24-05-2025
Model shipbuilder's legacy takes pride of place at Gladstone Maritime Museum
Ernie Pitts first began building model ships in an attempt to reduce his drinking.
Almost 60 years later, the decision has proved a good one, with the hobby lasting much longer than the temptation of a schooner.
"I started back in 1966-67, I was working on the oil rigs in the North Sea and was week on, week off, and the week off I was spending too much time in the pub," Mr Pitts said.
The 85-year-old from Gladstone in Central Queensland has donated a raft of historically accurate ships, built with painstaking precision, to the maritime museum where he volunteers.
Mr Pitts hopes his models, many of which are of vessels significant to the region, will help preserve Gladstone's history.
Mr Pitts taught himself how to build the boats through trial and error.
While model ships can be made using kits, most of his are built from scratch.
Born at Great Yarmouth Port in England and having worked in the navy, he was drawn to building model ships by his love for the sea.
Nina Park first met Mr Pitts in 1998 through their volunteer work at Gladstone Maritime Museum.
She moved in a year or so later, and the couple bonded over the ships when she started sewing their sails.
Ms Park, the treasurer at the museum, said visitors often commented on the level of detail in the ships.
"The most obvious one we get is, 'I would never have the patience to do that' … and he does," she said.
"He's got that real eye for detail and the ability to focus on the model he's working on."
Ms Park said nearly all the models on display were significant to Gladstone's history.
Mr Pitts spent about 600 hours meticulously building the SS Premier, a paddle steamer bought by Queensland Rail to run between Gladstone and Rockhampton.
The ship served as an important link between the two cities at a time when the railway terminated in Gladstone.
Gladstone Maritime History Society vice-president Ian Griffiths said the group was grateful for Mr Pitts's contribution to the region.
"We can't thank him enough … it's been wonderful having Ernie with us and having his models."
Recently, Mr Pitts stopped taking on big projects due to issues with his eyesight.
"I still sort of fiddle around with boats and I'm refurbishing a half model at the moment at home, it's a simple little job," he said.
Across decades of work, Mr Pitts said model boat making had not changed much, with the exception of better tools.
"Some of the glues are better … but it's mainly just a saw and sandpaper that you work with," he said.
When asked what the best part building model ships was, he laughed.
"Finishing them."
