Jimnclare

Every time I check in on Johann's mind-bendingly brilliant project I need to go and lie down in a darkened room with a bag of frozen peas on my head to stop my brain melting! The patience, skill, creativity and artistry is truly sublime.

Fair comment Chris - I dropped this image in as an encouragement from one near novice to another, not a smash and grab raid, for sure. You're right, I should set up my own log, so thanks for the nudge! Jim

Forgive me for 'hijacking' your log - here's a picture of where I've got to...plus a glimpse of the world's untidiest shipyard!

Joining the ever growing throng following this epic build log, it's going to be fascinating. And it has to be said, Chris Watton has raised the bar on kit quality so high, other manufacturers must respond, or be left behind - surely this can only be a good thing?

I agree with ccoyle - MK's planking is a stroke of genius, especially for less experienced modellers. Phoenix is my second model and I salute you for posting a log, they must be a lot of work and I admit I haven't posted one. Moreplovac has posted, an excellent log on MSW so well worth consulting. I have been working on my Phoenix for 14 months now and I've just got to the end of the hull work, pretty much the end of the colour instruction manual, and I have just started on the masts and spars, I think it will be another year before I finish - so for me, a two year project and I guess I average an hour or maybe two daily. I'll post you a picture so you can see where I've got to. As a novice like you, Phoenix has taught me two lessons. First, learn to be endlessly patient. If you have to do something three times over and it takes an hour, or more, so be it - find your inner Zen! (and a load of good music through the headphones). Impatience is always punished. Second, read the instructions very, very carefully. On the whole the translation into English is very good and there are many quite subtle hints, critical details and tips that can be overlooked. I tick off each line of the manual as I go, to help me not jump over anything. Finally there is a set of really good Russian videos on contructing this kit- have you found them on YouTube? If you need any help don't hesitate to ask, I might be able to help - all the best, Jim

I think your building log is totally inspiring. Not only are you doing such a brilliant and painstaking job on the model itself, but you are also creating an amazing log at the same time. I'm just about to finish my first ever model, Billing's St. Roch, which has been an on and off project for years. Definitely interested in the MK Phoenix, it seems that it holds out quite a helping hand to less experienced modellers - and with your log I think I'll definitely be going ahead once St. Roch is finished - so thank you for all your effort on behalf of the community, hugely appreciated.