Hello all,
This is my first post on Model Ship World and I fear it may convey disappointing news. I have followed these forums for the last 3 years, earnestly waiting for the release of the much anticipated Amati 1:64 H.M.S. Victory. I am currently working in Italy and on Friday I ventured on a 7 hour round trip to the Amati head office in Turin to find out some more information.
I asked about the progress of the project and when it would be released. The staff explained that they had no plans to release this model at this time due to the very niche and almost exclusively British market it would fulfil. I was told that Amati believed that it would not be able to sell enough of these kits to make a profit. I would like to take the opportunity to say that the Amati staff were very friendly and patient in answering all of my questions.
The Amati staff mentioned that the production of fittings had been problematic and costly. As has been mentioned here and on other threads, Amati have been investigating the option to split the model into smaller kits to make more accessible for those who would prefer to pay in instalments, this idea however has been shelved owing to the low take up of another Amati model that utilised the same scheme.
I would suggest that anyone interested in purchasing this model contacts Amati registering interest, making enquires etc. I can only hope that people being proactive and vocal will help turn the tide in our favour for this project.
Another tactic may be to push for the release of the model for the 250th anniversary of the commissioning of H.M.S. Victory (May 2028) or perhaps the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar (October 2030 (a very long way away I know)).
I hope as I’m sure you all do that Amati or someone will release a 1:64 scale H.M.S. Victory or another first rate of that scale soon. I look forward to hearing about any developments or information anyone else may have.
All the best,
Patrick
