The SteelNavy.Com Message Board: Re: Win some, lose some with eBay

The only 3D printed ship I have so far ever gotten from eBay other than this submarine is a Gaga Calypso. It is a nice little model of Cousteau's vessel in a fit it had about 1965. The artwork advertising it on the eBay sellers' sites showed the "classic" Calypso with square bridge windows, the funnel moved aft and the helicopter deck. This had the funnel behind the pilot house, round bridge windows, and instructions showed the helicopter deck on the bow (!) At first, I felt I had gotten a bad purchase. Research quickly showed that ship underwent numerous "versions," and I found a circa-1965 photo of her that matched what I had perfectly. It also turns out her first helicopter deck was installed over the bow for an Antarctic expedition (1972? 1975? My memory is not what it used to be.) Lars has noted that she also had her square bridge windows by then, so if I used this bow helicopter deck, I would need to alter the windows. So, I leave that off, and have 1965.

The very few other 3D ships I have did not come from eBay. Too many posts here illustrating what a crap shoot it can be ordering ships from them. I have by now ordered numerous other items from there, mostly without problems, so I took a shot at this sub. It might yet work out okay, but as a rule, I don't buy ships from them. You're right...ordering there requires crossed fingers. I don't like achy fingers.

Previous Message

Hi Ralph, getting 3D printed ships or accessories from eBay ordering is like betting on our luck. I recently received 2 sets, Arleigh Burke class supplement with SEWIP and USNS Lewis and Clark class. The SEWIP kit is nice with FDW, AFT (with hanger details) structures, mast, funnels, guns, VLS.... I dug out my extra Arleigh Burke kit and they fit nicely. The Lewis and Clark class looks nice, but when I check the beam width, the kit is 0.6 cm short. Instead of single propeller and rudder, it has two. I will try to correct it but that is easy. Every time I place my order on eBay, I keep my finger crossed.

Previous Message

Today I received my 1/700 3D printed Virginia SSN from eBay China. Pictured by the seller was an orange colored full hull Block III, with a chin sonar, and opened large diameter bow missile tubes, with separate hatches to position open or closed.

What I got was a dark grey colored Block I/II with closed (scribed on) individual missile tubes, and no chin sonar. I doubt the seller knows the differences in the blocks, and suspect he has no clue what his site shows is not what he's sending. I have expressed my dissatisfaction, but there's a time zone difference. I will see what his reply is.

Other than this detail, it is one mighty fine model featuring the side sonar arrays, torpedo tubes, etc. It came with an extra bow plane in case I somehow lose one trying to put them on, and it has a "fret" of periscopes and other masts for me to "mix and match" as I choose, should I want to show anything extended on the sail. I think I can come up with a scratch of the chin sonar. I don't want to bother with repacking it for return, so a refund will not be the solution. I will just mention in my review it was not what's shown, but otherwise fine.

Bottom line...if you see an orange 1/700 Block III Virginia SSN offered on eBay and are thinking of getting one, just know it's not really a Block III as shown!