M.V. Celestine is owned and by NOVOMAR SA, LUXEMBOURG and chartered to the COBELFRET FERRIES NV company. She is managed by EUROSHIP services, Purfleet U.K. She Launched in 1996 at the KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD based in SAKAIDE SHIPYARD Hull no 1465 delivered to the owners on 4th October 1996. She is a roll-on-roll off vehicle carrier of 23,986 GRT, on a length of 162.5 metres. She is powered by two MAN B&W 7L40/54 diesels of 6.690 shp each, giving a service speed of 18.5 knots. She a constructed to carry 654 cars and 157 trailers.
At present the class of ships run from Purfleet to Zeebrugge, and between Immingham and Zeebrugge
The Celestine is one of 6 in the class all being nearly identical, other ships in the class are the CELESTINE - VALENTINE - CLEMENTINE - MELUSINE - CELANDINE - VICTORINE
At the present time (2002) the Celestine is under charter to the MOD and has been renamed SEA CRUSADER for the duration of the charter.
Details of the kit:
Scale 1/100
Length 1.62m (63.8")
Beam 240mm (9.4")
This model ship kit is the second ship in our range of modern Ro-RO ferries and one of the largest and most complex to be added to our range.
This kit is based on a 65" x 10" x 9.5" internal depth moulded glass fibre hull with all prop, rudder and fairlead detail moulded into the hull.
For the first time in our range of kits, and to allow for the size and weight of this model the car deck and main hold deck is in 1.5mm high impact plastic sheet included in the kit When Bonded to the 9mm square ramin deck beams this gives a hull\ deck combination of immense strength without the normal large number of bulkheads and multitude of deck beams associated with a model of this size and weight. The main superstructure is in printed 1mm plastic as is the funnel casings.
A full set of detailed cast alloy fittings is included using some of the latest moulding technology to give detail to an outstanding degree. To compliment this large items such as the lifeboats and the massive main winches are finely detailed cast metal and plastic fittings finished off with the fine detailed brass etchings.
To compliment the kit and to add superfine detail and complete sheet of brass etchings approx 152" x 12" is crammed full of incredible detail from the huge side openings in the hull, all the deck stanchions of three different types, the complicated masts, we even have the windscreen wipers at 1/96 scale.
Ships inflatable liferafts and assorted other fittings are cast in acrylic resin for extremely sharp and accurate detailing. Cast metal stanchions, and deck fittings add the truly professional touch to this hard working merchant ship model.
Propeller tubes, fitted with oiling points and stainless steel shafts are included
Full details are supplied for the fitting of motors, nicads and radio equipment.
Should the modeller wish to add variations to his ship, we have included detail and variations of the other ships in the class along with colour schemes.
Two full size plans are included in the kit to aid construction plus a comprehensive instruction book using some of the latest digital imaging to provide picture and sketches to aid construction.
The Celestine model is of massive proportions but still has outstanding sailing qualities as in all of the Deans fleet especially when fitted with the recommended motors and bow thruster.
Deans Marine wish to express there appreciation to the COBELFRET NV company and EUROSHIP SERVICES and the Captain and crew of the M.V. VELENTINE for the invaluable help and assistance the have given and without this project would not have been possible.