myxyzptlyk2003

This weekend I was able to get the basic hull structure completed with the gun deck subfloor placed. So far the construction is pretty straightforward. But I definitely see some issues cropping up in the future. Not too hard to solve but it will take some ingenuity. As I look ahead the instructions leave quite a bit to be desired. In the past, kit instructions would generally tell you what types of wood stock to use and usually give you dimensions. In these instructions it continually refers you to the plan sheets which are to scale. So you have to measure off the plans and then choose a corresponding wood stock to manufacture any pieces. There are lots of computer generated pictures but little in the way of descriptions. With this kit you really have to think and plan the construction phases. For instance, if you follow the instructions it talks about planking the inner bulkheads and to remember that the inner planking is to butt up against the transom. But the pictures and instructions don't talk about installing the transom. So unless you install the transom first you can't accurately butt the planking. In someone's previous build of this model they mention there is really no way shown to install the transom. You are left to create your own method. And the instructions say as much. Plus there is almost no connection point for the transom. For the most part it is just going to hang out there at the stern until the outer planking can be installed. It's going to be very fragile. Construction order as listed is probably not the best. The hull filler blocks are not to be fitted until the upper inner planking is done. It will be vastly better to install these before any planking commences. As you can see in the 3rd picture. The position of the mainmast has a bulkhead running right through it. No mention is made of modifying the bulkhead. Why was that not accounted for in the design???? All in all, I still love the model. But this will be by far the most difficult model that I have ever built primarily due to the lack of directions.

Definitely will purchase once it's available. Also have just purchased the Duchess kit to show support for Chris going full time with his business.

One of the nicer little point on this kit is that the bearding line is etched on the keel parts. The etching is only on one side but once that is cleared it's easy to replicate on the other side. The keel is made from 6 mm walnut and is made up of 9 different parts which fit together very well.

I tend to work on models as I feel the urge. At 70 years old and with so many ships completed I do have issues with space. Also I am still working full time so modeling time is somewhat limite. And with so many great kits out there and coming out I have decided that I am going to only complete the hulls of the ships and put those in cases. I never found the rigging of these ships to be a particular challenge. So with the years left to me I'll be limiting myself to just the hulls. I've got a number of kits on the shelf and am really looking forward to the next Vanguard kit of the Sphinx. Also have the old Amati HMS Prince (mint in box) that will probably be my 3rd kit after the Vanguard one. That Amati Prince will be the second time I have built it. FIrst time was about 20 years ago in my early modeling days.

When I saw this kit released I was intrigued and thought I would give it try. Love the subject/size. etc. Just a bit of background. Some of you may remember this user name from years ago on other forums. I've been building kits for at least 20 years and have completed many. I've got about 10 completed kits in cases distributed around the house (large house) with the largest being the Caldercraft Victory. I would rate my skills as moderate. Love building models of all types but ships hold a special place. Also pretty much stick with the kit and almost no modifying/bashing.

Hi all Just ordered this kit directly from Maris Stella. Kit plus the 3d bow and stern + shipping came to 475 euros. That works out to be about $550 US??

I have built kits from both Amati and Vanguard. I like both. To me, the materials are pretty much similar. But where they differ is in the instructions. Vanguard instructions are vastly superior and do, indeed, allow a beginner to build. Amati instructions generally require some previous modeling experience.

Here in the US, I had ordered one of these from hobbyzoneUS last spring. It was on backorder then. Just got in mid December so it took over 6 months to get one. Well worth the wait.

I'm about 2/3 of the way through particular build. I will tell you the parts in numbered bags never correspond to the build chapter. While most of the parts do apply to a particular chapter you almost always have to go to other bags to get the parts you need. Have your rulers and calipers ready. You are going to need them. Even so, it is still a rewarding build.

Got the complete kit the other day. Came in a plain cardboard box with many bags of parts. I am guessing the bags correspond to each chapter that are normally sent. No instructions of any sort. Just have to go to their web site and follow those videos which are on youtube. Overall, the quality of the parts appear to be at least as good as you get in many other kits. Will start this one after I am finished with my Vanguard model Alert.

While I am well aware of deagostini's bad reputation for getting chapters out on time, I decided to take a chance on this kit since it not sent by chapters. Also viewed all the build videos on youtube and was impressed. So I ordered it last week and have just received an email that it has been shipped. I have built kits for decades and am hesitantly hopeful that this one will be worth the effort.