The USS James K. Polk is a Benjamin Franklin Class Nuclear Submarine. Representing the finest in master craftsmanship. built by Master Model Builders with more than 40 years individual experience.

Named after the 11th President of the United States during whose presidency California, Oregon, New Mexico and Texas all joined the Union of the United States of America.

The USS James K. Polk was commissioned in 1966 originally as SSBN 645. She was converted to SSN 645 in March of 1994 when her 16 Poseidon missiles were removed and Dry deck shelters were installed. Her sister ship the USS Kamehamehan SSN 642 shared a similar history.

Capable of wreaking more havoc than all the bombs of World War II with a nearly limitless endurance of nuclear power from the deterrent might of 16 thermonuclear missiles. From launching tubes located aft of the sail, these missiles had a range of 2500 nautical miles. Mk48 Torpedoes could be fired from the 4 torpedo tubes on board.

USS James K. Polk was converted and and overhauled on more than one occasion. Initially loaded with Polaris missiles she was then overhauled in 1971 for conversion to a Poseidon missile system. She wasn't decommissioned until 1999. Shown here after in her later era 1994 conversion to Dry Deck shelters with a Special Forces Delivery Team of SEALs from a Chinook helicopter flying above midship.

The Chinook helicopter is another model of elaborate detail all of its own. Great intricate painting and decal work make for an interesting display addition. The seal team delivery is painted in uniformed red shirts.

The Dry Deck Shelters can have a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle included as shown on our USS Sam Houston model. Missiles and torpedoes can also be fired as shown on some of our Los Angeles and Ohio Class models.

Enhanced with exterior detailing including air brushed highlights including water reflections and weathering. This makes for a much more interesting model to view than just a simple single color. Brass upgrades abound on this model at every glance.

We use brass propellers, drive shafts, railings, brass or stainless pedestals and more. As is suiting of a ship with such national historical significance, our realistic submarine models are not to be compared with mass produced import versions. Every model is professionally built by hand in the USA using only professional grade materials with lots of interesting upgrade options available.

Each model is mounted on a natural wood base. Shown here on our standard Red Oak base finished in numerous coats of hand rubbed fine Danish oils. To View More Exotic Wood Choices

A protective flame polished clear acrylic cover and brass engraved nameplate are included for a top quality professional finish. Upgrade the the nameplate to include name, rank and service date.

1/350th Scale: 18" long x 5" deep x 6" tall   1/200th Scale: 32" long x 9" deep x 8" tall   Approximate Encased Sizes Additional Sizes & Configurations Available

Click here for Examples of
Optional Upgrades & Construction Details
	Missile Launches, Torpedo Firings, Opening Hatches, Support Aircraft, Exotic Case Woods and more

Available in the following Ben Franklin Class SSN / SSBN model configurations Launching original Ballistic Missiles Polaris A-3, converted Poseidon C-3, converted Trident I C-4, converted SSN
USS Ben Franklin SSBN-640		USS George C. Marshall SSBN-654
USS Simon Bolivar SSBN-641		USS Henry L. Stimson SSBN-655
USS Kamehameha SSBN-642 / SSN-642		USS George Washington Carver SSBN-656
USS George Bancroft SSBN-643		USS Francis Scott Key SSBN-657
USS Lewis and Clark SSBN-644		USS Mariano G. Vallejo SSBN-658
USS James K. Polk SSBN-645 / SSN-645		USS Will Rogers SSBN-658

Where museum quality is NOT just a slogan. Raven Arts - Internationally recognized, award winning, professionally certified Master Model Builders offering one-of-a-kind custom built models from kit embellished to full scratch builds since 1989.

Click to return to the Submarine Gallery

The Ship Model Masters of Raven Arts in Washington State are the Nation's premier custom model ship building service located just West of Seattle, WA Custom built ship models such as this USS James K. Polk SSN-645 Benjamin Franklin Class Nuclear Attack Submarine are built by professional Master Model Builders. Each one is a custom work of fine art built by hand in the USA. Available in a multitude of sizes and configurations.