TLC

Thanks a lot Nils, such kind words coming from a person whose work I have learned from and admired for years means a lot to me. My granddaughter is still too young to properly appreciate the work on this model, but when she grows up - the film about the work on FLY, which I make for her now will also be available. As you can see, my FLY has a lot of flaws, cut corners, even design changes, but despite everything I like it - a very elegant design that even my mistakes can't seriously damage. Almost no one has seen the ship without asking me "What's next?". After eight and a half years of working on it, until a month ago I was convinced that I would never tackle another ship again, but it seems to be contagious, because for the past few days I have been looking at a Japanese ship from the 16th - 17th century... Last but not least - how is you wife, is she recovering well? Best regards to both of you.

Thanks for your kind words, I appreciated it. I'm not sure is it a gift or work habits from my craft - I've been working with acoustic stringed instruments, both bowed and plucked, for over half a century, which definitely helps. Already looking around for a suitable next build, I came across an interesting Japanese site for architectural model kits (www.japan-wooden-model-kits-zootoyz.shop), something very different from our usual classic constructions, so...why not, to change the aesthetics. Thanks again, bests, TLC

Thanks for the kind words, Maurice, as well as for all the other invaluable help. Everyone who knows me asks me the same question - what will be next after this ship?.. I really don't know what, but I'm sure there will be something next, although probably not a ship - I still have a lot of work to do in my studio. With all its imperfections, during the construction of the ship at various stages, more than 250 photos were accumulated, most of them of tolerable quality. As you yourself know - every ship or model of such has an interesting and instructive history in many aspects. This story is either told or lost. So I decided to make a movie about building this model with that pictures for one main reason and it is this: My granddaughter, to whom this model is dedicated (and already given as a birthday present a month ago), is only 10 years old and is still unable to either protect it or fully appreciate it. By the time she's old enough for that and with an adult's value system, I probably won't be around. Let the film then tell her this story, it is worth it. With my very best regards, Ivo

Thanks Bob M., I highly appreciated.

Dear all, The reason I publish this post is not to show my model build - I am not even close to the achievements, knowledge and capabilities of most of the participants in this Forum. With this post of mine, I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude to all of the participants in the Forum, who opened a new world for me and led me on an incredible journey full of knowledge, history, unknown technique and infinite beauty. There are dozens of participants in the Forum from whom I have learned and admired, examining their work and drawing from their knowledge and experience. Thanks to all of its participants, its creators, administrators and technical support. I am forever indebted for the help I received from three of the contributors to this Forum, namely Blue Ensign, Mirabell61 and Alex M. Their encyclopedic knowledge, incredible craftsmanship and active support as well as their generosity enabled me to make this unforgettable journey in building my HMS Fly (as much as I could). Their related posts, which I studied for years, were the hand that guided me through all the pitfalls to the successful completion of this project. Thank you! HMS Fly is my first and probably last build due to my advanced age. Regardless, thanks to all of you for the wonderful eight and a half years accomplished voyage full of unforgettable experience and wonderful memories. Good luck to all in your future work, I will follow it in this Forum with pleasure. TLC

Hi, Nils! For a second consecutive day I'm following this build log of yours from the very first page (comments included). So far I have come to the 42nd page... Before continuing (which I'll certainly do!) I'd like to mention the following: In the "small picture" I/we can see the details of your incredible and truly amazing work, highly appreciated (and fully deserved) by anyone in this Forum. In the "big picture" I/we can see the Man behind it - kind, generous, helpful, sharing, supportive, tolerant, with a great sense of humor and much more... Thank you for these pictures, I highly appreciate both, especially the big one! With the deepest respect, TLC