Scale: 1:100. Full hull model of the 'Arcturus' (1982), a vehicle ro-ro ferry. Model is decked and equipped. Name "Arcturus" on port/starboard bows and port/starboard midships. "Arcturus Helsinki" on port/starboard stern quarters. "Fincarriers" on port and starboard hulls. Plaque inscribed "M.S. Arcturus built 1982 for Effoa by Rauma-Repola Oy Length Overall 155.0m Length between p.p. 146.0m Breadth 25.0m Depth to upper deck 16.9m Draught to summer freeboard 8.45m Dead weight 8000-12000 ton Speed 18.5/15.0 knots Main engines 13200 kw".

Some vessels are almost as interesting below waterline level as above it. The model illustrates some interesting features like the ‘Arcturus’s’ (1982) bow and stern thrusters, fully pivoting rudder for maximum manoeuvrability, and flat box-like shape of the underwater hull for optimum load capacity. The huge single stern door is shown in the closed position.

The ‘Arcturus’ was a 13,000 GRT (gross registered tons) roll-on/ roll-off ship built by the Rauma-Repola yard, Finland for the Effoa Group. Highly automated and capable of 19 knots, it operated a regular service between Finland and Britain. Together with its sister carrier, ‘Finnmerchant’, it was far in advance of anything the competition could muster on what was, at the time, a particularly cut-throat route. The Government of Finland presented the model to the Museum.