The Heller 1/200 Jean Bart + Utrecht Tugboat Twin Set captures the rugged elegance of one of mid-century Europe's most famous ocean-going salvage vessels with authentic French engineering and high-detail plastic molding.
Manufactured at Ateliers et Chantiers de France in Dunkirk and officially christened on February 25, 1956, the ocean-going tug Jean Bart represented the pinnacle of French maritime salvage design. Powered by twin 1,250 CV Werkspoor diesel engines geared to a single driveshaft, she operated as one of Europe’s largest and most capable rescue tugs. Following years of service with the Société de Remorquage et de Sauvetage du Nord, she was decommissioned at Dunkirk in January 1965, sold to Dutch operators in July 1965, and rechristened The Utrecht under the world-renowned Wijsmuller fleet. Her storied four-decade career later took her to Greece as the Kriti in 1977 and ultimately to Honduras in 1993.
This special Heller twin set model kit gives hobbyists the unique opportunity to recreate this historic vessel across its two most famous operational eras. Featuring two complete 123-piece kits in a single package, builders can construct both the original French salvage tug Jean Bart and her Dutch counterpart The Utrecht. Each finished model measures over 10 inches in length, making them striking standalone display pieces or ideal subjects for detailed 1:200 scale harbor dioramas.
Heller's fine plastic molding accurately recreates the vessel's functional lines, layered deck superstructures, winches, navigation masts, and lifeboats. The kit includes comprehensive waterslide decals covering authentic hull numbers, ship names, and fleet liveries for both French and Dutch service. Designed for modelers aged 14 and above, this dual kit delivers an immersive historical build that honors mid-century ocean salvage heritage.
Key Features & Specifications
- Dual-vessel twin set containing two complete 1/200 scale model kits inside a single box.
- Total part count of 246 pieces (123 precision-molded parts per ship).
- High-detail deck equipment including salvage winches, cargo booms, and detailed superstructure housing.
- Premium waterslide decal sheet providing authentic liveries for both the French Jean Bart (1956) and Dutch Utrecht (1965).
- Generous assembled size measuring 10.27 inches long by 2.00 inches wide per ship.
- Authentic historical subject appealing to naval, maritime, and civilian vessel modelers.
What’s in the Box?
Precision-Molded Plastic Sprues: Detailed gray plastic sprues containing 246 total parts to construct two full tugboat hulls and superstructures.
Optically Clear Window Pieces: Clear molded components for bridge windows and navigation lighting elements.
Premium Waterslide Decals: Multi-option decal sheet featuring crisp lettering, draft marks, and fleet insignia for both vessels.
Detailed Instructions: Multi-lingual assembly manual complete with step-by-step exploded diagrams and full-color painting profiles.
Technical Product Details
- Manufacturer: Heller
- Product Number: HEL55602 (HEL/55602)
- Scale: 1:200 Scale
- Subject Type: Civilian Maritime / Ocean-Going Rescue Tugboat
- Model Dimensions: 10.27" L x 2.00" W (261 mm x 51 mm)
- Packaging Dimensions: 14.75" L x 9.80" W x 2.75" H
- Age Recommendation: 14 Years and above
- Assembly Requirements: Unassembled plastic kit; model glue and paint sold separately
Tips:
Surface Preparation: Wash all plastic sprues in warm, soapy water prior to assembly to remove mold release agents and ensure optimal paint and cement adhesion.
Decal Application: Apply a clear gloss coat over painted hull surfaces before applying the Wijsmuller or French fleet decals to eliminate silvering and secure crisp carrier film edges.
Diorama Groundwork: If displaying your completed tugs in a port setting, utilize Gamers Grass tufts and fine scenery materials around dockside bases to recreate realistic coastal vegetation and harbor terrain.
Suggested Colors (Heller Acrylic Paint Match)
- Hull Red (Heller 73): Main underwater hull plating below the waterline.
- Black (Heller 85): Freeboard hull topsides, funnels, and deck machinery accents.
- Deck Tan (Heller 93): Wood-planked deck surfaces and superstructure flooring.
- White (Heller 301): Bridge housing, superstructure levels, and lifeboat hulls.
- French Blue / Wijsmuller Blue (Heller 14 / 15): Funnel markings and fleet-specific trim bands.
Order the Heller 1/200 Jean Bart + Utrecht Twin Set today from Bellford Toys and Hobbies to add two icons of European maritime history to your workbench!
