HMS Terror & HMS Erebus Model Ship Kit Combo

The HMS Terror and the Erebus Model Ship Kit are 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 Terror, HMS Erebus & the Franklin Expedition

The HMS Terror and HMS Erebus were two British Royal Navy ships that played a significant role in Arctic exploration during the 19th century. They were both involved in the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, which aimed to discover the Northwest Passage—a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic archipelago.

The HMS Erebus was launched in 1826, and the HMS Terror in 1813. Initially, they were used in military actions during the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars, respectively. However, they were later refitted and modified for polar exploration. The ships were strengthened to withstand icy conditions and equipped with steam engines to assist in propulsion when the wind was unfavorable.

Under the command of Sir John Franklin, the Franklin Expedition set sail from England in 1845, with the Erebus and Terror as the expedition’s main vessels. Unfortunately, the expedition faced numerous hardships and challenges. They became trapped in ice in September 1846, somewhere in the Canadian Arctic. Despite efforts to free the ships, they remained stuck for several years.

Tragically, all crew members of the Franklin Expedition perished, and the exact details of their fate remained a mystery for many years. Search parties and expeditions were sent to locate the missing ships, but it was not until 2014 and 2016 that the wreckage of the Erebus and Terror were finally discovered in the Queen Maud Gulf and Terror Bay, respectively.

These discoveries shed light on the final moments of the expedition. It is believed that the crews abandoned the ships in a desperate attempt to reach civilization by foot, enduring extreme conditions and ultimately succumbing to starvation, exposure, and other perils of the Arctic environment.

The findings of the Erebus and Terror wrecks have provided valuable insights into the Franklin Expedition and Arctic exploration in general. They have helped archaeologists, scientists, and historians better understand the challenges faced by early explorers and the harsh conditions of the Arctic environment.