Project to Tackle-RMS Titanic

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

So, here I am again. I have made the decision to begin a new kit. Yes, a kit that happens to remain still completely sealed in the box. Yes, and that also means that I am pushing aside the countless unfinished kits that I am also trying to finish.

*sigh

I have chosen to build the 1/400 Academy Centenary Anniversary Edition of the RMS Titanic, and to say that the task is daunting is a little bit of an understatement. I have up to this point never built anything of this size, complexity, detail or caliber. I also know that the only other ship that I have to date finished measured about two inches and had maybe 12 parts.

But believe me, I know that in the back of my head I am thinking that it has to also be in some level with James Cameron’s movie (yes, though his was mostly CGI).

Oh, and I only have 4 months to do it in.

Understatement??? Definitely!

2

Now to start with the evidence that I am actually nuts and starting this project.

I almost didn’t even want to open the box because it looked so perfect. Well, that didn’t last very long.

I have to say, however, that the box art is quite stunning.

When you first open the box, you are presented with a plethora of wrapped sprues, a ziploc of instructions, photo etch, and wooden deck, a stand base, an easy 150 piece puzzle and a hull, measuring about 2 feet. You can’t see it at this point, but take my word for it; that bag was pretty full.

I figured I would start easy…

The hull is in the background, still in its plastic bag.

The wooden deck, 1 sheet of it anyways. It will be a whole new thing for me…

Other than the sprues on the top right corner of the table, this signifies the start of the roller coaster, ummm, I mean project.

The stand is actually kinda nice. I think, though, I will spend some $$ on a pair of finials, as the set that comes with the kit is 4 halves to be glued to its pair, and between you and me, I would rather not have the seam line going down the middle. I also did notice that the colours of each half is slightly more or less gold. Huh.

Not pleased about that.

As for the gold, kinda cheesy, mini-ship in the middle, it will not be used.

3

That is one serious project, good luck with it. Are you going to add any after-market P.E. or just use the P.E. that came with the kit?

4

Watch out for the adhesive on the back of those decks. Sometimes the decks will pop loose due to humidity affecting the decks. From what I’ve heard, you might need to back up the deck adhesive with some more glue.

Can’t wait to watch the progress.

Matt

5

I have a set of 400 scale photo-etch that a friend gave me. It won’t do a whole lot to the kit, but there are some extra bits and pieces from it that I will probably use.

6

Any specific type of glue that you could recommend. White glue, perhaps?

7

Y’know, for the life of me I can’t seem to find the posts where the humidity problems arose. You could probably try white glue (that might have a little give to it). I’m not sure where you are situated geographically, but the person who noticed the problems was from Australia. Not quite sure what atmospheric conditions are like Down Under.

I’ll attach a link to his 1/400 build. Who knows, you might get something out of his build thread.

titanic-model.com/…/dcboard.php

Careful though…you could get sucked into this build like I did and “lose” years of your life. I’m in 2 1/2 years now but there’s a wee bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Just hope it’s not an oncoming train.

Enjoy the reading. Lots of cool ideas and fixes.

Matt

8

I’m in Nova Scotia, Canada-lots of humidity here! I am hoping it is not a two and a half year project, I only have 4 months!

9

Now, this is the life, the last sips of wine combined with modelling.

This time it is a satisfied *sigh

Anyways, getting to it; this has been my task for the week. I told myself to have either a step, or a step of a step completed before the weekend. So, today was part 1, of step 4, as evidence by the photos (unfortunately not as far as step 6, though).

Is that a typo that I see… ? They must have skipped ‘h’ on that day… ??

Because I am not normally a ship modeller, I spent thirty minutes of my time cleaning up these…parts of the ship, for lack of a better name or description.

10

I’m glad to see someone else building this kit. I will following this one closely because I will be starting mine right after the holidays when the doldrums of winter set in.

Academy did a great job packaging this model; it’s going to be very hard to break up the perfect packaging.

Cheers,

Wayne

11

I’m about 3/4 finished with mine. The wood decks have remained in place without any problems but you need to be careful and take your time applying them. The PE that’s supplied with the kit is pretty complete although you can never have too many deck chairs and the kit has none. Most everything fits very well and clean up is minimal. My biggest problem was following the instructions for the Pontos supplied PE. As they typically do there are detailed instructions and pictures to guide you as to what goes where and how it’s formed but as they also usually do there’s no rhyme nor reason to it so you’re constantly scanning two large sheets on both sides trying to find parts numbers and locations and what molded on sections need to be removed etc. I don’t think your lack of ship building experience will hurt as long as you have some knowledge gained from building something and don’t get too impatient. Best of luck and I hope you enjoy building it as much as I so far have.

12

Thanks jeffpez for the advice. I may have to order a set of deck chairs, because they are kinda important. Any pics of yours?

13

I still use film in my camera and couldn’t figure out how to post something taken with my phone if you paid me so no, I have no pictures.

14

That’s ok, no sweat.

15

So, I have dwelt for some more hours on my new immense project. I am looking for some tips. Is a soldering gun recommended for the kit? I did hear one person at my local club get-together that he used a soldering gun on his 350 scale Titanic. Second, I am not sure if i will model my lifebotas in with their covers on or not, as the detail inside the boat is quite nice.

I am working on some more pics, they will come soon.

16

I can’t think of any reason why you would need to solder any of the PE details. CA glue will work just fine for joining the parts. I have both PE sets (both Tom’s and Gold Medal Models) and can’t even imagine putting heat to those delicate pieces. The only thing I soldered was a set of new masts…the ones in the kit leave a lot to be desired.

As to the lifeboats, there were two boats that had no covers. They hung over the sides, just outboard of lifeboats 1 and 2. Those would be worthy of detailing. It might be quite an undertaking to detail ALL of the lifeboats. Technically, they all had their covers in place… right up to the point they were needed. If you’re under time constraints, maybe save that detail for last and then gauge your time vs. work involved to achieve that level of detail. You don’t want to run out of time.

Looking forward to more pictures…

Matt

17

Looks like a very nice model kit

Rick

18

I am also looking for some deck chairs. Any recommendations on where I could obtain some. My prelim. research showed me a lot of 350 scale chairs, and 400 scale deck benches.

Shame the kit does not provide them.

19

My initial clean of the crane bases and crane arms.

I am also in the market for some better quality finials, as the ones provided in the kit have a nasty seam line, and on closer inspection, the two halves are a slightly different colour. I have looked through the local craft and hardware stores for an appropriate replacement; to no avail. The best thing to date that I have found are the turned ends that you find with wooden dowels.

Hull sitting on base, view of my table.

After the first coat of Future; I really find that the Future brings out the glossy shine of the gold chrome. I plan on doing a black background and keeping the raised gold letters. Ideas anyone?

20

Freetime Hobbies have finials on sale.