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
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