Hi All,

Just purchased what looks like a mini kit (142mm length)

A Heller kit of L`Occident, a 19th Century vessel that sailed and steamed the Atlantic.

A crossover vessel between sail and steam, the L`Occident had sails and a midships paddle driven by steam.

See Pic:



Now my intentions are to build this kit (approx 32 pieces), but replace things like deck and paddles with wood, that said I have also found web write-ups that have enhanced the sails, rigging,etc.

So we`ll have to see what happens when it arrives!

One other idea is a complete scale upgrade, from the original 1:400 to maybe 1:200 or if my confidence doesn`t get too bashed by taking a leap too far, even 1:100 .

Will have to wait and see what lands on the doorstep.

Cost at this point, £2.99 + £3.95 p+p (1st class signed, not my choice)

Will post some pics when it arrives.

Any ideas/critique welcome.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Steve,

You guess right mate not at 1:400, but 1;100 or 1;200 then we`ll wait and see what the doctor orders.

Most probably VALIUM !!

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Cheers Alan,

This is just an infil, like the cannon dio which is nearing it`s end.

Hence the purchase, could be fun though

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Ian,

Thanks for taking a look.

I fear it would have to be mighty thin cotton, but am seriously thinking of upgrading the scale for a scratch build.

Kit should arrive tomorrow, so will take a look at the contents and then give it some thought.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Ian,

Looks like it`s gonna be a scale increase scratch build and the original kit as well.

Now that said, I`ve got a lot of work to do before that can happen.

So here`s a pic below of one side of the hull.(with measure)


I will put up a proper build log if it kicks off, even if in the end it don`t work, but will still get the original kit out.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Steve,

Well that`s issue number one.

I`ve got a vernier gauge and thought , measure parts and double the size from 1:400 into 1:200 then if that works double the size again to turn 1:200 into 1:100.

Now that amount of thinking in one day has made my head hurt.


So, I`m sure that if that theory won`t work, then I won`t have to wait too long before somebody tells me.

It may be that thinking could be my downfall, but we`ll see how it pans out eh!!

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi tony,

Thanks for your input . I didn't even know such things existed.
Will certainly be looking into it.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)