HMS TERROR
In 1845, under the command of Sir John A. Franklin, the ships Terror and Erebus set off on an expedition to navigate the famous Northwest Passage. They were the first ships to be fitted out with auxiliary steam engines and were also reinforced with iron plating, fore and aft, to increase their resistance to pack ice. They were stocked with sufficient supplies for 3 years at sea.
The last sighting of the two ships was off Greenland was as they entered Baffin Bay, gateway to the frozen Arctic labyrinth.
With the collaboration of an Inuit hunter from the Arctic hamlet of Gjoa Haven, on 26th September 2016 the wreck of H.M.S. Terror, 168 years after her disappearance, was finally discovered. The Terror was in excellent condition. Images have been obtained of her deck and interior, showing perfectly preserved objects and parts of the ship that remained intact.
The mystery of the Franklin’s tragic expedition continues to this day, although it is hoped that an archaeological study of the wreck will help shed some light on what happened.
OcCre has created a kit of one of the ships of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, HMS Terror. This kit is based on the research and plans of ship modeler Matthew Betts, whose own model is currently part of a travelling museum exhibition on the Franklin Expedition. Mr. Betts also served as a technical consultant for the AMC television series, The Terror.
The kit features laser-cut parts for the framework, and double plank-on-bulkhead hull construction for ease of build. High quality wood strips are provided for hull and deck planking, wooden dowels for masts and yards, and a full set of fittings in wood, brass, and cast metal, as well as a sheet of photo-etched brass detail parts. All the major details unique to this Arctic exploration ship are here, including the diagonal deck planking and deck lights, simulated iron bow sheathing, boat davits, added flues for the steam engine, screw propeller, reinforced wales, and more.
The kit also includes colorful flag, rigging cord, and a full set of pre-sewn sails.
