How to Build One Piece Grand Ship Collection Submarine & Ark Maxim
By GUNNZO | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to assembling two Bandai One Piece Grand Ship Collection kits: Trafalgar Law's submarine and Ark Maxim. Learn tool-free snap-fit techniques and display tips.
Quick answer
Build either kit without tools by snapping pre-colored parts together, applying stickers as you go, and attaching the included display base. Work slowly and test-fit each piece before pressing it home.
Why these two kits suit different builders
The Grand Ship Collection line is designed for quick, paint-free assembly, but the two kits here offer different experiences. Trafalgar Law's submarine includes optional sail configurations and an ocean surface effect part, giving you room to vary the final look. Ark Maxim is a more straightforward build with a fixed display base and character plate. Neither kit requires tools, so beginners can start with either, though the submarine's extra parts make it slightly more involved.
What the instructions don't tell you about stickers
Both kits rely on stickers for color details, and sticker placement is the step most likely to go wrong. Apply stickers after test-fitting the part but before final assembly, and use tweezers to avoid touching the adhesive. If a sticker sits crooked, lift it slowly with a hobby knife tip rather than pulling it off, which can stretch the film.
Step-by-step assembly for both kits
- Prepare your workspace: Clear a flat, well-lit area and keep the instruction sheet visible. Sort the runners by part number if they are labeled. Common mistake: opening all bags at once and mixing similar-colored parts. Checkpoint: keep each runner in its bag until the instructions call for it.
- Snap together the core hull: Press parts together firmly until you feel or hear a click. For the submarine, start with the main hull halves; for Ark Maxim, begin with the central body. Common mistake: forcing a part that resists, which can bend the plastic. Checkpoint: if a part won't seat, check orientation before applying more pressure.
- Apply stickers before final assembly: Peel each sticker with tweezers and align it to the molded detail. Press from the center outward to avoid air bubbles. Common mistake: placing stickers after the part is attached, which makes alignment harder. Checkpoint: test-fit the stickered part in its final position before moving on.
- Attach optional parts for your chosen display: For the submarine, decide whether to show sails unfurled or removed, then fit the ocean surface effect part to the base. For Ark Maxim, choose the wave parts for the display base. Common mistake: attaching the base before the model is fully assembled, which can make handling awkward. Checkpoint: confirm the model sits level on the base before adding the character plate.
- Final check and display: Inspect for unseated parts and stray sticker edges. Place the character plate on the base if included. Common mistake: skipping the final press on snap-fit joints, which can leave gaps. Checkpoint: gently flex the model to confirm all joints are tight before placing it on a shelf.
Kit facts at a glance
- One Piece Grand Ship Collection #14 Ark Maxim: Ark Maxim is a Bandai Hobby One Piece model kit that requires no tools to assemble and includes a display base with optional wave parts and a character plate. You can start building immediately without a tool kit, and the wave parts let you choose between a docked or sailing display.
One Piece Grand Ship Collection #14 Ark Maxim - One Piece Grand Ship Collection #02 Trafalgar Law's Submarine: Trafalgar Law's submarine is a compact 6-inch model with pre-colored plastic and stickers, and it can be built with sails unfurled or removed. The small size fits on crowded shelves, and the sail option lets you match the submarine's look to your display theme.
One Piece Grand Ship Collection #02 Trafalgar Law's Submarine
