3D model descriptionThe USS Keokuk was an experimental casemate‑ironclad screw steamer launched in December 1862, one of the first U.S. Navy vessels built entirely of iron with only a wooden deck and filler armor. Designed by Charles W. Whitney and constructed by J.S. Underhill Shipbuilders in New York, the 159‑ft‑long ship displaced 677 long tons and carried two 250‑hp steam engines driving twin 7‑ft screws. Armed with two 11‑inch Dahlgren smoothbore guns and a ram bow, the Keokuk joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron in March 1863 to support the attack on Charleston, arriving at Newport News two days later. Our 1:48‑scale file pack captures every detail of this historic ironclad while keeping construction manageable: the hull and superstructure are assembled from just fifteen printed parts, and the pack contains more than 110 high‑poly STL files for every turret, gun, interior and exterior accessory. A full‑color 3MF master file is also included, so the ship can be printed in one step with a colour printer or in separate colours if preferred.

3D printing settingsPrint the STL files at 0.2 mm layer height (or finer for extra detail) in PLA or PETG; resin prints work well at 0.05 mm. Slice with Cura or PrusaSlicer, adding supports only where necessary—most hull panels are self‑supporting. The 3MF file contains all geometry, material, and colour data for any printer that supports the format. Assembly is straightforward: each large piece has built‑in mounting surfaces, and the pack includes three types of clips that keep the parts together while glue sets. Two historically accurate or RC‑oriented propellers are supplied, and the entire upper deck is designed as an access lid for RC projects. Interior access hatches, covered by two barbets, allow quick battery replacements, while a rear hood gives easy access to the rudder mechanism. Two separate front barbettes are also provided. Use the included exploded‑view renders for clear guidance during assembly.