Does anybody know where can I get a decent-sized Titanic model? The only one I've seen (in a very good hobby shop) was only 18" long. Size matters. I want one @ 3 or 4 ft. In a TOTALLY UNRELATED request, does anyone know where I can get some of that Viagra? hahaha.

-- Dan Dalton (DDalton2@prodigy.net), April 25, 1998

Answers

To finally answer my own question (having recently built a Titanic model):

There are 3 differently scaled plastic model kits available. Revell makes a 1/570 scale that costs around $12. Academy makes a 1/400 scale that costs around $45 to $50. The largest available kit, at 1/350 scale, is made by Minicraft and costs $60 to $70. Prices given are those that I have seen at various area hobby shops, not necessarily the best prices available.

Note that the largest (1/350) is still only slightly over 30" in length. But it is very detailed and accurate (except for the oversized railings and stairways), containing over 500 pieces. Expect it to take some time to build. I did a very average job on mine and it took nearly 3 weeks! Hey, it took a few hours just to paint the dial on the grand staircase clock. (haha)

If you did really want to be anal about it, you could spend 6 months to more finely detail the model by adding photo-etched brass railings and deck chairs, adding fiber-optic illumination, painting the window frames and doorknobs, etc. Some people have:

The "Official" Titanic modeler's site is at: www.titanic-model.com

It's a little arcane, but I found it interesting. One modeler has been working 10 years on an aluminum scratchbuilt Titanic. Another has a 16 ft version under construction. Several have completed 1/100 and 1/144 scale Titanics.

While I admire their craftsmanship and resourcefulness, my only questions are: Where in hell do you properly display a 16 ft Titanic model? And what happens when you want to move? (For sale: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Model of ill-fated ocean liner in basement stays....)

-- Dalton (foo@bar.com), February 16, 1999.

Hello Dalton: Well, if you've *really* got too much money on your hands you can get the 1:192 scale model at www.fineartmodels.com/titanic.htm.

Regards,
Peter

-- Peter Nivling (pcnivling@capecod.net), February 16, 1999.

Thanks for the laugh, Peter. I now feel not nearly as bad at having spent $90 for my finished model. And to think for just $12,410 more....
Hahaha.

-- Dalton (foo@bar.com), February 16, 1999.

Dear Dan I could help you with what you are looking for.I have created a dozen of times a very fine 1:200 scaled Titanic model and I could do it in other scale if you want me to for less than 2 months. I already sent you a picture of it to your prodigy.net e-mail.

Hope to hear from you soon Jivko Lipchev

-- Jivko Lipchev (jivko_lipchev@abv.bg), November 06, 2002.

Hey does any one know a real e-mail address of MR Dalton.That prodigy one says it cant accept my mail?

-- Jivko Lipchev (office@shipuniverse.com), December 11, 2002.

Hi dan not sure if your interested or not but I am currently building a model which is coming out in magazine form over 2 years and so far looks accuratre enough but can be better detailed

email address for enquireies is titanic@woodgt.co.uk

hope this helps by the way model is 107cms long regards gerry

-- gerry (golf_lima@iprimus.com.au), March 30, 2003.

Besides the three plastic models of the Titanic that are available, there is anothor kit on the market. It is a wooden kit made by Amati. The scale is 1/250, that will make a model that is 42 inches long. It's a bit pricey at a sale price of $469.99 from Model Expo. I haven't seen this kit, except for a photo in their catalog, so I don't know what the quality is like.

Also if you want to scratch build a Titanic model, Harold Hahn sells a highly detailed and accurate set of plans.

-- Barry Rudd (Metrolimo@aol.com), July 29, 2004.

There is one, a little of over 4feet in length, 52 inches to be exact.

From a company called Mantua model, it does carry a some what large price tag. To buy the kit all at once it will cost 400 - 500 pounds, but they give you the option to buy all the kits seperatly. It comes in five kits, the first being the hull, double planked, it contains the three propellers, prop shafts, rudder and rudder fixings. as well as the fore and aft decks, costs 150 pounds. The second kit (for radio control)costing a mere 50 pounds, comprises of two motors and all the fixings, pulleys etc. The third kit, costs 65 pounds, Consists of, the fore and aft deck decorations, such as the winches, bollards, the cargo hatches, the breakwater and the benches, along with the handrails which are finished in mahogany,a dn all the stair cases. Also the hull mouldings, all the doors, windows etc, that is found on the hull of Titanic. the fourth kit, th most expensive, costs 170 pounds, this contains all the decks, the superstructure, the funnels, lifeboats, everything to build the upper decks. the final kit, costs 65 pounds, and is bascially just little bits and pieces that complete the model, such as lifeboat davits, the stern scaffolding, the glass dome etc.

I have built this model and can honestly say that it is of fantastic quality and is very detailed, well worth buying if you are serious about modelling the titanic, but bare in mind it is a kit for skilled modellers, the hull is planked and is very challenging to constuct. the website for mantua is: www.mantuamodel.co.uk

-- Mr A Taylor LLB (olliash2@aol.com), September 04, 2004.