Hi all,

Though I post mainly on the 'Motor Modeller' forum, I avidly follow most of the builds on the 'Ship' side of things and I am currently in progress with my own build of Billings 'Marie Jeanne' Tuna Fishing Sailboat which is a plank on frame model and though I haven't done anything to it in quite a while, I have completed the hull up to the painted stage, made some hand stitched sails and next to do is the masts, rigging and 'fitting out' stage and I intend to continue to a finish in the near future. Having got this far I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed building a model boat and want to do another boat build quite soon. I have always wanted to get the Billings 'Calypso' as used by Jacques Cousteau on his undersea adventures, who's programmes I have loved since I was younger. With that in mind I am planning to purchase this kit very early in the new year and build it as a 'Static Display' model with added detail.

Despite having read several reviews of the model on the 'net which nearly all say that the plastic hull is very thin and devoid of any planking detail I am still not put off from buying the kit, but was wondering if any of the guys on here have already attempted this kit, and if so do you have any advice, warnings or tips that I should bear in mind when I start ?? I have also been collecting research material, photos, etc. in preparation and was wondering again, if any of you have any similar material or websites that you might share with me ?? I know that CMB sell this kit for around £319.00 but I am sure I have seen it cheaper than that - does anybody know of a model retailer that sells it any cheaper than that??

Any help, advice or thoughts would be gratefully received and acknowledged !!


Regards ... Kev.

Hi Mr.T,

Yeah, I've fancied the 'Calypso' for a long time and I'm going to get it in the New Year I think, made my mind up !! Will do a diary hopefully, if I can find the time.

I know Billings instructions are a bit vague as I am building their 'Marie Jeanne' and that leaves a lot open to interpretation I must say - but not impossible !! CMB have downloadable 'pdf' files of the Billings boats instructions, including the 'Calypso', so I've had a look pre-purchase and they don't seem too bad I think. Nothing I can't cope with !!

P.S. - Mentioned the 'Calypso' on my last PM to you and hadn't realised that you had posted here whilst I was typing the PM, so thanks for your input !!


regards ... Kev.

Thanks for your input Andy, much appreciated mate !!

I know what you mean about Billings being not for the beginner and though I haven't built many ships in my modelling life, I have built a lot of models and I am currently building Billings 'Marie Jeanne' a wooden 'Plank on Frame' boat, complete with handmade sails and some rigging involved as well and have done quite well with that I think. I will probably post up a few pics of that when I get time and see what everybody thinks ?? I think I should be able to cope with the 'Calypso' and yes, mate, it really does look a corker as you say. Can't wait to get it in the New Year !!

Regards ... Kev.