Billing Boats Marie Jeanne vs. Artesania Latina Marie Jeanne

[Redshirt]

I kind of like the lines for this nice little vessel and so i wonder,

is there any notable difference in quality between these two kits?

[popeye the sailor]

kind of a tough question........do you have a kit preference?   I'm a confirmed Billing's fan......I think the kit itself would be very nice,  as I've found all their kits....but the instruction are a bit vague.   having built so many of their kits,  I've gotten used to deciphering them.   the wood is usually pretty good,  and likely comes with a roll of cloth to make the sails.   not having bought the kit,  I really can't give a good description of the contents.

     I have the A.L. kit of the Marie Jeanne.....one big plus I saw right away,  is that the sails are pre-assembled.    the instructions are colorful....they have a booklet,  a written text set of instructions,  and a large diagram sheet {or sheets}.  I haven't taken them out of their sleeve yet {usually,  I already have looked at them.}  here is a small look see   

the finished model measures {in inches}:  22" long,  19 1/2" tall,  and 6 1/4" wide.

the instruction bundle.

how it is packed......plastic sealed with a cardboard backing,  in an effort to prevent warpage.

the fittings.....not keen on the metal boat,  but I'll cross that road when I get to it.

the sails are pre-made......not sure if they are prepped in other ways......color and such,  but they are set up with bolt ropes,  pleated and sewn along the edges.

the wood parts.....I haven't read the particulars,  but it looks like basswood and plywood framing.  the wood strips may be Sapeli,  Lime,  walnut,  and perhaps Beech.  I wish I had the Billing's kit as well.......seems bias to only show one kit.   Billing would likely offer the same in regards to the framing,  but for the wood strip,  they may offer Obechi,  Basswood,   Annegre,  and mahogany.   this doesn't knock down the quality.......pre-staining is a good option here,  and if you like to paint,  exotic woods might not be a good choice {I know I wouldn't paint over these woods}.

     as with most kits,  the use of plastic and metal parts is common in these kits.   folks will sometimes replace these parts with similar parts that fit the model better.   the ship's boat is a good example......there are plenty of places where a wooden replacement can be purchased.  having taken a quick look at the fittings... there are a few thing I will be replacing.  if this was the Billing's kit,  I would likely see some things in it to replace as well.   I'm willing to say that these are both nice kits...I'm sure that each will present their own challenges.  whichever you decide to pull the trigger on,  I hope you'll do a build log.......I would find it interesting to see....especially if you chose the Billing's kit.   one kit may include detail that the other kit does not.......it makes a model more interesting when combining different aspects  

 

hope this helps you out......it's a tough decision 

[Jack12477]

I have not seen the Billings kit so I can't comment on it, but I have built the AL Marie Jeanne kit (see signature for link to build log) and had no issues with the kit. Wood was first class, Denis points out the sail are pre-made with a nice bolt-rope sewn on, metal parts were good - no flash to remove. Instructions were about as good as all other kits by any manufacturer.  I had fun building the AL kit and the model came out pretty good.

[popeye the sailor]

good.......so I have a log to follow      he's not answering Jack....guess he ran out to get the kit   

Edited April 18, 2018 by popeye the sailor

[Jack12477]

44 minutes ago, popeye the sailor said:

so I have a log to follow   

If you mean the Marie Jeanne Denis, you did follow me. Remember we changed the home port from France to Ireland and made new decals (with your advice) to put the Coat of Arms on the sail..... 

 

I have a new log you can follow - an ice boat/yacht from 1888.

 

 

[popeye the sailor]

when I build mine  ....that's what I meant.   I saw your new project......a very original project indeed.   

[grsjax]

I don't have any experience with the Billings Marie Jeanne but I do have the AL one.  My impression is that the kit is pretty decent.  The laser cutting is very clean and sharp.  Fittings look good and the strip wood is African Walnut, Ramin and sapele.  Keel and frames are ply.  Instructions could be better but arn't the worst I have seen.  The illustrations are very helpful.

[petervisser]

I built the Billing version years ago, pre-laser. It turned into a very nice model and I can recommend it. You're right in that it has very nice lines, which is why I decided to build it. I opted to change the name of the model and named it after my wife whose first and middle name is Cheryl, Anne. She has been much more tolerant of my subsequent modeling purchases ever since...

 

Cheers,

 

Peter

Edited April 25, 2018 by petervisser

[mtaylor]

Smart man you are on naming her, Peter.   Great looking model.

Edited April 26, 2018 by mtaylor

[popeye the sailor]

nice looking model Peter