Premier Ship Models have just completed a build for a custom Bombay Grab model ship. Grabs were types of ships that were very common along the Malabar Coast in the Southwest of India throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. ‘Grab’ derives from ‘ghurab’ meaning raven in Arabic.
Grabs typically had a hull with a pointed prow, as well as European rigging and two to three masts. They also got narrower towards the front, allowing them to scythe through shallow waters at high speeds, but a big downside of this was that the ships were typically unstable in rougher waters. The grab would pitch violently when sailing against a head sea.
The British East India’s Company navy, the Bombay Marine, had two grabs both named Bombay, and they actually overlapped during their days of service. The larger Bombay, which this model is based on, was built mostly out of teak wood in 1739, and was armed with 24 guns. Most of her career was spent along the coast of India to protect it from pirates. Operations took place to the north and south of Bombay, but unfortunately, she was completely destroyed by a fire in Bombay Harbour in September 1789.
This model rendition was to measure 77 centimetres in length, 21 in width and 48 in height (these dimensions exclude the length and height of the base, and solely refer to the model itself). The model was roughly at a scale of 1 to 75.
A few details were to be included in proportion to the scale of the model, including a highly accurate representation of the real-life counterpart, as well as a bowsprit and masts. However, the model was to be without any internal mechanisms or lightning, and the client didn’t want any flags on the model.
This project was carried out for a private client living in Saudi Arabia, and so not much can be said here. However, this was an extremely special order as they actually have ancestral links to the original vessel.
It was an honour to aid them in capturing a piece of familial history and replicate the grandeur of the original ship!
The model was largely handcrafted using wood, fibreglass, and chrome accents, with dimensions of 77 centimetres in length, 21 centimetres in width, and 48 centimetres in height. Designed for precision and intricate detailing, the model did not feature any moving parts, internal mechanisms, or lighting.
Supported by brass stands and mounted on a stylish black base, the model was primarily crafted by hand, although CNC machinery was employed for finer elements like the anchor and other intricate details.
The estimated build time spanned around seven months, from start to finish. The payment structure was divided into three stages: 50% upfront, 30% when nearing completion, and the final 20% upon delivery. Additionally, the cost covered a sturdy wooden crate, specially made to protect the model during shipping and guarantee its safe arrival.
Our custom Bombay ship model was predominantly handcrafted using timber, fibreglass, acrylic, and chrome detailing, with brass used in small quantities for the supports.
Before construction began, we ensured all details were fully agreed upon with the client, including dimensions, specific features, aesthetics, payment terms, and a clear timeline. This thorough approach helped prevent any potential misunderstandings down the line.
We always start with the hull, as it forms the essential base of any ship model. For this project, it was meticulously measured to meet the exact specifications. Once the hull was finished, we proceeded to the upper deck, attaching smaller wooden planks along the sides of the ship to conceal the internal framework. After that, the bases for the masts were built, and work began on rigging the sails.
The next stage involved painting the hull, deck, and smaller details, followed by installing the chrome accents. The lower section of the hull was given a smooth, glossy brown finish, while the upper section was painted in complementary black and white tones. For added realism, small lifeboats were placed on the deck, based on drawings provided by the client.
As we neared completion, the model underwent final cleaning and polishing, with the sails being added to the masts as the finishing touch.
The client was delighted with the finished model, particularly impressed by the intricate detailing we were able to achieve. The shipping and delivery process went smoothly, allowing them to proudly showcase their new model.
It was a pleasure to create a bespoke ship model again for another international client, and we’re excited to embark on our upcoming projects!
Commission your own model
If you would like to have your own bespoke model built, please complete the contact form below.