Seeking info on BlueJacket Shipcrafters and Model Shipways America kits

[Barbara]

I am pondering a large scale America kit, does anyone have an assessment of the contents and instructions of either the BlueJacket Shipcrafters or Model Shipways kits? How do the two kits compare? Also do the frames in the BlueJacket kit fit into a laser cot sub deck like plank-on-bulkhead construction ?

Thanks,

Barbara

[gsdpic]

Hi Barbara -- I have built the 1/48th scale Bluejacket America.  See the link to the build log in my signature.

 

Overall, I was pleased with the contents of the kit and the instructions.  For the most part the instructions were adequate though there were places where you had to read between the lines/make stuff up to complete a step.  But I did not hit any particular road blocks.   But having said that, it is very much an older style kit that leaves a lot up to the builder.  As I recall there are no laser cut parts.  The keel and stem and stern post were preprinted on bass wood sheets but needed to be cut out.  There is no "sub deck", instead you create deck beams that fit across the frames. 

 

It is definitely a kit for someone who has some experience and practice.  The bluejacket skill level they assign to the kit is basically an 8 on a 9 point scale.

 

Feel free to look at my build log and I hope that will give a good idea of what is involved in building the kit.  I will say that it can be built up into a beautiful model.

 

[Gregory]

Here are a couple of build logs.

 

They are pretty comprehensive showing how the model goes together.

Barbara,

I am curious about several topics you have started with questions regarding various ships and modeling.  You have received several replies but you never reply back with regard to the help you receive.

Have you been able to benefit from the help you have received?

Edited Sunday at 10:58 PM by Gregory

[Barbara]

Sorry I didn’t reply.yes that was helpful I am researching to see if I will proceed. 
thank you

[Barbara]

Thank you very helpful  Barbara

[GrandpaPhil]

Barbara,

Also, Nic, @MrBlueJacket is on this forum and is part of the Bluejacket upper management.  He would probably help you with any questions you have about the kit.