Hi ---- This post is intended for anyone who wants to build the REVELL of GERMANY model of the tug (oceangoing ) SMIT HOUSTON in 1/200 scale . This is NOT a bad model . The only thing I have to say is , be careful with the parts that have rails attached to them . They break off very easy . The only glaring error of design I can find is that part number 38 is to narrow . This deck requires .080 to be added to each side !! If you don,t do this , the rails for this area will be almost up against the bulkhead when installed! You have to add .080 to the edge of the deck , fill the old rail mount holes and drill new ones along the new edge . There are handrails molded on the bulkheads that can (AND I RECOMMEND ) that they be removed and replaced. Use the smallest rod in EVERGREEN,S ASST. rod and tube pack. If you do this you will truly bring this model to life . If you can find 1/200 photoetched rails , ladders and stairs this would be the jewels in the crown that this ship is .This is not a beginners model though , so I would recommend it to those who have at least a few under their belt .
I usually don’t collect non-military items, but the kit you mentioned was an exception. Probably because I like its big scale 1:200 and I have some destroyers WWII and modern in that scale. Another exception would be the Titanic Searcher in the same scale. Both were built OOTB by “Tuk” two years ago.:
Hi M.M. ------ I think that there might a very slim chance that this may be the harbinger of something else . The reasons ,to me are clear . When you look at the deck aft ,there are fittings that I did not see at the time on any SMIT tug at the time (1980 )In real life, the indications are maybe a full blown salvage vessel or oceanagraphic research type . I hope. The two you,ve shown are great looking ,do you have more ? I,ll send some pics to the gallery in a week or so as there are two more I want to show off. Catcha later . tankerbuilder P.S. Isn,t the bottom pic the heller kit ???
I thought it was the same Tug boat that you mentioned. It may be a different one then. I checked my purchase record and found that my kit is named “Harbour Tug Smit Frankrijk” 1:200 from Revell. The other one is from Heller as you know. Thanks for your comments on the build. I have more pictures of these two, but not more non-military vessals. If you want more pictures please try this page:
HI — I do have to add some more on the SMIT HOUSTON by REVELL of GERMANY .Pay attention now !! The bridge deck has the same problems as the main forward deck . If you build it like the instructions say , you,ll find it,s too narrow . You HAVE TO add a .043 strip to each side from the wing to just aft of the stacks . I don,t what they (REVELL of GERMANY ) were thinking but they were off in more ways than I expected on this kit , especially considering what it costs !! Now that the flaws are out . I will digress , and say to MODEL MANIAC ,who answered the thread . Even if your tug isn,t the one I,m building ,you did a darned good job and I like your subtle but well done weathering on both vessels TANKERBUILDER