The Ulster was one of four Steam Packet Ships, owned by City Of Dublin Steam Packet Company and launched in 1861 to ferry Royal Mail across the Irish Sea between Holyhead and Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire). dqMODELS offer a 3D printed model of the Ulster Steam Packet Ship, in kit form or as a limited-edition handbuilt model.
TO ASSEMBLE THE ULSTER KIT YOU WILL NEED basic modelling tools – a craft knife, scissors, sandpaper (eg P120) household filler (eg polyfilla), tweezers, cotton thread (brown) a cocktail stick, multipurpose glue. CA (cyanoacrylate) glue (superglue) is also useful (but only if you’re over 18).
To paint the kit YOU WILL NEED acrylic paints: yellow ochre, black, burnt sienna.
NICE TO HAVE: ultramarine and white acrylic paints (for portholes). Bronze and silver acrylic paints (for base), clear polyurethane varnish (for base).
WARNING: It’s advisable to wash the kit parts in warm (NOT HOT) soapy water before assembly. STL printed parts especially can have surface residues of ethanol and resin, which can cause skin irritation. A soft toothbrush can be used to gently clean the parts. Allow parts to airdry before painting and assembly.
The ULSTER is quite a complicated build. The hull seems to come together quickly, but a lot of preparation and pre-painting is required for funnels, decks, masts, paddles and shrouds. The model takes time to build and you must push yourself along through the different stages in order to make progress. Some of the parts (rails especially) have had to be overscaled in order to print them reliably, apologies. In the end, the ULSTER model comes together to create a good representation of what was a very cutting-edge and proud steamship.
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