One Piece Grand Ship Collection Ark Maxim

An airborne ship instead of the usual sailing vessel

Ark Maxim differs from the rest of the collection in not being a classic vessel plowing the surface of the sea. In shape it recalls a hovering structure with a domed upper part and with side outriggers, which gives it a symmetrical, almost temple-like silhouette. In a display case it therefore stands out even among ships otherwise built very much alike.

What the build consists of

The package holds sprues of hard plastic in which the main blocks are molded in differing shades. The joining is done by clicking into pins, so the result holds together on its own and glue is only an option for anyone who plans to spray the model afterwards and wants to strengthen the joints. The instructions work from the lower part of the hull upwards.

Where it pays to slow down

The domed parts have large continuous surfaces, and every fingerprint or scratch shows more on them than on an intricate surface. Handle them by the edges and sand any remnants of the sprue gates with fine wet-and-dry paper. Fit the symmetrical outriggers both at once and check whether they sit at the same angle.

Adding it to a collection

As a complement to the sailing ships it works excellently, because it brings variety of shape into the series. Stand it at the back or on a higher level of the shelf: it is exactly from below that it becomes clear the hull narrows from the deck downwards. The matched size across the collection is preserved. Anyone building a scene on a base can give the ship the impression of hovering above the water by propping it up; a clear rod set into the lower part of the hull is all it takes.