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Monday, June 28, 2010

Seaview

















Here are some images plus a composite and kit pictures of Moebius Models 1/128 scale Seaview from the television series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Next to the USS Enterprise the Seaview has to be one the most recognizable images of 1960s television. First featured in the 1961 Irwin Allen film of the same name the Seaview went on to delight audiences with 4 historical seasons of television entertainment. The main purpose of the Seaview was to investigate the mysteries of the open sea. This is a great kit. All parts went together without any difficulty and it also allows for lighting provision if one desires. I used to put lighting in my models but I discovered that over time it becomes more trouble then it's worth, eg: burnt out bulbs, battery replacement and sometimes mild melting. Now if lighting is required I just use Photoshop. Anyway this model is a large 39 inches when complete and it gives you the option to build the 17 foot or the 81/2 foot versions that were used in the TV program. There are subtle differences. Plus this kit also comes with scale matching models of the Flying Sub, the one man submarine, the Apple diving bell and a neat little brochure on the restoration and other facts of the originals Seaviews. The only changes I made to this kit was in the painting of the model. The instructions call for the model to be painted light ghost grey on top and camouflage grey on the bottom and I'm sure that they are the colours of the original. However I painted mine trying to match the way I thought it looked on television and that is dark sea grey on top and light ghost grey on the bottom. The only major complaint I have about this kit are the instructions. They have got to be some of the worst assembly images I have seen so make sure to do a double and even a triple take on the instructions should you decide to build one. I don't understand some model kit companies, they go through all this time and effort to create a fantastic model kit only to then top it off by tossing you a piece of crap like these instructions. Just as a side note Lunar Models used to make a Seaview kit in the 30 inch plus range complete with options and extras before they disappeared off the face of the earth. I wonder if that is where Moebius Models got some and I mean some of their design ideas from for this model. Just a thought.

8 comments:

Cal's Canadian Cave of Coolness said...

I love this model. This show was very cool when I was young. Unfortunately it hasn't aged well but that sub is wicked cool.

-Warren Zoell said...

I'm currently watching some of the episodes. It's not the greatest show on earth but it does have its moments.

Arkonbey said...

That's a very nice build, but a lot of shelf space when you're done.

I found the Seaview to be a lot like the Millenium Flacon: the interior as filmed wouldn't fit within the exterior as built.

Speaking of the Seaview and the Flying Sub, have you seen the Sci-Fi Airshow?

-Warren Zoell said...

Arkenbey: WOW! That is one cool web site. You can see why Hollywood really has no further need for filming miniatures any more.

Anonymous said...

I was watching old episodes of "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" and then went looking for pictures of the Seaview since it's still one of the coolest looking ships around.

Your model just looks fabulous and thanks for posting the pictures

-Warren Zoell said...

Thanks Anonymous.

Unknown said...

you are absolutely correct, the directions are tuff to read and the steps are not to help full. is their another site that that makes it easier

-Warren Zoell said...

I believe you can go to the Moebius site and download the instructions directly.