The Zede Model

The Gustav Zédé Model

At first view I dismissed the Zédé model as a curiosity, but then it began to intrigue me, especially the attributed 1868 date, the year before Verne wrote 20,000 Leagues. The model has many of the features of Nemo's Nautilus but it is clearly smaller and differs in other important details. Nonetheless, I was so taken with Greg Sharpe's Zédé plans I made a 3D model and then scratch built this replica for my desk.

Greg's Deep Sea Designs plans with their nice scales and overall dimensional information were my original source for the model. I first made the 3D computer model (using RayDream Studio) and this inspired me to construct an actual size replica. The original model is only 150 mm long, slightly less than six inches, and I thought it would go nicely on my desk. Jerry Pavano supplied photos of the original that were helpful because they show color and provide three dimensional information not available from the plans. The plans, the photos, and various views of the RayDream model all contributed to successful completion of the replica.

Notice the US penny in the photo above as an indication of the model's size.

It had been years since I undertook a project like this and the small scale, although it minimized some tedious cutting, sanding, and painting tasks, meant lots of tiny detail work with tweezers, toothpicks, and pins.

I invested a lot of time in the model, but the material cost was low. The oak base cost more than the model and the plaque with engraving cost more than anything.

A more detailed look

The deck railings on the model above, constructed of pins and wire, are more like the original than those on the more idealized 3D model. The illustrations below are simple renderings of the RayDream model, constructed first and used to work out some details for scratch building.

The thickness of the fins, apparently determined by the available material, emphasizes this is a concept model not meant to represent an actual vessel. See my discussion of the model features and their possible relationship to the Nautilus on the Design Catalog page.