HMS Victory by Ddgandalf - Constructo - 1:94

[Ddgandalf]

I have only recently joined this forum and I’m already quite a long way through this build (approximately halfway I think).
 

It’s my first ever build and people have suggested that I should begin a build log. I have been taking photographs of the build in the early stages so I will post a couple of early stage pictures and will then try to be a bit more regular in my postings with updates for this kit.

[Ddgandalf]

[Ddgandalf]

I didn’t know at this stage how important it was for the frame to be completely straight as any slight deviation would have an impact later on.  Having looked at other builds on this site it seems as though it’s quite common for the plywood to be warped. I think I was pretty lucky as mine was fine. I also made a jig frame to hold the model whilst I’m working on it.  I liked this part of the build as even an hour made quite a big difference to a model.

[Ddgandalf]

I didn’t spend as much time on the decking as maybe I ought to have done. Having watched several YouTube videos after the event I can see the most people stack of the joints and use pencils or special pens to mark out nail holes et cetera. I didn’t do this so my decks look pretty plain but I’m not overly concerned as I’m not weathering the remainder of the build.

 

 

[Ddgandalf]

First plank!

[Ddgandalf]

Wow, I had no idea quite how long the planking was going to take. For me this was definitely the hardest bit of the build. You could spend hours fixing just one plank and it became disheartening at times to see very little progress despite a lot of effort going in. I definitely became better as I went along and I’m really happy with the overall finish. My biggest mistake was not filing/shaping the plywood frame prior to starting planking, I think that would’ve saved me a huge amount of hassle had I done that.

[Ddgandalf]

[Ddgandalf]

I took a break of about 18 months at this stage in the build as the planking just seemed to be going on forever. The project set part finished on top of the wardrobe and looked like it was doomed to failure.  

[Ddgandalf]

Drilling out the gun ports took an absolute age as well! I made a clever little wooden jig which had the exact dimensions of each gun port which meant I could be consistent.  At this stage it was really starting to look like a ship which is quite motivating.

[Ddgandalf]

By this stage I am starting to add some of the small details on the various decks which is very fiddly but actually very enjoyable. Up until this point most of the work has been doing the big things like decking and planking or cutting out the gun port holes. The little details on deck suddenly transform the ship creating lots of interest.  Note the empty port glass which is a absolute must when working in the evenings.

Edited May 18, 2025 by Ddgandalf

[PaddyO]

Hello,  I have recently acquired this kit from someone who had started it, but never finished it.  There are some plans missing and I am not sure about all the parts.  I am very interested in watching other modellers who have this kit and are building it.  Wanted to know if you are still working on the model, and do you have any updates to post.

Thanks,

Paddy 

[Ddgandalf]

hi paddy, yes i'm still building the model, been quite busy with it recently.

do you know what plans you are missing as i could probably try to scan and email you copies?

i have a colour booklet with photos of the various stages, a booklet with written instructions and about 8-10 A1 size schematics

[Ddgandalf]

Apologies for lack of posting but i have been busy on the model.

I have added the cannons and the decks are starting to look pretty good, this is definitely the most enjoyable part of the build so far.

I did manage to drop two of the cannons inside the model whilst trying to fit them into the gun holes (no way to get them out)! so have had to purchase some spares online which are coming from Italy.

The gun-hole covers have been batch painted but i think I am going to hold off attaching them just yet as i think things like the channels and dead eyes are quite fiddly and i'd like to get them done first.

 

[Ddgandalf]

[Ddgandalf]

[Ddgandalf]

getting a bit nervous about the rigging as this is supposed to be the most complicated for beginners.

i purchased a book from amazon this week - Rigging Period Ship Models - by Lennarth Petersson which had lots of positive feedback so I am hoping that this will come in useful as the diagrams and explanations in the instructions are woeful!

 

hopeful that i will finish in 2026 but still feels like a long way to go.

[Ddgandalf]

I havent varnished the boat yet, i quite like the look of the wood as it is.  

 

i may come to regret that decision but we will see!

[PaddyO]

On 12/22/2025 at 11:47 AM, Ddgandalf said:

hi paddy, yes i'm still building the model, been quite busy with it recently.

do you know what plans you are missing as i could probably try to scan and email you copies?

i have a colour booklet with photos of the various stages, a booklet with written instructions and about 8-10 A1 size schematics

Hi Ddgandalf,   thanks for getting back to me on this.  At this point I think I am missing a large plan sheet.  I have plan sheets #2 through #6, but I do not have any plan sheet #1 which I am assuming would be the deck furniture view as the others cover the hull view, spars, rigging and sails.   Would it be possible for you to confirm if in fact there is a large plan sheet no 1, and if so would it be possible to post a picture of that?

 

Thanks so much.

Paddy 

[PaddyO]

23 hours ago, Ddgandalf said:

I havent varnished the boat yet, i quite like the look of the wood as it is.  

 

i may come to regret that decision but we will see!

Your model is looking awesome !  The wood finish for sure is so nice with the different varieties of wood, my humble opinion is that a nice satin poly finish on the hull would enhance the look and beauty of the wood even more.

 

Paddy