Disney 1:32 Nautilus Project

On this page are many images of the final Nautilus model. For maintenance reasons, access to the model for lighting adjustments is made through the wheelhouse and clever use of high strength magnets. The forward hatch ahead of the Wheelhouse is actually a CLAMP and can be removed facilitating removal of the wheelhouse. The magnetic pull from below is so strong that the nose of the wheelhouse is held perfectly to the deck by this forward clamp alone. The wheelhouse-forward deck raker assembly is hinged at the wheelhouse and held magnetically forward so it just swings up as the wheelhouse is removed.

The images on this page show the Nautilus after final painting and where labeled show the model in TRUE-Light [or color corrected lighting] so the final paint finish with its many layers can be appreciated. The model was then photographed in a dramatic raking studio ‘pretty’ lighting which alters the final look but portrays the model in a deeper, warm light. This warmer lighting accentuates the sinister look of the on-board lighting and shows the rivet patterns nicely.

Internal Lighting of Nautilus — Model salon lit with its own internal lighting seen through the Starboard salon window.

Nautilus Fountain — Similarly, this shows the dramatic lighting on the fountain as seen through the Starboard salon window location.

Nemo's Organ — This exposed wall view shows the aft end of the salon with details. The tables, chairs and organ were laser cut pieces with additions and refinements.

Details of Center Salon — Exposed wall view showing center salon details. Specimen table is the scaled up laser cut version of our earlier table created for a slightly smaller version of Nautilus for another client.

Forward end of Nautlius Salon — Exposed wall view of forward end of salon. The desk on the right behind the fountain was lasercut as were the books and shelves for the books.

Nautilus Iris Control Arm View — Head on in the Salon! Beyond the Iris Control Arm in the foreground, is the couch with pillows, speciment table, far side closed iris and surrounding iris ring. The overhead curtain rod is also visible and has the red curtains on either side of the irises on both sides, just as it should!

Rug Details on Disney Nautilus — Looking Forward. Details visible are the Iris Control Arm at left, Couch/Pillow, stair runner rugs, velvet curtain and segment of round couch to right, and more rugs in distance.

Green Lighting on Wheelhouse — ‘Pretty Light’ image accentuating the lighting.

Side view of Disney Nautilus — Full dress lighting on board Nautilus adds life to the model. The Salon lights flank the opened Starboard Iris [Port is closed in this model].

Wheelhouse and Forward Deck — Wheelhouse and forward deck showing clamp hatch and finish.

Lighting of Disney Nautilus Model — Close up focusing on a view of the Organ as seen through the Salon window. Note the red accent lighting inside the passageway leading aft on the port side behind the organ. In what would otherwise be a dark and featureless area, a simple accent with a dramatic shadow adds tremendously to the detail and feel of the model.

Disney Nautilus Rugs — This image shows to good effect the step runner rugs and background details. It feels like you could walk right into it.

Disney Nautilus Specimen Table — One more view showing how the light plays off of the specimen table. Refracted colors in the bottles which are solid acrylic and polished, provide the look of fluid in the bottles. It is a very convincing effect.

Overview of the Salon — Salon overview. We did not detail the OPEN iris side of the walls since the model has only one open aperture. The viewing location would not permit looking into the port side window. Ed chose lighting that would accent the different areas dramatically and when the salon is all buttoned up the room looks spectacular…

Disney Nautilus in the Dark — Self illuminated only, downward looking view to show the Persian Rugs, Stair runners and Iris Control Arm. Looks like you could just walk into the ‘set’.

Wheelhouse view... — A view of the wheelhouse on the Disney Nautilus Model.

Closeup of Disney Nautilus wheel house — Closer view. Note the treatment on the rakers with wear on their edges. The reflected edge lighting adds more to this effect which is far more subtle.

Aft Window Looking Into Disney Nautilus — ‘Pretty Light’ Wheelhouse aft window looking in with Nautilus’ own lighting illuminating such details as charts on the table. One is of Vulcania, Nemo’s Island and home base.

Another example of oxidation on submarine — Oxidation, slight trace of rust, metal sheen, all painstakingly applied provide an impression of a used, sea-borne vessel on this TRUE-Light. Appropriate wear marks were applied in ‘crew’ areas as expected.

Nautilus Patina on Propeller. — Nautilus Propeller with classic patinas in this TRUE-Light image.

Oxidation on Nautilus Model — Longboat and aft end of upper superstructure in TRUE-Light.

More Images of Nautilus

Once the model was finished, we took a large number of final photos prior to delivery. In order to get the model safely to Chicago, one of our own modelmakers decided it was best to drive it to Chicago himself. We did not disagree and the client was also in agreement that the extra cost was worth the investment. Once you see how the finished model looks you will nod your head in agreement!