I tracked down the source of a digital 3D model of the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-304 this week. The artist was gracious enough to give me a copy of the file, as well as copies of some blueprints for the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-135 subclass that came from the Naval archives!

I’d give personal credit to the artist, but I need to clarify if he would like me to, as the model was put together for a paid project. If I end up using it for anything commercial, I’ll have to get permissions.

So, what do I plan to do with such a great find?

Well, at the moment, not too much. The 3D model lets me pan and rotate the ship so I can get more intimate with its layout, but it is only an exterior model at the moment. I’m in the process of scheduling some Naval archive visits to get more blueprints, because I’d like to add more detail to the 3D model, then build out the interior for some digital walk-throughs. I can’t imagine how amazing it would be to virtually walk around inside of the ship, eventually even adding textures and materials to make it seem life-like. Time to sharpen up those rusty CAD skills!

Here is a quick screenshot of part of the model:

YMS-304 3D Rendering

The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-304 is a near sibling of the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299. Of the same subclass, the same blueprints were used in their manufacturing. The only differences between them would be minor in the construction process, as only YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299 to YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-302 were built by the same builder.

Here is a sample portion from one of the blueprints:

YMS-135 Subclass; blueprint sample