Better Late Than Never

Since I started this blog in the middle of act one as far as the project goes, here's a little background on the overall kit. It is manufactured by Jim Key's company, Custom Replicas, in Los Angeles, CA (see links for their website). At the time I purchased it, there were two options available, static or r/c. This blog is concerned with the r/c version.

The scale is 1/32. When it arrived, much work was already completed. The two hull halves were joined, a hatch was cut in the upper half, and eight hold down screws were installed to secure it. Below is the lower hull with access hatch removed. This allows for servicing of the internal watertight compartments, removal of batteries, etc. Note the white metal and resin fittings in place on the upper deck.











Here is a detail shot of the forward hatch seam. The two dark spots in the corners are the holes for the pan head screws.




















The closed salon window iris is one cast resin piece and came installed in the hull. The cast metal window bezel is one piece as well and came with mounting screws installed. Vacuformed clear plastic windows are supplied for the salon and wheelhouse. The surrounding lights will be illuminated with LEDs.














Below are the assorted cast resin and white metal goodies. The large beams are supports for the display stand. Complete detail parts are included to depict all the external fittings and wheelhouse interior of the boat. The display stand is a kit unto itself. The black dot things that look like wiggly eyes -- are wiggly eyes. The clear lenses just happen to be perfect fits for the external salon lights. Just cut the backs off and voila!













Larger resin parts: side keels, ram, raker arch, white metal MBT grates, resin wheelhouse deck, and display stand crossbeam.











The Custom Replicas "movie" Nautilus is a big model with a big price tag. But it comes with an enormous amount of stuff -- not to mention the prefabrication. Given my available time, I figure I've saved five years over trying to scratch build this boat. The end result will undoubtedly be better looking too.

Custom Replicas does include a CD with solid, illustrated instructions and reference photos. However, it is referenced for a static kit build-up. One is on their own in regards to finishing out the boat for r/c operations. That I can handle.