Novice: AL Sanfrancisco II or OcCre San Martin?

[Arnie-75]

Hello there,

I'm 48 years old and mainly built a lot of plastic model kits as a child and teen, although I also built one or two small wooden ships then and also some flying RC planes from ply wood. Now, roughly 35 years later, the plastic kits do not motivate me enough to try them again. But I remember how much I was and still am fascinated by those wooden model ships with sails out of fabric and metal cannons. I did't have the money and courage back then to built them.

Now I want to give them a (last) try and cannot decide which one to get. I narrowed it down to two kits which both cost the same here:

 

San Francisco II from Artesania or San Martin by OcCre. 

 

I did a litte research and it looks that both maybe suited fo a novice with some model building experience. Building time seems roughly equal with ~550 hours. However, the San Martin is listed as having 2800 parts, while the San Francisco should only have 1400. So maybe I should go with the Sand Francisco? I would prefer to go with the easier build, historical correctness does not yet really matter.

 

Can anyone recommend one over the other?

Edited 6 hours ago by Arnie-75
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[ccoyle]

Welcome, Arnie!

 

The first question to ask is: do you really like these particular ships? You'll be making a significant time investment, so liking your subject is important.

 

Second, whereabouts is "here"? Access to kits can certainly affect your decision, but if we know where you are located, we may be able to suggest some alternatives for your consideration.

 

Other members may chime in with more kit-specific comments.

 

Cheers!

[palmerit]

In addition to which model you like the most, especially as a relative novice at wooden model ship building, I’d check the quality of the instructions and the number and quality of build logs here that you can reference. It’s also great to have a YouTube video you can reference. (On those dimensions, have you checked out the Vanguard Models Sherbourne - great detailed instructions, a Modelkit Stuff build on YouTube, and lots of build logs). 

[Arnie-75]

Hello Chris and palmerit,

 

"here" is a western part of Germany. Afaik no modelling shops for wooden ships are anywhere nearby, but I prefer internet stores anyway. I already read some good things about Vanguard and Syren Models, but here even their smallest ships cost at least double the price of the ships I mentioned above.

For example I can get the 1/90 Galeons from OcCre and Artesania for ~110 to 140 EUR, which is about 120-160 $US. I already watched some YouTube Videos about both ships, but this does not allow me to judge which ship is easier to build.

 

I don't know if I really like to build these kits as much as it needs to get it done. I have a job and a family which also takes some time. I would just like to find out by starting. 

[Pfälzer]

Hello Arnie,
Which part of western Germany are you from?
As you can see from my username, we may not be far apart.
I also built the San Martin, with a few modifications.
So I have some original parts left over and know the pitfalls of the kit, so I could be of some help. Perhaps this will help you make your decision.

Greetings from the Palatinate

[Arnie-75]

Yes, I already stumbled upon your postings. I'm from "Bergisches Land" in NRW, that's probably not very near to the Pfalz. Thank you very much for your offer to help! Can you recommand the San Martin for a beginner, or should I rather gor for the San Francisco II with fewer parts, if the price is mor or less the same?

[Pfälzer]

Well, judging by your introduction, you don't seem to be a complete beginner, so I'm sure you'll manage it.
I also don't think the difference between Al and Occre is particularly earth-shattering.
With Occre, you have the advantage of a fairly good illustrated paper instruction manual and a lifetime spare parts guarantee. You can think what you like about them, but the guarantee is actually reliable. The wood was of good quality, as were the fittings, but you can read all about that in my construction report.
There is also a very good video on YouTube that you can use for help. I really enjoyed building this model and it taught me a lot.
It is always important to go through the construction plans and descriptions in advance, which is also appropriate for my current Corel build and my previous Amati build. 
The manufacturers do not seem to differ in this respect.
With both, you still have the old conventional construction method where you can contribute your own creativity.
To be honest, I have to criticise the new-fangled ones like Vanguard. Every little board and hole is pre-lasered. But everyone has to decide for themselves, and I also understand those manufacturers. They also have to see how they can survive with so many double left-handers nowadays.
Regards

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[Arnie-75]

Thanks. Generally I do not feel like a beginner, it's just some time that has gone between then and now. 🫣 Unfortunately, the San Francisco II and the San Martin cost exactly the same, once I take into account that the San Fransico has a stand included, which I need to buy for the San Marino. Otherwise I would just let the price decide. 

Still hoping that somone can help me make my decision 🤔

 

BTW: Apart from the specific kit I am watching, it seems that OcCre's San Marino generally seems to be way more expensive than Artesanias San Franciso II. That does not mean that OcCres quality is better?

Edited 8 minutes ago by Arnie-75