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Originally released as the RV Calypso used by Jacques Cousteau, this 2010 re-box is essentially the same kit as released by Revell in 1976 but no longer carrying the Cousteau/Calypso markings. I had the original kit back in the late 1970's as a Christmas gift - a real rarity and break from my normal 1:72nd aeroplanes. Back then (I was 7 or 8 years old), I did a fair mix of paint/no paint builds. Calypso was a no-paint project, but it was built and played with nonetheless! It went through numerous repair sessions, but sadly didn't survive the test of time. I started collecting replacements for the various builds I did as a child, and after searching for an original Calypso I went for the re-box as a much cheaper alternative! This is being built in memory of a work colleague and crew-mate in the Ambulance Service who was also a keen model maker (armour and figures). He was instrumental in getting me back into the hobby during the summer of 2020 as when not treating patients and driving from A to B, we chatted a lot about model making, military history etc. He was always very keen to see this one built, and frequently asked "You started that boat yet?" when I saw him or was on duty with him. Sadly, he won't get to see it complete as he died due to Covid in January 2021.... but wherever he may be now, I can at least say "Actually Jules mate, yes I have started it..!" One thing in particular I've found in researching RV Calypso is that it went through countless refits and modifications during it's working life, making it difficult to pin down exact colour and detail for any one year of service or expedition. Also, the close-up shots show that as a working vessel, the ship is well worn in places - repairs and modifications are very agricultural in their finesse! As a result, the colour scheme for details are going to be a 'close-enough' representation. She's not going to be pristine, that's for sure! The build will be essentially out-the-box as that's my preferred style, with a few minor scratch add-ons (such as winch cables, rope lines). I will also be attempting to make my own decals to represent the RV Calypso. If that fails, I'll hand paint the markings. The kit is starting to show signs that betray it's age: some minor warping in regards to the squareness of fit in a few areas (cabins), and the split/mould lines are starting to become a little heavy some finer parts (railings most noticeable), and some minor flash. However none of which is a showstopper; a little patience and fettling will work wonders for the split lines and flash. The squaring up of the cabins again just take patience with gluing time and the easiest way I found was to dry fit the walls into the deck floors while fettling the walls to best fit as required, and apply the glue to the interior corners (I'm quite happy to glue one corner and leave overnight, then glue the next corner in the morning... after all, it's not a race). There is a huge potential here for diorama builders, as the kit comes with a plethora of support and maritime exploration equipment. The majority of windows, with the exception of the bridge, are moulded into the castings so will either need painting or drilling out and replacing with clear (depending on your preference). I'm going for a mix - the portholes drilled out, the larger square cabin windows painted then 'glazed'. Be aware that neither the cabins or bridge have any interior detail, so if you've got this one in the stash and are thinking about cracking it open, start planning early on if addition of an interior is an absolute must for your build style and preference. Most of the main subassemblies complete and smaller parts fettled. As you can see the main windows apart from the bridge are moulded in. Also as you'll see in the following photos, minimal but fine raised details added to the cabin exterior walls. The wooden hull effect despite being raised lines is quite finely done and does look effective. The observation chamber at the bow of the keel - the windows here will be drilled out and clear replacements made. Some of the solid railings are going to be replaced with 'rope' and chain as appropriate. The stern has a bit of simple raised detail, including the frame/mount for a retractable platform (on the right of the photo). First dry-fit of the major subassemblies gives a good idea of the overall size and bulk of the build and helps provide important information to formulate a plan for painting and any masking. Onto the priming and painting next.... Comments and suggestions always welcome 😊👍 Cheers!