nat

As you quite rightly state it's your own build and if it pleases you then that's all that really matters. But you also have to ask yourself the question what made you choose that way of second planking the hull after taking such care to get the first layer so smooth and clean? the base was there to get the second planking spot on! a little more research and taking the time to read the available FREE literature about planking would have set you on the course to get the planking looking realistic AND aesthetically pleasing. There are one or two snobs and rivet counters on this site and they tend to forget or ignore that they were once novices themselves, however I see that you post on Modelspace as well and I think that is where you may have been lulled into a sense of achievement? quick one line messages praising your build doesn't offer advice it just inflates your own and massages the posters egos. Look around at the posters own builds and say to yourself is THAT what I want to build or do I want to take my time and do it right, it doesn'y take any longer to do something right than it does to do it wrong!! Where the build is at the moment it wont take very long at all to sand of the veneer and start again and invest in a proper guide or take advantage of the free one on this site, and remember because someone posts a lot it doesn't mean they are a good modeller, it just means they post a lot!! There are other sites on the net with plenty of capable builders, all examples can be learned from. You don't have to join most sites to be able to read and look at photos of build examples. I'll stop my rant there before it goes on too long. Regards, Nat.

Only the same thing to say yet again!!!!! AWESOME................... Cant get enough of this build. Nat

Thanks for showing the way with the carving. I am very tempted to have a go at carving something for myself? I will wait and see what the quality of the cast parts look like first and then if I feel I may improve on the casting then maybe??? I am jumping before I can run somewhat!!! I will attempt to improve on the casting, if not the casting can always be used, cant lose really!?! Nat.

That's it I've got you!!! That is one horrendous cradle pictured! What possessed you to display something like that Again the skill on show is breath-taking, and by the way forget any other forum this is the one that matters (for true craftsmen). With regard to a build diary for my build, it would be an embarrassment No doubt you will come across my effort at some time in the future. All the very best, Nat..

Again some fabulous skills on show! May I ask what you are doing with the kit parts?? Just interested to know how much of the actual kit you are using? Even at this early stage the build you have and the one I'm doing wouldn't even look like the ships would be related!! All fascinating stuff keep those updates coming. Nat.

Wonderful work happening at the moment on your build!! Thank you for the explanation about the bowsprit, after carefully looking through your build sequence I feel I will be able to alter the provided kit parts to accommodate the off-set bowsprit. I will, as you have done change the provided gratings for smaller ones' they are just far too big, no need really the company could have included the smaller ones at exactly the same price? Nat.

May I ask if the bowsprit is to remain central or will it be moved off-centre as I have seen other people suggest. I say suggest as I have only seen talk of the bowsprit and not actually seen a kit with the bowsprit off-set!! I am considering moving the bowsprit on my kit but I am unsure of the ramifications of the effect it will have on the cast decorations and rigging etc'. Just love what you are doing with this build!!! Nat.

I'm sure I have seen an advert for a full mast for this kit! I just cant think where? If I come across it I will post a link for you. With regard to your painted finish, was the paint sprayed/airbrushed or pot and brush applied? I do like the finish that you have achieved, I presume a flat varnish has been applied on all the painted surfaces? Very nice work, so crisp and clean. Nat.

Thanks for taking the time to reply Nigel. I occasionally look in on modelspace but find it quite an unfriendly place!!! The diaries seem to be full of one line "nice build" type comments? There are one or two exceptions, yours being one of them. I like to look at the photos of the builds and read useful guides on how to do something, I appreciate that your build is a one off custom job but at least you take the time and effort to explain your procedures. I will continue to build my kit as per the magazine guide with one or two modifications where I feel comfortable. I look forward to the next update, all the best NAT.

Exceptional build there Nigel. You must have made quite a few ships over the years? I too am building this kit, but I will be keeping closer to the magazine instructions as I don't posess the skills and knowledge that you obviously have!! I will certainly be keeping a close eye on how you proceed with your build and doubtless there will be one or two ideas I will borrow from you if you don't mind too much. All the best, Nat

Simply STUNNING. So much attention to detail. This is the sort of build I could look at all day and still be in awe of the skill on show, I have started a version of this build but unfortunately I do not posess a fraction of your skill. But I will certainly treat this build as THE reference for my attempt. Nat