Artesania Latina 1/80 King of the Mississippi Paddle Steamer
With its towering smokestacks, ornate passenger decks and distinctive stern paddlewheel, the King of the Mississippi is a wonderfully detailed 1/80 scale wooden model of a classic American riverboat. This 66cm-long kit combines traditional wooden construction with intricate decorative fittings to create a rewarding project for experienced modellers.
ABOUT THE KIT:
Artesania Latina's King of the Mississippi is a detailed wooden model inspired by the traditional paddle steamers of 19th-century America. With its towering smokestacks, ornate passenger decks and iconic stern paddlewheel, the finished model makes a wonderful display piece for maritime enthusiasts.
The kit features traditional false keel and frame construction, with eight sheets of precision laser-cut plywood parts, birch and basswood strips, veneers and dowels. Two large photo-etched sheets provide an impressive level of decorative detail, complemented by die-cast, brass and wooden fittings.
With an estimated build time of approximately 200 hours, this is a rewarding project for experienced modellers. Full-colour digital instructions and supporting video tutorials guide you through the construction process, while the included display base and nameplate provide the perfect finishing touch.
FEATURES:
- Detailed 1/80 scale wooden model of a traditional Mississippi paddle steamer
- Impressive finished length of 660mm
- Traditional false keel and frame construction
- Eight sheets of precision laser-cut plywood components
- Birch and basswood strips, veneers and dowels
- Two large photo-etched sheets measuring 294 x 156mm and 257 x 122mm
- Die-cast, brass and wooden fittings
- Distinctive stern paddlewheel and multi-deck superstructure
- Detailed smokestacks, railings and decorative features
- Adhesive cloth flags included
- Display base with nameplate included
- Full-colour digital step-by-step instructions
- Supporting online video tutorials
- Can be enhanced with optional lighting and paddlewheel motorisation
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Scale: 1/80
- Length: 660mm
- Width: 130mm
- Height: 300mm
- Estimated Build Time: Approx. 200 Hours
- Difficulty Level: Experienced
- Hull Construction: False Keel and Frames
- Primary Material: Wood
- Assembly: Self-assembly required
HISTORY:
Mississippi paddle steamers played an important role in the development of the United States during the 19th century. Powered by steam engines driving large paddlewheels, these vessels transported passengers and goods along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, connecting communities and supporting trade across the American interior.
Their shallow-draught hulls made them particularly well suited to navigating inland waterways, while steam power allowed them to travel upstream more reliably than traditional sailing vessels.
Many passenger steamers featured elegant cabins, spacious saloons and decorative multi-deck superstructures, making river travel an experience in its own right. Their distinctive appearance became closely associated with the American riverboat era and was immortalised in the writings of Mark Twain.
Although railways gradually reduced the importance of commercial river transport, paddle steamers continued operating well into the 20th century. Today, they remain enduring symbols of America's maritime and cultural heritage.
PLEASE NOTE:
Printed instructions are not included. Digital instructions can be downloaded from the Artesania Latina website using the QR code supplied with the kit. Paint, glue and modelling tools are required and are available separately.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS. NOT INCLUDED. AVAILABLE SEPARATELY.
Starter Paint Pack Includes:
7 x 17ml Vallejo model paints. Vallejo paints are supplied in plastic bottles of 17ml with an eyedropper device which keeps paint from drying and prevents spills. The model color range has been specifically developed for adherence on difficult surfaces such as metal and plastic, but the product is not toxic, not flammable, and does not give off noxious fumes.
Please note: The paint packs offered are only our suggestion from the box art and will not match directly with the instructions found within the kit.
Model Makers Glue Pack Contains:
- Deluxe Materials Speed Bond 112g
- Deluxe Materials Roket Max Thick Cyano (Super glue)
Hobbies Planking Tool Set Contains:
- Plank Bending Tool with Blade.
- 2 x 50mm Nylon Grip Clamps.
- 2 x 75mm Nylon Grip Clamps.
- Pen Grip Pin Pusher.
- Brass Pins for Pin Pusher (Pack of 100).
