As soon as I saw this one I knew I had to pick it up and make one for our office. We're in the logistics business. Even in 1/700 scale it's huge at just under 19" long. Just doing a quick check among the usual suspects I don't find any interest so far in after market or even decals for the containers. I'm hoping that will change if enough people inquire.
The containers are too perfectly stacked. I'm going to have to investigate cutting the containers up to get a more natural distribution. A full load of company containers is just too unusual, although it would be no problem to mask off and paint containers in different colors.
There also seems to be no interest in doing a photoetch set either. However really all you need are 3 rail photoetch sets with stairs to do this one well. I found that the railings run the entire perimeter of the hull except for the bow but doubled up on the stern. There is also some railing required for the mast on the bow. Then rails are required for the bridge structure too. I figured that 3 sets of the White Ensign Models 3 rail set and ladders would do the trick nicely so I bought four.
Throw in some PE sailors for good measure.
I think there's lots of opportunities for adding detail. For example steel music wire can be cut down and placed on the ends of the containers for door locks, rigging can be added for container support and the bow mast supports. I think I'll scratch build some cooler units for the ends so we have some refers on board, etc.
I'm thinking of cutting down the hull and making it a waterline model. Throw in a couple of modern tugs (if I can find some) for good measure perhaps. Still haven't decided on that yet. Hmmm... this might end up being two kits! ![Laugh [(-D]](/emoticons/icon_smile_newlaugh.gif)
Overall a very nice kit and I'm looking forward to putting it together.
Dave