Olkiluoto 3 Power Plant - MTP - 1/350

**ricleite** · #1 03-13-2018, 07:40 AM

My next architecture model will be very different from the more common cathedrals, castles and palaces. It represents a nuclear power plant with a pressurized water reactor. As far as I know, the real thing (Olkiluoto 3) is still under construction in Finland.
The model is at the relatively small scale of 1/350. Notwithstanding, it will be a large model, with a base of around 80cm x 90cm. The modeler has the choice to build the “easy” (outside only), medium and “hard” versions of the kit. The most ambitious version has over 3000 parts, mainly for the interior. Not surprisingly, I’ll do my best to deal with the “hard” version…
As you can see in the pictures, it is a huge kit, very well produced. The instructions, in German and English, include both general hints for paper modeling and many assembly diagrams, put together in a A4 booklet. I never count the hours for modeling, as it could result in psychological pressure not really welcome for such a nice hobby. For those who care about that, the kit contains a full list of parts and a rough estimation of the time needed to assemble each building! The parts are printed on 32 A3 pages and one A4. The paper quality is very good and the modest thickness is very much to my taste. There are also the front and the rear covers, printed on thick card, some sheets of 0,5mm card for reinforcement and the enormous base that has to be glued onto something solid.

RickPink65 · #2 03-13-2018, 07:58 AM

This is one of the best architectural card models ever designed. I obtained a free one, on DVD, from the AREVA company who is, as far as I know, the builders an designers of the full size power plant. It was supposed to enter in operation in 2012 but they have had several problems so its finishing has been postponed. They sent me the brochure called "Pressurized Water Reactor 1600 MWe (EPR)" informing all about the power plant and the DVD also includes information on how the plant is being built, how it works and naturally both models.

The model is fantastic, designed by Thomas Pleiner and it really comes out beautiful. But it has a lot of work. So much that the designer recommends to tackle it by a team of several people. It is also a very big model. As you state, there is also a simplified version, for those who find the detailed model too much work.

I haven't built the model because it means a lot of time and perhaps my enthusiasm will go down and never finish it.

Good luck and please keep us posted on its progress.

RICK

**Kevin WS** · #3 03-13-2018, 08:43 AM

Talk about co-incidences - I was after humming and hawing, - about to get this out and start on it. I have had it sitting around for a couple of years.

However, two of the same builds at the same time is probably a bit much, so I'll put mine to one side for a while more.

I have plenty of other things to make!

Good luck Rickleite....

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And yes Rick, it is a super kit and looks very interesting to build. Despite the number of pieces, I think it will be a relatively easy build, as there is very little in the way of repetitive parts.

I think as you mentioned, time will be the main killer of anything - at two pages a month that's 16 months work - I suspect in my case a couple of years would be more realistic as I am not a fast builder!

**Seascape** · #4 03-13-2018, 09:32 AM

Came very close to starting this one two weeks ago. Was playing around with the CD but decided instead to do the Sagrada Familia from Canon which I had lying around. (Enlarged and printed on 12" x 18"). My first model was the Japanese version. This one looks more interesting. Planning on building the Domus one also. Would be a great comparison to have all three.

Will be following this thread. Are you going to add lights?

Fred

**Seascape** · #5 03-13-2018, 09:34 AM

By the way, Thomas Pleiner is a member here.

Fred

**Richschindler** · #6 03-13-2018, 12:00 PM

Looks like a very worthwhile, yet challenging project. I’ll be following the progress.
Good luck with the build.

**The Skipper** · #7 03-24-2018, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seascape

By the way, Thomas Pleiner is a member here.

Fred

How do I find Thomas? If this is on a CD, can someone burn a copy and send it?

RickPink65 · #8 03-25-2018, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Skipper

How do I find Thomas? If this is on a CD, can someone burn a copy and send it?

Nice model. really beautiful but I would like to see one finished.

**Thomas Pleiner** · #9 03-26-2018, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickPink65

Nice model. really beautiful but I would like to see one finished.

... I'm quite sure you will ... Ricardo is on a very good way ... :-)

Cheers
Thomas

**ricleite** · #10 03-27-2018, 06:50 AM

@ Thomas - I guess so

A little break to take care of something easy: the main roof. It still has tabs all around but I’ll probably cut them, as the roof will be detachable to see the inside. The third picture shows something that fits below the main floor.