Matanuska 36 inches Ferry Model

Tustumena Ferry – 36-Inch Handcrafted Wooden Model

Own a handcrafted tribute to one of Alaska's most legendary and enduring passenger ferries. The Tustumena is one of the oldest vessels in the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), providing essential transportation services to remote coastal communities since her commissioning in 1964. Built to operate in the challenging waters of the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, Tustumena carries passengers, vehicles, and cargo while connecting isolated communities with the rest of the state. With her rugged design, long service history, and vital role in Alaska's maritime transportation network, Tustumena has become a beloved symbol of resilience, adventure, and northern maritime heritage.

Our 36-inch handcrafted Tustumena Ferry 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 real wooden shipbuilding. We select only premium hardwoods, including Western Red Cedar, Teak, and Mahogany, to ensure exceptional durability, fine detail, and a timeless finish.

Every element is carefully recreated, from the sturdy ferry hull and multi-level superstructure to the passenger decks, vehicle loading areas, bridge, navigation equipment, lifeboats, railings, and other signature features that define this iconic Alaska Marine Highway vessel. Rather than being mass-produced, each model is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a museum-quality display piece worthy of any maritime, Alaska, or transportation collection.

The 36-inch model offers a larger, more commanding display while showcasing an even greater level of craftsmanship and detail. Its increased size allows the Tustumena's distinctive hull, spacious vehicle deck, passenger areas, and classic ferry profile to stand out more prominently, making it an impressive centerpiece for an office, study, display cabinet, or dedicated collection room. Ideal for Alaska Marine Highway supporters, ferry enthusiasts, maritime collectors, and serious collectors, the 36-inch version delivers enhanced realism and visual impact while remaining practical for most display spaces. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a substantial museum-quality model that celebrates the history, reliability, and lasting legacy of this remarkable Alaskan ferry.

Each piece is individually handcrafted, with production typically taking 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 the Tustumena Ferry. Whether you're expanding an Alaska, maritime, or transportation collection, decorating your office, or searching for a meaningful gift for a ferry enthusiast, Alaska traveler, or maritime collector, our handcrafted Tustumena model is built to become a centerpiece you'll be proud to display for years to come.

Contact us today to begin building your custom Tustumena Ferry model.

History
The Tustumena is a legendary vessel within the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), serving as a vital link for coastal communities since her launch in 1964. Constructed by the Puget Sound Bridge and Dry Dock Company in Seattle, the 296-foot ferry was purpose-built to navigate the punishing, high-energy waters of the Gulf of Alaska. For over six decades, she has provided essential transportation across remote routes connecting Homer, Kodiak Island, the Alaska Peninsula, and the Aleutian region. By facilitating the reliable movement of passengers, vehicles, and critical freight through all seasons, she has functioned as an indispensable lifeline for residents living in areas without traditional road access.

Affectionately known as "The Trusty Tusty," the ferry has earned a reputation for exceptional resilience and unwavering dedication in one of the world's most challenging maritime environments. While she has received multiple mechanical and interior upgrades over the years to enhance safety and passenger comfort, her enduring design remains a testament to mid-century naval architecture. Beyond her utility, the Tustumena serves as a cultural icon, symbolizing the grit and connectivity that define life in the North. As she continues her long tenure, she remains a deeply cherished component of Alaska's maritime heritage and a critical asset to the state's economic and social fabric.