Ugears Research Vessel
$129.95
Number of parts: 575 parts
Estimated time of assembly: 9-16 hours
Model Size: 38.5*11*25.0cm
Level: Advanced
Time to weigh anchor and go full speed ahead towards new discoveries with Ugears nautical model, the Research Vessel.
Inspired by classic scientific documentaries and biographies of outstanding marine explorers, the Research Vessel is the incarnate might and beauty of large modern icebreakers and survey boats
How the Ugears Research Vessel Works
Your new boat has all you need to implement proper research: a bathyscaphe for deep-sea exploration, a small motor-boat and a life boat, drop ramp, opening hold hatch, and other fun and interesting elements you find in real-life vessels. The model is equipped with a swing jib crane to manage cargo and hoist out the bathyscaphe. Use the crane to pull the bathyscaphe out of the depths and secure it on a special extension platform.
All details of the Research Vessel are made of high-grade eco-friendly wood that need no glue or additional instruments to assemble. The “skeleton” design of the Vessel’s body allows you to look into the hold and engine room and see what makes her move. The energy driving the model is produced by a rubber-band motor and managed by a pendulum. A clever gear arrangement in this block imitates the sound of a diesel engine and provides a smooth and steady pace of the Vessel. The model has three movement modes – forward, turn, and automatic manoeuvring. The modes are controlled with a lever you can switch manually.
Feel the salty wind sailing you towards future discoveries with the Research Vessel from Ugears!
Additional information
| Weight | 992 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 378 × 170 × 42 cm |
| Assembly Time | |
| Level | |
| Number Of Parts | 575 |
1 review for Ugears Research Vessel
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James –
My parents got me one of these to work on during a COVID lockdown. I’ve done heaps of legos and plastic modelbuilding, but this was the first ugears setup I’ve tried. I have to say I am very impressed with it. I was skeptical of how well the balsa would hold up to punishment, particularly when removing parts from the frames. However, this concern was unfounded as the only part I broke through the whole process was the lever tool, which I imagine is provided for just that reason. A number of spare parts were also included, which was great in case something did break or get lost. Once assembled, the machinery works reasonably well- surprisingly so, I would say. You still need to be a bit gentle with it- the windup especially feels as if it reaches the torque limit of the balsa after about 5 180 degree turns (not 5 360 turns as recommended).
I only have a few critiques, but these are really minor. A few of the joints for assembly were loose which allowed parts to separate- particularly where toothpicks are used as the joiner. I fixed this by soaking the toothpick/joiner in water for a few seconds, which will cause the wood to swell. So far, this seems to have worked longterm. A few of the joiner nibs did flake a layer of balsa on separation from the frame, but these did not impact on functionality. Finally, the instructions for sanding and waxing are not always clear- particularly for gears that have a surface that rubs on another layer of balsa. I think it would help to sand and wax those surfaces in addition to waxing the teeth of the gears and sanding the burs off of the axle pieces. It seems to work itself out after a few runs, but the first few wind-ups had very high friction and would not turn properly without coaxing, and it does still run a tad roughly.
Still- the concept is there, and the durability was surprisingly awesome. I’m really looking forward to trying another set!