Confederate CSS Arkansas

The CSS Arkansas served as a Confederate Ironclad during the American Civil War. Prematurely launched in April 1862 to prevent capture when Memphis fell to the Union Navy, the Arkansas Arrived to Greenwood, Mississippi to complete and equip the Ironclad. Once completed in July of 1862, the CSS Arkansas was called into action to Vicksburg and encountered three Union ships enroute. After exchanging shots at close range, the CSS Arkansas was able to pass through the three Union ships and arrived to Vicksburg. Fighting continued into the evening which the Union ships scored only one hit on the Arkansas. While under repairs, the CSS Arkansas again repelled attacks from the Union ships and eventually fought them off. After Union ships withdrew from Vickburg, CSS Arkansas Captain, Captain Brown, was granted four days of leave. Although during this time, Captain Brown ordered that the Arkansas not be moved and the engines repaired, the CSS Arkansas was ordered to support the battle taking place down river in Baton Rouge. The engines of the Arkansas broke down several times while heading to Baton Rouge. Although repaired prior to the battle, the crank pins on both engines failed as the Arkansas moved into the battle to engage the USS Essex. The crew was ordered to abandon ship after the crew broke up the engines and set fire to the ship to prevent capture. About mid-day, the Arkansas blew up and sank to the bottom of the river 690 feet past river mile 233.

Paper model in 1:200 scale.