Photo-etched Conversion parts by Tom Nicolai

A little background on Tom Nicolai first...

"I completely designed a few of the models used in the movie ('TITANIC'). We did have Harland and Wolff plans and hundreds of excellent color copies of Ken Marschall's historic photo collection .Ken Marschall did advise and coach us when building the 44 foot model. The Lightstrorm art department did do plans for the full size sets. I drew quick plans for parts that went on the 44 foot 1/20th model hull. (and it's companion 1/20th wreck model) And we built two models of the Promenade deck in 1/6th scale that I did plans for. (also these had to be done in a hurry, and were in reality plans of what was actually built for the full size set in Mexico). I ended up in charge of hull detail on both 1/20th models, 1/8 bow section and the redress of the 1/8th Don Pennington model for the breaking up scene. We made hundreds of hull plates in lead with aluminum rivets for the break up. I got to work with lots of talented people and feel lucky to have been there."

- Tom N.

  When I went to the International Hobby Show as a guest of Al Trendle, I had the opportunity to view  new products that are being introduced out of California by modeler Tom Nicolai.  Tom is one of the modelers who was contracted to build the many models used in the James Cameron movie, "Titanic".  Tom is a professional model builder with many scratch building skills as evidenced in the movie models.  The big 44 1/2 footer is probably the best known, but he also was responsible for most, if not all of the scenes where the Titanic hit the iceberg and the scenes where the water sprayed into the inside of the hull.  He played a major role in the building stages of all the models used in the movie.  I also believe that he was solely responsible for putting together the construction plans used by the modelers, taken from  the original builders plans.
  Tom has designed parts for converting the Minicraft Titanic model into either the Olympic or Britannic.  He has sent me a sample of the Olympic conversions and I find their quality to be excellent.  They come with instructions and diagrams, but beware, this is not for the novice!  Using these photo-etched parts will require the near complete removal of the sides of the hull at the C deck and above.  The photo-etched parts are taken right from the original shell plating plans and have the correct porthole placement for the Olympic as well as the  B deck  window spacing and A deck promenade stanchions.  Tom advised me that the new photo-etched parts have the actual sheer curve taken form the plans.  This creates a small problem as the Minicraft sheer is  slightly greater then what it is supposed to be.  The modeler will have to experiment and compensate for this.

The Olympic photo-etched conversion set

 
  I had the opportunity to photograph his Britannic conversion set at the hobby Show.  Tom has them ready for shipping, but at the time of his letter to me,  he did not have the instructions fully completed.  The Britannic set is chocked full of goodies.  It has the davits, hull crosses, poop deck support stanchions, replacement A, B and C decks and other misc. parts (see picture below).  There will also be a supplemental set of resin parts available with the lifeboats and motor houses. (see bottom)

The Britannic set.  Pictured to the bottom right hand corner is the upgrade brass set

  Tom has also included a small set of upgrades for the skylight covers and a spacer for the #2 funnel casing, as well as the coaling outriggers.   There is also a decal set for the two conversions but I have not seen them as of yet.  I hope to view these so I can add them soon.

  Tom hopes to have his prototype models done and photographed soon.  I'm sure he will send copies to me for inclusion on the web page.  I would like to thank Tom for his time in sending me the review pieces.  I WILL use them.

These items will be ready for ordering soon, please check back later.
 

Bruce