HMS Erebus Model Ship Kit – Occre (12009)

The HMSErebus Model Ship Kit is double plank on bulkhead construction and every detail has been accounted for, from the large number of shrouds used to support the masts, the protective reinforcement plating on the bow, the unique diagonal deck planking, and more. As with all Occre kits the parts, fittings and timbers supplied are of the highest quality along with their color step-by-step building instructions.

History of the HMS Erebus & the Franklin Expedition

HMS Erebus was a British Royal Navy ship that played a significant role in the ill-fated Franklin Expedition of 1845-1848, led by Sir John Franklin. The expedition aimed to discover the Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Erebus was originally built as a bomb vessel in 1826 and later converted into a polar exploration ship. It was constructed with reinforced hulls to withstand the pressures of polar ice. The ship was named after the Greek god of darkness and shadow.

Under Franklin’s command, the Erebus set sail from England in May 1845, along with another ship, HMS Terror. Both ships carried provisions and equipment for an extended voyage in the harsh Arctic environment. The expedition comprised a crew of experienced sailors and scientists.

Tragically, neither the Erebus nor the Terror returned from their journey. The exact fate of the Franklin Expedition remained a mystery for many years, leading to numerous search expeditions and investigations. In 2014 and 2016, the wreckages of both ships were discovered in the Arctic waters.

The HMS Erebus wreckage was found in 2014, resting on the sea floor near King William Island in Canada’s Arctic region. The ship’s remains provided valuable insights into the expedition’s fate and the challenging conditions the crew faced. Artifacts recovered from the wreckage shed light on the crew’s daily lives and survival strategies.

The discovery of the Erebus and Terror wrecks helped unravel some of the mysteries surrounding the Franklin Expedition, including evidence of lead poisoning and cannibalism among the crew. The ships’ locations also provided valuable information about the routes and conditions experienced during the ill-fated journey.

The story of the HMS Erebus and the Franklin Expedition continues to captivate researchers, historians, and the public, offering a glimpse into the challenges and sacrifices of early Arctic exploration. The ship’s legacy serves as a reminder of the perils faced by those who ventured into uncharted territories in search of knowledge and discovery.