Island Supply Vessel Borkum Steam Powered 1:12

Corel BORKUM – Ship model kit (1:12) Island supply vessel with North Sea history

The Corel BORKUM captures the world of island transport in the North Sea at the turn of the century – a time when small, powerful supply boats connected the coast and islands: post, general cargo, supplies, sometimes passengers – everything had to be transported reliably. This is precisely the feeling conveyed by the model: not a sleek yacht design, but a down-to-earth working vessel with character. It is important to note that anyone who clicks through the construction reports, videos and community posts will quickly realise that the BORKUM is more historically inspired than a strict 1:1 reconstruction of a clearly documented individual model. And that's exactly what makes it so attractive to many – because you don't have to play ‘prototype police’ with every detail, but can build a harmonious coastal vessel that looks as if it could have actually existed.

The BORKUM is a great stage for your own model-making craftsmanship. The ABS hull is robust and suitable for everyday use – ideal if the model is to be used regularly on the water and not just displayed in a showcase. Added to this is the rewarding scale: 1:12 looks really grown-up on a pond or lake, and details such as bollards, fenders, lifebuoys, ropes and figures can be built neatly without it becoming microsurgery. Many also like the fact that you can quickly see the ‘substance’ of the BORKUM: the hull and basic structure provide a stable foundation, and the fun begins with the outfitting, ageing and scene building.

In practice, you hear the same tip over and over again: the model gains enormously when you fill it with life. An island supply ship only looks really convincing when the deck and superstructure tell a little story – a few crates and sacks, some rope, perhaps a dinghy or work equipment, plus fenders and rubbing strakes. It is precisely these additions that make the BORKUM look ‘real’ because they make everyday working life visible. A subtle patina also usually works well: not exaggerated, but rather how North Sea ships actually look – used, well-maintained, but not spruced up.

Technically, the BORKUM is also impressive because it is designed as a navigable model and offers enough space for neat installations. Many build it as a classic electric model, and just as often you see it as a platform for ‘more’ – light, sound, additional details or even steam setups. If you attach particular importance to smooth running, it is worth ensuring that the motor/shaft is properly aligned and, if necessary, decoupled – this will ensure that the running pattern remains pleasantly ‘smooth’. As a kit, it is usually considered to be of medium difficulty – easily achievable if you have already built a few models or are approaching it step by step.

Recommendation: real steam with a vertical boiler.

If you want to build the BORKUM in a style that is particularly true to the era, real steam is one of the most attractive options – and a vertical boiler is ideal for this: it looks authentic, makes very efficient use of the space in the hull and can usually be placed in an easily accessible location (for servicing, filling and visual inspection). It is precisely this combination of ‘workboat look’ and visible, lively technology that appeals to many about the BORKUM – it not only sails, it tells a story. For an even more polished finish, there is also an accessory set / expansion set that you can use to visibly enhance the model – typically with bow and side fenders, bell, lantern, lifebuoys, bollards, flags/masts and matching figures.

Technical data

Scale: 1:12
Length: approx. 900 mm
Width: approx. 330 mm
Hull: ABS