AndrewLT

Hi all This is my first entry on this site, after skulking around and exploring for a few months. I have done two models before, both Artesania Latina beginner models: La Provençale Bateau de Pêche (Mediterranean Fishing Boat), and I have just finished Endeavour's Longboat. Both these models took a number of years to complete, but now I'm retired I can (hopefully) give more time to this. For me, the key element in choosing a kit (after difficulty level) is the attractiveness of the finished model. I know historical accuracy is very important to many of you, but it is not that important to me; I have read with some interest the ongoing discussion around the accuracy of AL's HMS Supply kit but it was not an issue that influenced my choice. I liked the colour scheme - what can I say? I'm as deep as a teaspoon when it comes to my decision-making processes! I ordered the kit direct from Artesania Latina, and it arrived safely at my house in Australia less than a week later. Top marks, AL! First thing of note: there are no written instructions. Instead, the instructions are on YouTube in a number of 10 minute videos. I will let you know how this goes. My computer is in the same room that I build the model, so it poses no practical problem. I unpacked the kit, and carefully went through the parts list. This is on the back of a printed poster-sized 1:1 photo of the finished model. The parts list has a photo of the part, and its number - no name - and it was tricky looking through the parts and matching them to the photo. Two very small parts were missing - I could not really tell from the photo what they were - but I have sent an email to AL giving the part number and requesting replacement. I watched the first video all the way through before beginning the model, and it mentioned using a Caulking Jig (to be purchased separately) and providing a catalogue number. Unfortunately neither the latest printed Catalogue (provided with the kit) nor the online catalogue list this Jig, so I also included in the email a request for information about whether this item is still available. I sent the email two days ago; I will let you know how I go. I have now had two days work on the model and the photo below shows how it is going - very early days, and I work slowly. So far, the video instructions are fine. We will see how it goes. There is no printed rigging plan, which makes me nervous, but we shall see how it pans out.