The Cab 3 submarine model miniature, drafting plans, decals and various miniature components from James Cameron’s underwater sci-fi adventure The Abyss. Known for its technical achievements, this film won an Academy Award® for its ambitious effects work. The Cab submersible vehicles were used in a number of scenes throughout the film, and were primarily used to transport visitors down to the Deep Core mining facility deep below the ocean’s surface.

The film used both a full-size Cab sub, and two different scale model-miniature versions. Created by Design Setters, the two model-miniature Cab vehicles were repainted throughout the production to represent a larger number of vehicles—this 1/8 scale version was last used as Cab 3. The model was rigged in the air and shot dry-for-wet on a soundstage at Dream Quest. It was made to appear as if underwater through the use of smoke and camera filters. The hull and conning tower are made of Dynacast, resin and fiberglass, with the crash rails made of hand-soldered brass tubing. The viewing dome is constructed from two non-concentric acrylic domes that are glued together to a ring of Plexiglas, with the space in between filled with mineral oil. The end result mimicked the lensing effect created when the real domes were underwater.

The submarine miniature includes numerous miniature floodlights and a poseable robotic arm at the front of the vehicle. The sub is expertly painted by hand, using acrylic lacquer, and shows “3” as the vehicle number, identifying it as a key transport seen in the film.

Included with the model miniature are various model components and paperwork. Three production-copied drafting elevations of the Cab model miniature are included, which are printed on paper and dated “June 5, 1988”. Two sheets of dry transfer decals are also provided, with decals for “CAB” and “13”. Unpainted model-miniature components include a Cab access hatch, vent hatches, a propeller, a fin and miniature floodlight components.

Accompanying this lot are two letters of authenticity from the Dream Quest Images model shop supervisor, David Goldberg, and lead model maker, Michael Stuart. The model exhibits minor wear due to production use and age, and has been sympathetically restored and repainted in small areas by the original model maker. The lot remains in very fine condition. Dimensions (model miniature): 71 cm x 38 cm x 30.5 cm (28” x 15” x 12”); (drafting prints): 61 cm x 42 cm (24” x 16 ½”); (combined miniature casting components): 20 cm x 23 cm x 6 cm (8” x 9” x 2 ½”)

This item contains electrical components. While every effort is made to describe them accurately, no guarantee or warranty is made as to the functionality, lifespan or safety of those components. It is entirely incumbent on the new owner to satisfy themselves as to their safe use and maintenance.

£30,000 - 50,000