The Heller 1/200 Titanic Searcher “Le Suroît” Starter Set captures the historic legacy of oceanographic exploration with authentic French craftsmanship, highly detailed deck equipment, a scale research submarine, and all essential assembly supplies included in the box.
Built at the Ateliers et Chantiers de la Manche in Dieppe and brought into official service in April 1975, Le Suroît was the second specialized vessel in the prestigious French Oceanographic Research and Support (N.O.R.O.I.S.) fleet. Designed for deep-sea scientific exploration and operated under IFREMER, the 56.34-meter research ship played a pivotal role during the historic joint French-American expedition in the summer of 1985. Utilizing her advanced S.A.R. (System Acoustique Remorqué) high-resolution side-scan sonar system, Le Suroît systematically mapped the North Atlantic seabed, successfully paving the way for the ultimate discovery of the RMS Titanic wreck.
Heller's 1:200 scale model kit recreates every functional detail of this iconic scientific vessel across 110 precision-molded parts. Modelers build a complete full-hull replica featuring stern gantry cranes, oceanographic winches, navigation radar masts, clear bridge window inserts, and the specialized yellow Cyana deep-diving exploration submarine. As an official Heller Starter Set, this all-in-one package includes liquid polystyrene cement, a paintbrush, and principal acrylic paints directly inside the box. Measuring over 11 inches long when assembled, the completed model makes a commanding display piece for naval collectors and modern exploration enthusiasts.
Key Features & Specifications
- Complete 1/200 scale replica of the French oceanographic research vessel Le Suroît.
- All-in-one Starter Set package includes liquid cement, paintbrush, and primary acrylic paints.
- 110 precision-molded parts featuring realistic superstructure tiers, railings, and deck winches.
- Includes scale model replica of the famous yellow deep-sea exploration submarine Cyana.
- Working stern A-frame gantry crane and scientific sounding equipment details.
- Assembled ship dimensions measure approximately 11.1 inches long by 2.16 inches wide (282 mm x 55 mm).
- Premium waterslide decal sheet providing authentic IFREMER markings, hull striping, draft numbers, and nameplates.
What’s in the Box?
Precision-Molded White & Gray Sprues: 110 detailed polystyrene parts for the full ship hull, deck superstructure, scientific equipment, and display stands.
Optically Clear Window Inserts: Transparent parts for wheelhouse bridge windows and navigation observation points.
Starter Assembly Supplies: Liquid polystyrene cement tube, fine-tip paintbrush, and starter acrylic paint pots.
Scale Submersible & Waterslide Decals: Mini Cyana submarine parts and waterslide decals featuring official IFREMER expedition markings.
Illustrated Instructions: Multi-language step-by-step assembly manual with detailed rigging diagrams and full-color painting profiles.
Technical Product Details
- Manufacturer: Heller
- Product Number: HEL56615 (HEL/56615 / 80615)
- Scale: 1:200 Scale
- Subject Type: Civilian Maritime / Oceanographic Research Vessel
- Model Dimensions: 11.10" L x 2.16" W (282 mm x 55 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; starter cement and main paints included.
Tips:
Hull Masking: Paint the lower hull with anti-fouling red and upper hull in gloss white before applying the black waterline stripe decals to ensure razor-sharp separation lines.
Small Part Pre-Painting: Paint delicate components such as the yellow Cyana submarine, deck winches, and radar arrays while still attached to the sprue before final assembly.
Diorama Groundwork: When staging Le Suroît docked at port, apply Gamers Grass tufts along wharf edges and pier bases to add hyper-realistic maritime scenery.
Suggested Colors (Heller Acrylic Paint Match)
- White Satin (Heller 130): Main hull topsides, superstructure tiers, and radar masts.
- Wine Red Matt (Heller 73): Lower underwater hull plating below the waterline.
- Grass Green Matt (Heller 80): Weatherdeck surfaces and main aft working deck.
- Yellow Gloss (Heller 69): Cyana deep-sea exploration submarine and IFREMER logo trim.
- Coal Black Satin (Heller 85): Radar domes, exhaust funnels, mooring winches, and nameplate display stand.
- Steel Grey Matt (Heller 87): Machinery mounts, deck bollards, and crane structural arms.
- Copper Metallic (Heller 12): Main ship propulsion screws.
Order the Heller 1/200 Titanic Searcher “Le Suroît” Starter Set from Bellford Toys and Hobbies today to recreate the legendary vessel that mapped the world's most famous shipwreck!
