Just picked up the AL 1:48 HMS Surprise

[DonInAZ]

I know it has its flaws but I love the fact that its HUGE! It will be my first attempt at a full sized tall ship and as such it will have to wait for me to get a couple of simpler models under my belt, but she is officially in the queue.

 

I wasn't going to buy the model yet, but I saw it online at a major hobby retailer for $509 w/free shipping and figured I wouldn't probably see it much cheaper so decided to pull the trigger on it.

 

I had considered the DiAgostini subscription approach until I found out I could get their detailed build instructions for free. $509 is still a lot of money for my modeling budget but I'm guessing it's at least a one year project. Probably more. I need to start following some build logs for her.

Edited October 4, 2016 by DonInAZ

[mtdoramike]

Unless you spend 8 hours a day 7 days a week on this model, expect a year and a half to more like 2 years. But as long as you are prepared for the model once finished because it's not just the model, but the size of the display case as well, which is even bigger.

 

 

mike

[EJ_L]

Almost any ship in 1:48 scale will be huge. Personally I am a fan of huge ships as they provide a great opportunity to really make some outstanding details. As Mike said though, think ahead about the space requirements both to build her and then to display her. The ship size is big to begin with but a display case will ad several inches more to all of your dimensions. Fortunately, the long build time gives you plenty of time to figure out what to do. Good Luck!

[michaelpsutton2]

Don't forget to peruse Hunt's book on the Surprise. In addition to ton of information, it is full of eye candy. Might provide a bit of inspiration as you put in tree nail # 6,528.

Edited October 4, 2016 by michaelpsutton2

[Bishophobbies]

Hi there,

I too just purchased the HMS Surprise from the (I think) same unnamed vendor for the same price!  While the instructions have great photo illustrations, the text is very sparse.  Can you tell me where I can get the free Deagostini instructions? Also does anyone know where I can replace the bow figure?  It's just a blob.

 

Thanks a bunch,

Paul

[Ulises Victoria]

Thanks for the link Paul.

I just downloaded all 28 .pdf files of the instructions. Not sure if they will be useful when building the AL Surprise, but still, they will not harm!!!  

I have no plans to build this behemoth in the near future. My present working space wouldn't allow it. A 1.33 m ship needs a real workshop to be built!!!

 

And yet, the 1/64 Victory by Amati, at 1.60something is still in my wish list. Odd, ain't it?

[Ulises Victoria]

Also does anyone know where I can replace the bow figure?  It's just a blob.

 

Thanks a bunch,

Paul

Yes. The AL version of the figurehead is a joke. I've never seen an uglier part in any of my past builds.