SD Model Makers is proud to offer a true museum quality replica ship model of the famous SS Great Eastern, an iron sailing steam ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and built by J. Scott Russell & Co. at Millwall on the River Thames, London. She was by far the largest ship ever built at the time of her 1858 launch, and had the capacity to carry 4,000 passengers from England to Australia without refuelling. Her length of 692 feet (211 m) was only surpassed in 1899 by the 705-foot (215 m) 17,274-gross-ton RMS Oceanic, and her gross tonnage of 18,915 was only surpassed in 1901 by the 701-foot (214 m) 21,035-gross-ton RMS Celtic. With five funnels (later reduced to four), she was one of a very few vessels to ever sport that number, sharing her number of five with the Russian cruiser Askold – though several warships, including HMS Viking, and several French cruisers of the pre-dreadnought era had six.
Brunel knew her affectionately as the "Great Babe". He died in 1859 shortly after her ill-fated maiden voyage, during which she was damaged by an explosion. After repairs, she plied for several years as a passenger liner between Britain and North America before being converted to a cable-laying ship and laying the first lasting transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866.[4] Finishing her life as a floating music hall and advertising hoarding (for the famous department store Lewis's) in Liverpool, she was broken up in 1889.
As a widely recognized leader in handmade tall ships, SD Model Makers master model shipwrights produce models in magnificent detail. From hand laid decks, tarred standing rigging, complex running rigging and furled sails, each model is a hand made museum quality masterpiece.
Each model comes fully assembled with a solid hull - hand carved from kiln-dried mahogany. Other parts are made from a variety of woods, putty, resin and metals. Every model includes brass pedestals, a polished mahogany base board, and a brass name plate. One look at our photo gallery, and you'll see that we produce true museum quality models that you'll be proud to own and display. We pride ourselves in offering our clients some of the finest replica ship models available.
We can easily build your model in ANY size or scale you desire. Special commissions are our specialty - just ask.
These models are only made-to-order - The build time is generally 20-24 weeks from receipt of the order and deposit. Our ordering procedure is a 50% deposit with the commissioning, with the balance due prior to shipping. When the model is complete, we will take a series of photos of your model and send them to you for final review and approval – so you know exactly what your model will look like and allow for any necessary modifications. Once you have approved your model, we will collect the final balance and she will be shipped in a robust shipping crate and insured for your protection.
You’ll find commissioning a replica model is a fun and engaging process as well as one which is rewarded with something you will keep forever.
FREE SHIPPING in the USA - Note that our model prices include shipping and insurance within the USA.
Shipping costs outside the USA will depend on the model size ordered and shipping destination. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes or duties, based on the commercial invoice value for the model
Add a museum-like touch to your model display - Consider our protective display case option. Keep fingers and dust away - forever!
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