Want to build the America Schooner

[Moab]

Several manufacturers offer a kit of  the America Schooner. I’ve read most of the posts/builds and am asking for any additional information about the kit people prefer or pluses/minuses. In advance thank you for any feedback...Moab

[ccoyle]

A bit of speculation on my part -- BlueJacket have a good reputation for fidelity to original subjects, and Dusek have been updating the old Mamoli kits as they re-release them, so either of those two is likely to be a good choice.

[Gregory]

I have had both of the kits Chris mentions in my possession, but didn't manage to build either one, so I don't know how valuable my opinion will be.

 

You can see looking from the builds that the BJ kit is POF and offers more options for finishing such as showing exposed framing.

The main parts are CNC and require a lot of finishing.  A lot of detail requires fabrication, and most of the wood is bass, so if one does not want to do a lot of painting, they might choose to acquire some. after market wood.  The instructions and plans are first rate.

I decided the kit was above my skill level at the time, and sold it.

 

The Mamoli/Dusek kit is fairly typical European, double planked, POB. 

The plans are good and the instructions minimal. 

The lines and deck layout match real well with several different drawings I have seen.

There's a companion way added that I haven't seen on any of my other references , so let me know if you are interested and want more detail.

It has a lot of useable metal fittings that clean up well.  There use to be a sewn sail set available that didn't look too bad.

 

I don't know if you are familiar with the Mamoli " coppering " approach, but they include little green wood tiles as a solution.  If someone were interested in producing a model with a " folk art " look, they would be worth considering.  Otherwise it should be easy to use aftermarket copper tape or tiles if you want to copper.

 

Life got in the way of me proceeding with the kit,  and my infatuation with America waned, but it is something I would consider again after I get some other projects out of the way.  I would choose Mamoli over BJ, because of building method.

 

I take it you have looked at the Mamoli builds here at MSW.

 

I know the new Dusek released kits have laser cut bulkheads so it may require less fiddling now.

 

Let me know if I can help with any other info.

 

P.S.

 

I just looked at the new Mamoli/Dusek kit at ModelExpo , and they have added some PE parts and a roll of copper tape.

 

Should make for a better build.

 

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Gregory