be carefully packed in a custom-built wooden shipping crate with multiple layers of protective cushioning to ensure it arrives safely anywhere in the world.

Custom Orders Available

Looking for a different size or a personalized version? We offer custom dimensions, modifications, and bespoke designs upon request. Simply contact our team to discuss your project.

Bring home a handcrafted tribute to one of the FDNY's most legendary fireboats. Whether you're expanding a maritime collection, enhancing your office, or investing in a museum-quality display piece, our handcrafted John J. Harvey model is built to become an impressive centerpiece you'll be proud to display for generations.

Contact us today to begin building your custom John J. Harvey model.

History
Launched in 1931, the John J. Harvey ranks among the most celebrated fireboats in American maritime history, proudly serving the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) for more than six decades. Named in memory of an FDNY pilot who died during the SS Muenchen fire, the 130-foot vessel was a groundbreaking achievement in marine firefighting. Powered by pumps capable of discharging an impressive 18,000 gallons of water per minute, she was regarded as one of the most powerful fireboats ever constructed. Throughout her distinguished career, the John J. Harvey fought several of New York City's most devastating waterfront fires, including the Cunard Line pier fire in 1932, the Normandie disaster in 1942, and the El Estero ammunition ship fire during World War II.

After retiring from active service in 1994 and becoming a historic vessel at Hudson River Park’s Pier 66a, the John J. Harvey once again demonstrated her value during the September 11, 2001 attacks. With water mains near Ground Zero rendered unusable, the restored fireboat was brought back into operation by its volunteer crew, pumping water continuously for nearly 80 hours alongside fellow FDNY fireboats to support firefighting efforts at the World Trade Center site.