md1400cs

JanV, I think that that you will be happy with the Corel as most errors, as you noted, can be eliminated as you build. With so many photos available it will be easy to adapt the Corel. The only real issues are with the gilded pieces that are for all-intense-and-purposes mostly wrong. Nonetheless this example can be spectacular. I have noted your build so far. I'm very impressed. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. Enjoy MJD

Dominik, Thanks! some I did not have (:-) MJD

Thank you for your nice words. No those nails are not part of the kit. I purchased these from a model railroad company. They are rail ties for HO and a smaller size as well. Micromark has most of the other very small nails. Thanks for appreciating my intent with the randomness, per photos of the real ship, and it was the 1600's I thought that it would kind of look "ok" MJD

My opinions of Corel’s SM13 Wasa are as follows; I purchased this kit many years ago after having visited the museum. I did not do any research. The Corel was the first one that I noticed and purchased it from Model Expo (a consistently excellent supplier). As I proceeded with the build, I decided that I wanted to add more details that were available from the kit right out of the box. I also wanted to take my time and really improve my skills as I went along. I was having a lot of fun. I looked at, and filed many photos of the original and started noticing several shortcomings, in terms of accuracy, with Corel's example. There were several areas that were totally wrong. Mmmmm, but I had progressed to a point where it was too late to adjust the build in some areas. First noted errors; The five deck entry doors are poorly shaped. The bow entry doors are way too thick. The bow step-down side stairs are incorrect. The bow front railing is incorrect (especially those dolphin gilded pieces) The stern is too thin and doesn't allow for the required gilded soldiers. In fact the entire stern is wrong. I tore mine out and re-did it. I'm only realizing these "issues" because I have researched so many photos. I also acquired a set of plans from the museum. OK. Some positive thoughts; All framing is pre-cut. The gilded pieces are very well plated and well cast. The instructions are adequate. Lumber is well cut, as are other wood pieces. If one has no idea of what the real ship really looks like these criticisms would be vacuous, and benign. The ship "out of the box" is none the less impressive, and is obviously the Vasa. The one kit that is super accurate to the real Vasa is the Billings example. This kit is excellent to a fault. However, I do believe that much of the wood parts are only inked onto boards and then need to be cut. Also all of the very accurate gilding are made of plastic. The completed kits that I have seen online looks so excellent. Nice work on Billings part. http://www.naturecoast.com/hobby/bil490.htm If anyone has any specific questions I will be happy to respond. And please any constructive criticism of my project will be very appreciated, as this is only my second build, and I'm new to your wonderful forum. Gee some of you have awesome projects. MJD

Here are some of the details that I decided to incorporate on my Corel Wasa. The bobinettes from the kit were incorrect. I used photos of the original as reference. Also, the Corel gilded pieces are also incorrect as additions to the Galeries. Here are pics of my attempt. Again, thanks for looking

Hi Jpett, Thank you for your kind words. Regarding the Corel SM13 I will put some thoughts together regarding this and post my thoughts.

JanV, love the look of your deck. Looking excellent. This will be a beautiful example. Also you indented framing with your gun ports, nice detail. MJD

here are a few more pics. Thank you for looking

Hello everyone. I am posting 2 pics of my Corel. I want to get it right and then I will add more pics. This is my second build. I completed a Mantua Santa Maria many year ago. This Wasa has been a lot of fun. I have torn sections out and rebuilt them as I have been able to view so many photos of the real ship. The stern, for example is wrong in the Corel kit. OK let's see if my first pics posts.