TheUnseen Posted July 31, 2015 Share #1 Posted July 31, 2015 (edited) Hello everyone! I have come here today to present what I can confidently say is a difficult request to fulfill, but I appreciate any pointers or advice. This is coming from a complete novice when it comes to wooden ship model building, and have little idea what the realm of possibilities is. I'm looking for the instructions of an old kit I have recently been given custody of (pictures below): Maquettes Gérard Schmitt (published by BMI apparently) Kof Hollandais (Dutch Koff) 1841 "Vlaardingen" Picture of the battered box: Picture of the contents as I found them, sadly lacking the instructions: A relative has recently come into possession of this kit, and after tinkering with it for a bit asked me (since I'm apparently the miniature specialist of the household) to see if I could build it for him. This box seems to have been housed in a garage somewhere for years before seeing the light of day again when said relative picked it up who-knows-where. The box seems to have been fixed with tape at some point, but the contents look fine, aside from the staples rusting. I have never even been near a kit like this (wooden, ship) before, but given my interest in other models/miniatures I decided to see if I could do something with it. Yes, I realised the moment I opened the box that this is probably not a good model for a first experience in this particular segment of the world of scale models. I also realise that the chance is very small someone will actually still have the instructions of this kit, this being an old box set from an obscure French manufacturer that seems to have existed only for a short time. I have done the usual internet searches for manufacturer, publisher, and ship type, but it seems MGS just didn't leave much of an internet trail outside sale and bidding sites. I think I might be able to reverse-engineer a building method using the instructions of other kits I've found scans of and the helpful instructions on this forum and else-where, but the original instructions would doubtlessly be of much use. Can anyone help me? Aside from actual scans of the original instructions, I would also be very grateful for any pointers on where to look next. I also apologise for any untowardness in this, my first post on your forum without proper introductions. Mae Culpa. Edited July 31, 2015 by TheUnseen mtaylor, grsjax and Bobstrake 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsjax Posted August 1, 2015 Share #2 Posted August 1, 2015 Can't help you but that is a great looking kit. If you do manage to find instructions for it please let us know. Bobstrake 1 Quote My advice and comments are always worth what you paid for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Pierre Posted August 5, 2015 Share #3 Posted August 5, 2015 Never heard of this particular model by Gérard Schmitt, and sure it is a pity it is no longer available, as this is a very pretty model indeed. Especially the plans will be hard to miss, I am afraid. By the way, you may be interested to google the full name of the ship, which is in Dutch Kofschip. Anyone learning the Dutch language will know that name because it is an important word in the Dutch grammar. Now I know that Gerard Schmitt models at some point changed their name into Soclaine, which is still in business today. So maybe these gentlemen still have the Gerard Schmitt archives and hopefully can provide you the necessary information. Wish you succes in your query, and hope to see your build log in a near future. JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheUnseen Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted August 5, 2015 Never heard of this particular model by Gérard Schmitt, and sure it is a pity it is no longer available, as this is a very pretty model indeed. Especially the plans will be hard to miss, I am afraid. By the way, you may be interested to google the full name of the ship, which is in Dutch Kofschip. Anyone learning the Dutch language will know that name because it is an important word in the Dutch grammar. Now I know that Gerard Schmitt models at some point changed their name into Soclaine, which is still in business today. So maybe these gentlemen still have the Gerard Schmitt archives and hopefully can provide you the necessary information. Wish you succes in your query, and hope to see your build log in a near future. JP Thank you, that give me a fresh lead to follow! I will see if they can help me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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