Occre 1/60 Scale Essex Whaling Ship Model Kit
The extraordinary true story that helped inspire Moby-Dick makes the Essex a particularly fascinating subject for model ship builders. Occre's detailed 1/60 scale wooden kit recreates the Nantucket whaler with her distinctive working deck, whaleboats and full sailing rig in a substantial 2,848-part model measuring 735mm long.
ABOUT THE KIT:
Occre's Essex recreates the famous American whaling ship at 1/60 scale, producing a finished model measuring 735mm long, 225mm wide and 552mm high. The model combines traditional wooden ship construction with precision laser-cut components and finely detailed metal fittings.
Fine hardwoods of different species are used throughout the model, selected according to the requirements of the structure, hull planking and visible finishes. High-precision photo-etched brass provides the finer details, while Zamak castings are used for components including the cannons, anchors and deck fittings.
The kit includes sewn cotton sails together with threads of different thicknesses for the standing and running rigging. A basic display stand and photo-etched brass nameplate bearing the ship's name are also supplied.
With 2,848 individual parts and an estimated construction time of approximately 350 hours, Occre rates the Essex as Intermediate / Level 2. Step-by-step video tutorials are also available to provide additional guidance throughout construction.
FEATURES:
- Detailed 1/60 scale wooden model of the historic whaling ship Essex
- 2,848 individual parts
- Finished length of 735mm
- Fine hardwoods selected for structural, planking and finishing applications
- Precision laser-cut wooden components
- High-precision photo-etched brass detailing
- Zamak cast metal cannons, anchors and deck fittings
- Detailed working deck and whaleboats
- Sewn cotton sails included
- Rigging threads in different thicknesses
- Photo-etched brass Essex nameplate included
- Basic display stand included
- Step-by-step construction videos available
- Designed for intermediate wooden ship modellers
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Scale: 1/60
- Length: 735mm
- Width: 225mm
- Height: 552mm
- Number of Parts: 2,848
- Estimated Build Time: Approx. 350 Hours
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate / Level 2
- Materials: Wood, Photo-Etched Brass, Zamak and Cotton
HISTORY:
Essex was an American whaling ship launched in 1799 and operated from Nantucket, Massachusetts. By 1819 she had developed a reputation as a successful whaler and departed Nantucket under the command of Captain George Pollard Jr. for another lengthy voyage into the Pacific.
On 20th November 1820, while operating in a remote area of the South Pacific, Essex encountered an unusually large sperm whale. The whale struck the ship twice, causing catastrophic damage to the hull. With Essex sinking thousands of miles from the South American coast, her crew abandoned ship in three small open whaleboats.
The survivors then faced an extraordinary ordeal at sea. With extremely limited provisions and an immense distance separating them from safety, the men endured months in the open boats. Only eight members of the crew ultimately survived the disaster.
The story became widely known after first mate Owen Chase published an account of the sinking and its aftermath. Years later, Herman Melville encountered the story while working as a young sailor and drew inspiration from the Essex disaster when writing his 1851 novel Moby-Dick.
The real Essex therefore occupies a remarkable place in both maritime and literary history, with the events of 1820 providing part of the inspiration for one of the world's most famous stories of a whaling ship and a great sperm whale.
PLEASE NOTE:
Paint, glue and modelling tools are required to complete this kit and are not included.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS. NOT INCLUDED. AVAILABLE SEPARATELY.
Hobbies Rigging Tool Set (RTS) Contains:
- 1 x Amati Loom-A-Line tool.
- 1 x Rigging Tools set.
- 1 x Microsnips.
Model Makers Glue Pack (MMGP) Contains:
- Deluxe Materials Speed Bond 112g
- Deluxe Materials Roket Max Thick Cyano (Super glue)
Hobbies Planking Tool Set (HOB24) 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).
Occre Essex Paint Pack (90515) Contains:
- 19395 - White
- 19396 - Black
- 19398 - Ochre
- 19402 - Red
- 19404 - Medium Blue
- 19408 - Gold
- 19412 - Grey 1
- 19419 - Satin Varnish
- 19420 - Sapelli Stain
- 19421 - Walnut Stain
Please note: These paints are also available individually if you do already own some of these colours. Please click on 'Select Individual Paints Below' to see available colours.
