Dutch 17th century workhorses

A beautiful fleet Ab.....

I like the crew members of ships, did you use existing figurines by alterating them ? ( positions and clothing )

Nils

Those are all very beautiful models and they share an interesting story. Thanks for the display, Ab!

Why are some of the sails black?

-Radek

Thank you both.

Mirabell61: the crew members were purchased at an English web-shop: 1001modelkits,co.uk. Here is the link:https://www.1001modelkits.co.uk/172-scale-figures/233926-red-box-rb72081-english-sailors-16-17th-century--4820316720814.html

Of course these are English sailors, which don't look too much like Dutch ones, so I had to alter them by cutting off weapons and parts of the clothing. Not my favorite activity, but much faster than making them all myself.:-)

Radek: The sails are not black but dark red/brownish, due to the fact that they were tanned. The tanning process was done to prevent rot with sails that were not used on a daily basis. Many fishermen tanned their sails.

Ab, very impressed with your skills and the fleet. I am most impressed with the statement these ships were built with paper and card! I would certainly like to learn a bit on how you performed this feat. I have intentions to recreate a Norse (read Viking) fleet. I currently have a series of models in different styles, wood, plastic and MDF to create this ad hoc fleet of mine. I already possess the "Great Heathen Army" in 28mm, perhaps 280 painted Danes, Norse, Vikings. Now I just need the fleet to accompany the mass of Lads as the go a Viking. You're work is supreme!