The Icebreaker Wooden Model Kit
Build Your Own Fully-Functional Large Modern Ice Breaker!
You'll have everything you need to build a Mechanical 3d Model that comes to life once you're done!
What can you expect?
Inspired by classic scientific documentaries and biographies of outstanding marine explorers, the Research Vessel is the physical might and beauty of large modern icebreakers and survey boats.

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.
How does the Research Vessel 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.
How The New Vessel Works
The Research Vessel model kit has many detailed features. The drop ramp, the cargo area with an opening hatch, a swing jib crane and a special extension platform for the bathyscape are some of the many features that make this model the most detailed yet.
The engine room’s exterior design provides easy access to the inner work of the mechanisms that make the Research Vessel move. This model features several modes that are controlled by a lever: forward, turn, and automatic maneuvering.
Specifications
Model Size: 15.2*4.3*9.8 in (38.5 *11*25 cm)
Package size: 14.9*6.7*1.7 in (37.8*17*4.2 cm)
Number of parts: 575
Level: Advanced
Assembly Time: 10 hours
Tools and materials: Made of high quality plywood; assembly requires no glue or cutting
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit weight: 2.90 lbs
Build Your Own Fully-Functional Large Modern Ice Breaker!
You'll have everything you need to build a Mechanical 3d Model that comes to life once you're done!
What can you expect?
Inspired by classic scientific documentaries and biographies of outstanding marine explorers, the Research Vessel is the physical might and beauty of large modern icebreakers and survey boats.

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.
How does the Research Vessel 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.
How The New Vessel Works
The Research Vessel model kit has many detailed features. The drop ramp, the cargo area with an opening hatch, a swing jib crane and a special extension platform for the bathyscape are some of the many features that make this model the most detailed yet.
The engine room’s exterior design provides easy access to the inner work of the mechanisms that make the Research Vessel move. This model features several modes that are controlled by a lever: forward, turn, and automatic maneuvering.
Specifications
Model Size: 15.2*4.3*9.8 in (38.5 *11*25 cm)
Package size: 14.9*6.7*1.7 in (37.8*17*4.2 cm)
Number of parts: 575
Level: Advanced
Assembly Time: 10 hours
Tools and materials: Made of high quality plywood; assembly requires no glue or cutting
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit weight: 2.90 lbs
Q. One piece broke as I was trying to remove it from the board. Is the whole thing garbage now???
A. Definitely not, just send us an email (info@kcogear.com) quoting your name and order number and we'll send out a replacement part ASAP.
Q. Should glue be used to assemble and if so, what kind?
A. No glue necessary but you could use wood glue if you want. It is basically like a balsa wood and all the pieces are laser-cut and snug fit.
Q. Can you paint the pieces before assembling?
A. Yes you can, but we suggest painting after you have assembled your kit as painting pieces before assembly will add a layer of material to the wood and might cause friction problems during operation.
Q. What is average build time for this?
A. Customers feedback suggest 5-8 hours depending on experience.
Q. Do the wheels rotate on the small models prime steam express mc501 model once assembly is complete?
A. The wheels on Prime Steam Express cannot move freely. These models are designed for display.
The Amy Jeep and Grand Prix car can run if you push them as they're on wheels
We also have a spring-driven locomotive that can run a few meters. https://shop.kcogear.com/products/locomotivelk701
Q. How many parts does it have?
A. The little train has 308 pieces and it take about 5 hours to assemble.
Q. Is this a more difficult model to build than the Vitascope?
A. According to our customers, it takes roughly the same time (around 5 hours)
Q. How much track does this come with?
A. The track is not included, although the carriage is included. We can definitely ask our designers to come up with tracks in the future.
Q. How can I order a replacement part?
A. Just send us an email to info@kcogear.com with your name and order number and we'll arrange a replacement part ASAP.
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Please allow 5-8 working days for your order to arrive. All our products are shipped from the United States. |
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Returns are FREE and easy, simply contact us or email info@kcogear.com for a returns number and send your item to our returns centre for fast processing. We'll get you a replacement or refund in a snap! |
At -KCOgear.com- We truly offer the highest quality wooden models in the world.
We will do whatever it takes with our outstanding customer support team to assist everyone as we highly value our customers satisfaction and aim to make your experience with absolutely RISK FREE.
Once an order is placed please check your inbox for an Order Confirmation email and once Tracking numbers are available, these will be sent via email. Our shopping cart is SSL secured.
If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to get in touch: info@kcogear.com - we answer all queries within 24 hours.
Build Your Own Fully-Functional Large Modern Ice Breaker!
You'll have everything you need to build a Mechanical 3d Model that comes to life once you're done!
What can you expect?
Inspired by classic scientific documentaries and biographies of outstanding marine explorers, the Research Vessel is the physical might and beauty of large modern icebreakers and survey boats.

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.
How does the Research Vessel 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.
How The New Vessel Works
The Research Vessel model kit has many detailed features. The drop ramp, the cargo area with an opening hatch, a swing jib crane and a special extension platform for the bathyscape are some of the many features that make this model the most detailed yet.
The engine room’s exterior design provides easy access to the inner work of the mechanisms that make the Research Vessel move. This model features several modes that are controlled by a lever: forward, turn, and automatic maneuvering.
Specifications
Model Size: 15.2*4.3*9.8 in (38.5 *11*25 cm)
Package size: 14.9*6.7*1.7 in (37.8*17*4.2 cm)
Number of parts: 575
Level: Advanced
Assembly Time: 10 hours
Tools and materials: Made of high quality plywood; assembly requires no glue or cutting
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit weight: 2.90 lbs
Q. One piece broke as I was trying to remove it from the board. Is the whole thing garbage now???
A. Definitely not, just send us an email (info@kcogear.com) quoting your name and order number and we'll send out a replacement part ASAP.
Q. Should glue be used to assemble and if so, what kind?
A. No glue necessary but you could use wood glue if you want. It is basically like a balsa wood and all the pieces are laser-cut and snug fit.
Q. Can you paint the pieces before assembling?
A. Yes you can, but we suggest painting after you have assembled your kit as painting pieces before assembly will add a layer of material to the wood and might cause friction problems during operation.
Q. What is average build time for this?
A. Customers feedback suggest 5-8 hours depending on experience.
Q. Do the wheels rotate on the small models prime steam express mc501 model once assembly is complete?
A. The wheels on Prime Steam Express cannot move freely. These models are designed for display.
The Amy Jeep and Grand Prix car can run if you push them as they're on wheels
We also have a spring-driven locomotive that can run a few meters. https://shop.kcogear.com/products/locomotivelk701
Q. How many parts does it have?
A. The little train has 308 pieces and it take about 5 hours to assemble.
Q. Is this a more difficult model to build than the Vitascope?
A. According to our customers, it takes roughly the same time (around 5 hours)
Q. How much track does this come with?
A. The track is not included, although the carriage is included. We can definitely ask our designers to come up with tracks in the future.
Q. How can I order a replacement part?
A. Just send us an email to info@kcogear.com with your name and order number and we'll arrange a replacement part ASAP.
![]() |
Please allow 5-8 working days for your order to arrive. All our products are shipped from the United States. |
|
![]() |
Returns are FREE and easy, simply contact us or email info@kcogear.com for a returns number and send your item to our returns centre for fast processing. We'll get you a replacement or refund in a snap! |