The Edmund Fitzgerald, a legendary Great Lakes freighter that tragically sank in a storm in 1975, continues to fascinate. For model enthusiasts, recreating this iconic ship in plastic kit form offers a challenging and rewarding project. This guide explores the available kits, provides building tips, and answers frequently asked questions surrounding this popular model subject.
What Edmund Fitzgerald Plastic Model Kits Are Available?
Unfortunately, there isn't a single, widely available, mass-produced plastic model kit specifically dedicated to the Edmund Fitzgerald. The lack of a readily available kit is primarily due to the ship's unique design and the complexity involved in accurately representing its details. Many modelers tackle this challenge by:
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Converting Existing Kits: Modelers often adapt existing kits of similar-sized lake freighters or bulk carriers. This requires significant modification, research, and custom detailing to achieve an accurate representation of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This path demands advanced modeling skills and patience. You'll need to find a kit that's close in size and shape and then carefully modify it, adding details like the unique superstructure and funnel details specific to the Fitzgerald.
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Scratchbuilding: The most ambitious approach is scratchbuilding from scratch, using wood, plastic sheet, and other materials. This is a project for experienced modelers with advanced skills in planning, design, and construction. It requires meticulous research into the ship's plans and specifications to ensure accuracy.
Where Can I Find Plans or Drawings for the Edmund Fitzgerald?
Detailed plans specifically for model building aren't readily available online or commercially. However, you can find valuable information through several resources:
- Historical Societies and Museums: Organizations dedicated to Great Lakes maritime history often possess blueprints or photographs. Contacting these institutions directly might yield helpful information or references to archival material.
- Online Archives: Digital archives, such as those maintained by universities or government agencies, may contain historical documents, photographs, or even technical drawings related to the Edmund Fitzgerald. These resources will require careful searching and a keen eye for detail.
- Books on the Edmund Fitzgerald: Several books detail the ship's construction and design; studying these books can provide valuable insights for a model building project.
What Scale Are the Existing Kits that Could Be Modified?
The scale of a suitable kit for conversion would depend on the ambition of the modeler. There aren't any kits perfectly scaled to the Fitzgerald, but those in the 1/350, 1/700, or even 1/144 scales might offer a starting point. You will need to make significant alterations to these kits, regardless of the scale, to accurately represent the Fitzgerald. Remember to check the dimensions of the chosen kit to assess how much modification would be required.
How Difficult is it to Build an Edmund Fitzgerald Model?
Building an Edmund Fitzgerald model, regardless of the chosen method (conversion or scratchbuilding), is a challenging endeavor. It requires advanced modeling skills, patience, significant research, and a strong understanding of ship construction. If you're a beginner, starting with a simpler ship model is recommended before tackling the Fitzgerald.
What Materials Are Needed to Build the Model?
The materials needed will vary drastically depending on your chosen approach. For converting existing kits, you'll require additional plastic sheet, filler, paint, and various tools. If scratchbuilding, the list becomes more extensive, including wood, plastic sheets, metal parts, and specialized tools. Always prioritize high-quality materials to ensure the model's accuracy and durability.
This guide provides a starting point for those seeking to build an Edmund Fitzgerald model. Remember to prioritize meticulous research and realistic expectations. The final product will be a testament to your skill and dedication, standing as a powerful tribute to the legendary ship.
