The Cactus Class Buoy Tender (WLB) ships were built between 1942 and 1944, as part of thirty-nine 180-foot buoy tenders built for the U.S. Coast Guard. The preliminary design was initialized by the U.S. Lighthouse Service prior to its amalgamation into the Coast Guard in 1939. The final design was intended to replace all large or Class-A lighthouse tenders. Search and rescue features were added to this ship, as designed primarily for tending buoys and servicing lighthouses. Following the merger it was decided that ice breaking capability and armament should be added to the design of the ship. All 39 of the 180's were named after bushes/shrubs. There were thirteen A-Class cutters built with the distinctive “A” frame boom hoist support and the boom controls being on top of the wheelhouse. Because CACTUS (W-270) was the first of the A-Class cutters, the 12 to follow would be known as the Cactus Class with Marine Iron building six and Zenith Dredge building seven. These ships originally were designated with the hull classification symbol WAGL, but in 1965 the designation was changed to WLB.
USCGC Balsam (WLB-62)
USCGC Cactus (WLB-270)
USCGC Cowslip (WLB-277)
USCGC Woodbine (WLB-289)
USCGC Gentian (WLB-290)
USCGC Laurel (WLB-291)
USCGC Clover (WLB-292)
USCGC Evergreen (WLB-295)
USCGC Sorrel (WLB-296)
USCGC Citrus (WLB-300)
USCGC Conifer (WLB-301)
USCGC Madrona (WLB-302)
USCGC Tupelo (WLB-303)
Any service era or vessel configuration - We can build a model of them all - your pick.
We offer our US Coast Guard Cactus Class Buoy Tenders (WLB) models in several poplular size/scale offerings for easy ordering and selection. However, if you would like your model made in a size other than those sizes listed, please contact us with your request. Custom orders are our specialty!
Our US Coast Guard ship models are made-to-order, meaning that we do not stock any pre-made models. Only when a customer tells us the size and/or scale desired do we build the model. Each model is exquisitly crafted by our master model builders and comes fully assembled with a solid hull - hand carved from kiln-dried mahogany. Other parts are made from a variety of woods, putty, resin and metals. Every model includes pedestals, mounted on a polished mahogany base board. Options include keel block mounting, waterline models, nameplates, ships seals and ribbons, and weathering paint schemes.
The model build time is generally 16 weeks from receipt of the order and deposit. The normal procedure is a 50% deposit with the commissioning, with the balance due prior to shipping. Note that prior to shipping, we take a series of photos of the model and send them to you for final review and approval – so you know exactly what your model will look like and allow for any necessary modifications. Once you have approved your model, we’ll collect the final balance and she will be shipped in a robust shipping crate and insured for your protection.
We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: In the unlikely event you are not completely satisfied with your model and wish to return it, notify us within 7 days of the model delivery and we will issue a refund or exchange.
FREE SHIPPING in the USA - Note that our model prices include shipping and insurance within the USA.
Shipping costs outside the USA will depend on the model size ordered and shipping destination. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes or duties, based on the commercial invoice value for the model.
Add a museum-like touch to your model display - Consider our protective display case option. Keep fingers and dust away - forever! Please visit our Display Case page to see our selection.
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