I picked up one of these kits and found that it has only generic markings on the decal sheet.
Does anyone know if an aftermarket set of accurate decals for the Calypso is available?
the kit decals call it the Poseidon.After all the movies ,that’s an unlucky name for a ship.
I don’t know about aftermarket decals - I do know that the decal issue had to do with licensing issues with the Cousteau family.
Hi Sixth Element!
Will this do it? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cousteaus-Calypso-DECALS-1-125-Revell-05101-/150750519247?pt=FR_YO_JeuxJouets_MaquettesModelisme&hash=item23196e5fcf
I’ve also wondered about photo etch for this kit. As far as I know, nothing was ever done. Anyone ever hear any rumors of a possibility?
Consider this post an expression of interest!
I recently reminded the person that was going to make the PE set so hopefully he’s working on it.
Accurate decals for the Calypso? WHY/WHEN?
Mine Sweeper HMS J-826 circa 1950:
Circa “The Silent World”:
Circa 2004:
What decals?
Revell just re released the Calypso kit without the original decals.
The decals with the kit call it the Neptune and make no mention of Cousteau at all,probably for liscensing reasons.
So you’re saying there’s hope Division 6?!?
Yes.
As for the decals that came with the original it had the small Calypso banners to go on the stack (yes it actually had them) and markings for the helicopter, boat and flags (French & American).
That is great news.
I picked up an original Calypso a few years ago, but have sort of set it aside hoping I can detail it up a bit. The kit included the decals, but was missing the clear “glass” pieces, but that seems easily fixable.
Things like the helicopter pad and some other details just seem ripe for photo etch.
Revell also sold a 1/72 Cousteau Catalina flying boat. It’s a worthwhile addition to any good floater collection, as it’s the only PBY-6A (they were all A"s- with landing gear) sold in plastic.
I’ve strongly considered that, but it seems to go pretty high on that popular auction site. It does look very nice.
Hey Division 6, I just discovered your posts in another thread saying it is Paragrafix. I went to their website and it looks like some quality stuff there. I’m a BSG fan, too, so that particularly intrigued me. Fingers crossed.
Original Calypso kit, pretty much out of the box. ( minus the sharks)
Been a while, just checking in to see if there have been any updates. My expression of interest still very much stands.
Geez. Does this bring back memories. I had that model when I was a kid. But she didn’t survive the move from Tennessee to Georgia back in the Seventies. None of my models did. Stupid movers!
Now. Do I want her again? That is the question.
Of course you do, Leelan! That kit was ubiquitous back in those days. I also had one, built with the typical skills of a 10 year old. I’d really love to do one up right.
I recently acquired BOTH the old release and the " NEW " re-release. I will do the re-release and use brass for stanchions ,chains and rail parts as well as the mast and cranes. It begs for this. I am saddened by her present shape and what has transpired with the COUSTEAU group
If PHILLIPE was still with us ,I feel things would,ve been different.Time marches on ,and all who value models like this one should build all of them,this includes HELLER,S re-release of the LE-SUROIT(or in a late re-release the TITANIC hunter). Good model . TANKER-builder
Well. all of this discussion prompted me to “jump into the pool.” My LHS had had the re-release in stock for about a year now and they were very happy to sell it. I guess that proves that there is less of a market for non-military ships in odd scales (the 1:350 warship kits seem to turn over very quickly).
Other than the usual ROG end-flap box (I can’t believe that a two-part box would add a lot to cost) this is a very nice kit, well done, hardly any flash, and have yet to identify any sink holes, etc on part surfaces. I picked up some Plastistruct fittings to detail the helicopter pad and am not sure that the rails need to be replaced - for plastic they are very nicely done.
The kit depicts the Calypso in her near-final fit with the helicopter pad aft. If you wanted to bring the kit up to her final fit - it would be fairly easy, the biggest change would be to replace the pole antenna array on the pilothouse roof with a dome. Back-dating the Calypso would involve a bit more work including shortening the pilot house and relocating the funnel.
I found a press-release on the Internet regarding the Calypso’s major refit in Miami in 1986 which included replacing all of the original wiring, hull repairs, and replacing the original GM diesels with Cummins KTA19-M six-cylinder, inline, four-cycle turbocharged diesels.
There are images of the old kit “Calypso” decals available on the Internet and I’m going to generate my own using decal paper and my color ink jet printer. FYI - Billings has discontinued their 1:48 kit, but have made the plans available.
Mike