geoff

Thanks once   again Mark. I don't think any member will ever post a build from their plans, if like myself they can't get their hands on them anyhow!  IF by chance (ha ha) my plans arrive guess where they are going? Clean answers only please!!

No problem, Geoff.   I didn't address your other question about their behavior.  Best answer is "money is the root of all evil", so follow the money.   And I believe this site is in the banned kit list with some other sites.  We can't catch them all nor can we really post them as unless someone admits to having the plans from the pirates, our hands are tied as far as banning the build. 
 
We can only hope that our members are honest and want to support those who put in the hours to make a plan and that they would never knowingly buy a pirated plan, but I suspect that's not always the case.

Geoff,
 
This informational only... a quick google for the whois info returns what you're looking for.  Here's a sample link:  http://bestshipmodels.com.ipaddress.com/

Geoff,
 
They know they're banished and they don't care.  There's been some interaction between the admins and them and like I said, they just don't care.

I'm sorely tempted to Email this company & tell them they are blacklisted by the MSW/ NRG but I need permission first, what do the administrators think?

thanks Mark.I am aware of the banned kit manufacturers but not plan suppliers,can they be added to the list to warn the unwary like myself?

That site is a pirate site and most of the time, you won't get the goods you've ordered.  Have a look here:http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/7801-plan-sellers-to-avoid-renamed-moved-by-mod/
 
While we're at it:  http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/181-banned-kit-manufacturers-on-msw/

We had a thread on this firm at "MSW1" in which some said that this firm (and some other firm, using almost the same name which I now forgot) was selling plans of which they did not have the copyrights, had a somewhat sloppy service, and was to be avoided....
They have a phone-numer on their site, you could give it a try....
Jan

Hi Geoff
If you have paid already it might be an idea to get your credit card company to
reverse the charge
I don't know the company  but I don't like the smell of it
 
Ken

Someone might find this useful
 
http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
 

only yesterday I was going to post a question "How to tie a Turks Head" ? Now I know, plus lots of other knots , many thanks! Geoff

I'm with Druxey, don't use CA and there isn't a problem.
As a chemist, acetone is the universal organic solvent, finger nail polish remover is a very dilute version of that., but it has its issues too.
 
Like Andy, I typically use a bit of sand paper or a rasp or file. This helps prepare your fingers for safe cracking also 
 
They do sell a CA de-bonder also but I don't know how well it would works, as I switched to PVA early on in building.

The best way? Don't use CA at all!

I have tossed up using wax on a number of past builds. Haven't tried it as yet. May not now if it is a dust attractant. As for fighting the fuzzies, I just rub a drop of PVA glue between thumb and forefinger and run it up the line after fitting. Wouldn't do it if the line wasn't under tension. Don't know if this is considered an acceptable practise or not, but it works for me.

I would think that wax attracts dust unless the model is in a case? I use PVA applied with my finger & thumb ,it  tends to remove some twists as well. Geoff

As Greg stated the Parkin Book is a 2 Volume Set, Book and 15 Plans in a case.
I was interested to see the details in Parkin's plans and inside the book. I confer with Greg, that the AotS is more detailed.
 
As a resource, I hope it allows some good reading alongside the ship build.

The Parkin book is a dual volume with the endeavours log and a book of poster side prints. No where near as detailed as the AOTS.

I certainly agree with what has been said, but would like to add my little grit of salt.
Italian manufacturers as a general rule, have been on the market for a large number of years and they know what sells.  As a result, most of them have in their range some models that barely resembles anything that ever was afloat, or there are some blaring mistakes in their plans.  But they still nice models that appeal quite a few modellers.  Furthermore, the more critical modeller can still make all adjustments he wants if he wishes so.
Euromodel of Como is one of them, but they have the extra bonus it seems, to have wonderful plans, and superb metal fittings (not their anchors!)
On the other hand, it is true that both Caldercraft and Victory models show an overall excellent accuracy and good materials, even if there are differences between older and newer offerings.
Model Shipways and Bluejacket should also range among the vey best.  I'm not a fanatic of solid hulls, that are hard to correct to the right shape (and increase the despatch costs due to the extra volume and weight!), while they are not easy to make them look like real planked hulls without actually planking them over.
 
JP
 
By the way, it is sad that I never saw a review or a build log of what looks like an impressive model: the Redjacket clipper!?
Also, I started building a Victory Ship by Bluejacket and had quite a few problems with that kit:
- the solid hull showed huge chunks of wood at both ends, which were a pain to remove
- the stem definitely was not the right angle, so the hull did not show that characteristic straight stem 
- details in the kit were very basic and the metal fittings were, say, average
- my plans were a Xerox copy and as soon as something was put on the sheet, the toner would just be brushed off.  Luckily, I happened to have another set of the same plans
I wanted to superdetail the model to a ship on which I sailed, but the model has now been on hold for more than 20 years now.

I'd like to add a couple of things to already excellent advice....
 
Go here:  http://modelshipworldforum.com/ship-model-plans-and-research.php and read the articles on "Model Ship Kits - What to Expect" and "Kit Selection".   Both have a lot of useful information.
 
The other thing is, which ship or type of ship?  As has been pointed out, kits vary within the manufacturer's line.  Also kits of the same ship vary, Victory varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.   Knowing what you're looking for will allow others to comment on the "best".

It is virtually impossible to generalize about the overall quality of one kit manufacturer versus another, due in large part to the fact the kit lines are continuously evolving.  For example, Caldercraft are usually highly recommended, and, generally speaking, their kits are good.  But there is a huge difference in the amount and detail of the instructions included in Caldercraft kits between early designs, like Sherbourne or Convulsion, and later offerings such as Pickle or Badger.  Similar situation at Victory Models, where Chris Watton has gradually been able to get Amati to include more kit-specific fittings and details with each successive design.  As another example, not all of Bluejacket's offerings are in-house designs; some are older kit designs purchased from now-defunct operations (e.g. Laughing Whale).  BJ has made efforts to update some of those kits, but there are still plenty of them out there carrying the BJ label that are essentially Laughing Whale kits.  Other manufacturers (Corel comes to mind) have some kits that are regularly raved about, and other kits that are abominations (ask me about their Flying Fish kit sometime).  So, you really can't single out any manufacturer and generalize by saying their kits are good or bad.  It's usually a case of some of their kits are good, some not so good, and perhaps some are terrible.  Kit quality is almost an issue that has to be taken on a kit-by-kit basis.
 
Cheers!

Stockholm, it was Victor Borge in his skit where he adds one to every number in a story. 

Hi.
You could have a look at this very good database on models.
http://mswshipkits.ampitcher.com/
Then browse the forum builds on one you like and make your own mind up.
 
Regards Antony.

I have to agree with shihawk,but if you are new to the hobby,I would recommend one of the smaller vessels from Caldercraft or Victory models.For the best materials and plans,you are hard to beat Euromodel,however you really need to have built a few other kits beforehand before I would recommend tackling one of those.
At the end of the day,it is down to what kit is best for you?You can't really generalise and have a universal 'best kit manufacturer'.
 
Kind Regards
 
Nigel

Kevin,
 
And not only this subject... The stun boom itself would also have to be supported, and so on, and so fifth... (as someone, who's name I can't remember, once said.)
 
Ian,
 
Yes, that's just what I meant.

wow loads of super info, I am really glad I asked. thanks for the link. Next week I hope to sneak away from doing DIY and household chores when I am home and start creating them. Thanks again everyone.
 
Ian