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Or.... Syren Ship Model.... Best Regards .... Rick

One of the prime elements for “Best Kit” for me are the instructions. If you’re an experienced old salt, that’s not as much of a requirement. For the novice ship modeler, good, clear and concise instructions are most important. As we all know, there are many elements that go into building a model ship and without good documentation, many modelers get frustrated and quit the hobby as they find it too difficult. A current example to me, of instructions that need to be written and not video clips is the new HMS Victory by Artesania Latina. This is a very expensive and complicated model, yet most of the instructions are via video clips that don’t show enough details on how to complete the model satisfactorily. An example is the hull copper sheathing. This is a very visible element that if done incorrectly, will ruin the model. All they show in chapter 22 is applying 2 rows of copper strips being applied starting at the waterline. That’s it. In other views of the model in later chapters, it’s very clear that there’s a distinct pattern of the copper plating on the hull. Same goes for planking the hull. I’ve watched all of the available video chapters that are available (31) so far with many more to come. I was seriously considering purchasing this model, but I’m very disappointed in the instructions to build this model. So back to my initial thought, instructions are a heavy hitter in the criteria for “Best Kit”. Best Regards …. Rick

Very, very sorry for the loss of your ensign. Pets are family members and true friends. Just remember all the good times and it’ll warm your heart and make you smile. My heartfelt condolences, Rusty. Best Regards …. Rick

Very nice Rusty, very nice! Best Regards .... Rick

Looks pretty nice, but a model at this price range shouldn’t have “cast” fittings. Guess we’ll have to wait and see which parts and quality. Best Regards …. Rick

I'd be in for the moldings also! The Sectional model is so very cool, you should consider making that a mini kit for those that don't want to take on the entire hull but still want a piece of the action. Best Regards .... Rick

Those chapter 3 parts didn’t last very long! Best Regards …. Rick

Just amazing Tom! Your carving looks great! Best Regards …. Rick

A truly magnificent model! Thank you Glenn for sharing your journey with us, I’ve been following since the beginning and your Winnie is a go-to for when I have a question about how something could be accomplished. Congratulations again! Best Regards … Rick

Jeff, Hope that this just a temporary setback and you quickly recover. Best Regards .... Rick

Very nice Steve. I’m looking forward to getting restarted on my Speedwell soon. Best Regards …. Rick

Ian, I couldn't understand your jig and plug thoughts, and before I looked at your pictures the light bulb went on! Very clever idea for making the planking easier to make it even. I'm going to file that idea for future reference. Speedwell is looking awesome! Best Regards .... Rick

I can see that it would be very easy to break that part off. If/when I break mine, it’ll stay off until needed. I’m a few weeks away from getting started again. BTW - my daughter and her family live in Spruce Groove. Love it out there! Best Regards …. Rick

Thanks for the info, Chuck. I already have the wood kit from Joe. Looking forward to getting back in the shipyard. Best Regards …. Rick

Chuck, I know I'm far off for chapter 3 parts, but when will they be available and cost? TIA! In November I'm going to be recovering from knee surgery so I'll have a lot of time to get back in the shipyard. Best Regards .... Rick

Ian, wonderful effort and an excellent example of craftsmanship! But I do have a question, what happened to the top of the stem? there appears to be a segment missing? Best Regards ... Rick

Awesome build and display B.E.! I also love that Corvette on the shelf behind you! Best Regards …. Rick

Chris, what is the length of the hull? Best Regards …. Rick

Wonderful! Best Regards …. Rick

Looking really good Rusty! I’ve been picking at mine on the frames. With work, yard/house upkeep and honey does, doesn’t leave much modeling time. Once cooler weather comes around I’ll be back at it. Keep up the great work! Best Regards …. Rick

Let me add my 2 cents. I've been a modeler for decades of R/C airplanes and this I feel has given me some skills that have helped me to transition over to model ship building, so keep this in mind. After reading many build logs and seeing some of the awesome and inspiring builds on MSW, I decided to start with Chuck Passaro's Medway Longboat. It ticked off a lot of boxes for my first build. It was of a nice size, the instructions were very detailed, no guns, limited rigging, learning to single plank a hull and a fair amount of scratch building even though it was a "kit." Plus, the subject matter had a tremendous amount of appeal for me. Best of all, there were several build logs and the designer was available to answer questions and give advice - priceless! My Longboat came out very nicely and I attribute this to the well thought out design and available help. Chuck has a way of building confidence and making you think that you can build anything. For me, anything that Chuck has designed would be a great choice, Model Shipways has a few of his designs with very nice instructions. Chuck also has some offerings at his own company "Syren Ship Model Company". Check it out! Best Regards .... Rick

Non-perfections?!?! I didn't know that was in your vocabulary. LOL! I can't wait to see your next steps. Summer is going well, working a lot and honey do's hasn't left a lot of shipyard time. I have started Chuck's Speedwell and have the keel and some frames built. I really like your choice of a longboat, really have a fascination about them; Olha's example at the convention was amazing. My Admiral got me Pavel's kit for Xmas and I'm chomping at the bit to start it but can't until I really make some good progress on Speedwell. Best Regards .... Rick

Thukydides, I’ve been following your build and I’m extremely impressed with your level of attention to detail. I have only one question: how did you shrink a real cutter to 1:64 scale? Congratulations on a truly impressive model! Best Regards …. Rick

Tom, you are an amazing modeler! From your gorgeous Morgan to a longboat, I’m truly impressed! Your longboat is looking awesome and I’m sure it’ll equal your Morgan in detail and finish. Best Regards …. Rick

Looking really good, Rusty! Best Regards …. Rick