Given the limited number of merchant ship kits available it is rewarding to find a superb kit representing a relatively obscure deep-sea workhorse, the salvage tug SMIT Rotterdam / London. Although without any noted historical importance (Heller’s introduction reveals little) this sturdy little vessel is not without significance considering man’s relationship with the sea and the power of its unpredictable vengeance. No ballrooms or chinz here, only nautical raw power, a true expression of the architectural ideal ‘form follows function’.

This is a remarkable kit. At 1:200 scale the completed assembly measures just over 14.5" in length, 3" beam and over 6.5" from keel to top of radar mast, providing a level of detail to satisfy the most discriminating modeler. The hull is a two piece assembly with the remaining 80 + parts (not including nameplates, display stand and railings) molded on three frames, individually bagged. Molding is exceptionally crisp with next to zero flash and given the scale the attention to detail is second to none. Take the superstructure assembly for example: bulkhead windows are molded open (acetate backing, not provided, is recommended), handrails and ladders are indicated and doorways (c/w ports) are deeply scribed. One piece actually features a hatch c/w hinges and turn-handles. The hull is equally detailed: paint lines are clearly marked and include inboard ‘above deck’ detail, support stanchions and the like, which are often ignored. On the negative side there are some minor sinkholes, scratches and die-marks on some parts, easily corrected. This completed model will definitely be noticed in any collection, intended to be viewed and appreciated from all angles.

The large format assembly instructions are a draftsman’s dream. The sequence of assembly is logical with each part accurately illustrated and referenced numerically as well as for paint colour. A bonus is the 1:1 (1:200 scale) side profile / top view sheet, this in itself suitable for display. Unfortunately no attempt was made to illustrate rigging (a curious omission for a kit of such detail, yet the box illustration does offer suggestions), and not all required paints are noted in the paint legend. This will require additional research, as when compared to photographs of the actual vessel the paint references appear to be in disagreement, which suggests paint scheme ‘evolution’ during her years in service.

This kit has one major drawback: it is molded in three different colors. Bright red for the hull and major deck surfaces, gray for the railings and bone white for the remainder. Depending on the paint color the ‘red’ components may require multiple coats (there are no less than 11 different paints required), and the railings we would have preferred molded ‘white’ to eliminate the need for painting, and potential ‘globbing’, for those who still enjoy painting entirely by brush. With respect to the railings (compared to the box art and the side profile drawing) they are not to scale, appearing to be more appropriate say for a 1:350 or 1:400 model. Some may wish to replace the plastic railings with either plastic or photo-etched accessories yet in our opinion the ‘in-box’ set can be used, requiring careful painting in order to avoid thickening of the closely spaced members. This is a judgment call based on personal preference. It should also be noted that given the vessel’s function the model is ideal for subtle weathering, rust stains and the like, if one is so inclined. (A personal note regarding weathering: fine for a waterline diorama, yet for an ‘on the stand’ static display, pristine condition should rule ~ just our opinion.)

A final note on accessories: A decal sheet, featuring only the funnel logos and both ‘Rotterdam’ and ‘London’ options, is provided. Curiously, registration flags and draught markings are missing. Rounding out the extras is a length of metal anchor chain, which in our view is more appropriate than the molded plastic chains we have been accustomed to finding on most kits.

Overall Rating: Although there are several things we would have liked to see featured in this kit it remains one of the better ones we have seen to date, comparable to Revell’s recent ‘FireFighter’ release, the subject of a future kit review. We have yet to fully construct our respective kits; assembly to date indicates a tight fit of most parts, with few gaps requiring major filling. All things considered, we feel justified rating it a 4 out of 5. It will make a worthy addition to any ship collection, and at an ‘off-the-shelf’ cost of just under $40.00 (Canadian) one worth obtaining. We applaud Heller for producing a kit of such fine detail, and express our hope this is an indication of other Heller kits to follow.

Mike’s Model under construction ~ she is a colorful one!