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Free Gift #3

The subscription-based USA version of this Agora Models 1:200 scale RMS Titanic partwork build-up includes three FREE gifts along the way. These gifts consist of a Pocket WatchTool Kit, and a replica Tin Plate:


I received the third and final gift, the Pocket Watch, with my Pack 6 shipment (Issues 27-32). Packaged in a ruby red soft-lined box, this watch is simply beautiful! It does seem to be battery-powered as the thumbwheel on top sets the time. On the front face are numerals appropriate for the time period of the Titanic and a long pocket chain is included:

On the reverse is what appears to be a replica of a watercolor painting of the Titanic herself. To avoid the glare of my studio lights, I toned this picture down to better reveal the details of this:

Overall, this is the best of the three gifts I received with my subscription. It is a fine timepiece and I am happy to have it in my collection!

Free Gift #2

The subscription-based USA version of this Agora Models 1:200 scale RMS Titanic partwork build-up includes three FREE gifts along the way. These gifts consist of a Pocket Watch, Tool Kit, and a replica Tin Plate:


I received the second gift, the Tin Plate, with my Pack 4 shipment (Issues 15-20). This metal plate is approximately 8×12″ and is printed on one side with a antique advertisement typical of the period when Titanic sailed. It has holes at all four corners for mounting and it already has the appearance of being quite old (although it is just the printwork). I truly appreciate this gift and will find a place in my workshop to hang it!

Free Gift #1

The subscription-based USA version of this Agora Models 1:200 scale RMS Titanic partwork build-up includes three FREE gifts along the way. These gifts consist of a Pocket Watch, Tool Kit, and a replica Tin Plate:


I received the first gift, the Tool Kit, with my Pack 4 shipment (Issues 15-20). This nice screwdriver set contains a rubberized handle, a driver extension, and 36 various bits including different sizes of flat head, phillips-head, hex head, star heads, and more. These are all contained in a latching carrying case with spring loaded bit compartments. While I typically use my Wera Kraftworx screwdrivers to build my models, this is a very nice set for general purpose work.

3-in-One Oil

If you are building any of the die-cast metal large scale models out there, you are probably familiar with the pain around driving screws into metal parts. In my experience, some of these screws have a tendency to bind up, strip threads, or simply snap off. Not only does it cause frustration, but it could cause a long delay in your build waiting for replacement parts.

For a while now, I have read about other builders that were using a little oil on their metal screw threads to help reduce the risk of damage and the effort needed to seat these screws fully. Up until this point, I had taken my time to carefully pre-thread metal screws, but it turns out they were on to something. I recently picked up some 3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil (from the WD-40 Company) and it has changed everything!

I simply dip the tip of each metal screw into a tiny drop of this stuff and they go right in and without any drama. I should have done this sooner! If putting a little oil on the end of a metal screw is not feasible, you can also use a toothpick or other small tool to apply the oil directly into a screw hole before installing the screw.

To hold the oil, I use this fantastic 4 oz dispenser bottle with a built-in pump and metal lid. I fill it up and pump the lid when I need a little oil to work with. Additionally, it has a nice wide base to reduce the possibility of spills:

I highly recommend grabbing a bottle of this oil (or other similar lubricant). It will surely save you time and headache!