Philipp Flersheim

Well, I have bought most of my kits here: https://kartonmodellshop.de/info/willkommen.html

They regularly mention the names of the designers on the websites of the individual models. For example this here (the CSS Fredericksburg) was designed by Kustov: https://kartonmodellshop.de/skurrile-marinekonstruktion-das-panzerschiff-css-fredericksburg-1864-1-200-deutsche-anleitung.html. Admittedly, the text is in German. 'Modellentwurf' is 'model design'.

I built this model the year before last and found the experience all in all less than enjoyable. I had previously built a range of other models published by Oriel, most of which had been designed by Alexandr Kustov (the Askold, Lavoisier, Solferino and Wladimir). Kustov's models are all excellent, with clear and comprehensive instructions. What is more, the quality of the print is outstanding (for example, copper does really look like copper), and you can build them without having to use anything except the paper that is being provided (and some thread for the rigging, railings etc.). The Orel (not by Kustov) is different. I found two things most annoying: First, even very small parts were printed on relatively thick and stiff paper, which made forming them a pain, and second, the instructions and diagrams are of such a poor quality that it still baffles me where some pieces are supposed to go. On top of that, you are expected to use templates to form additional pieces of wire or other materials, which I found irritating (but that's of course no more than my personal preference). The upshot is that when buying a paper model kit, it is a good idea to pay attention to who has designed the model: this is really relevant.

I am currently building 'Saettia' (a late 17th-century lateen-rigged Genoese transport ship), another one of Tomek Weremko's designs published by WAK. 'Saettia' is far and away the best paper model kit I have yet attempted. I was particularly impressed by the way the hull is constructed. I am not the most skillful modeller, but the thing looks excellent: no ribs visible at all, exactly the shape it is supposed to have, and every single plank fits. And if you are no closer than 10 inches, it is indistinguishable from wood. So far, building this model has been an absolute delight.

The Virginia Sloop is next in line, and maybe I will eventually graduate to the Zeven Provincien...

I built this model, which was published by the Ukrainian company 'Oriel' (Kherson) and designed by Alexander Kustov. Kustov's guiding principle is that it should be possible to make everything of paper - so no templates are needed for additional parts made of wood or wire. I found the Solferino kit excellent: the descriptions and diagrams clear and the quality of the print impressive (for example the copper and brass parts). Everything fit perfectly, the build was fun, and the result looks good (with any faults being due to my lack of experience).