Hey all,
Anyone have any experience with this kit? Looking for a general overview of the build and to see if it’s worth getting into. Basically if there are any issues with the instructions, materials provided, fit, etc etc.
-Greg
I haven’t built the kit - or even seen it up close. (I’ll defer to the judgment of anybody who’s had more experience with it than I have.) On the basis of the catalog pictures and the firm’s reputation, though, I’m fairly confident that it’s a reasonably good kit. Model Shipways in general does not produce junk; the firm’s designers (unlike those of certain other companies) understand what a scale ship model is supposed to be. The materials in Model Shipways kits aren’t especially exotic, but they’re eminently serviceable (mostly basswood, brass, and britannia metal).
My one reservation: Model Shipways kits, like those of virtually every other kit manufacturer, have varied some in quality over the years. I think the Prince de Neufchatel is a fairly recent production - therefore probably pretty good.
My suggestion is to watch this space for a few days and see if any member turns up who’s actually built the kit. If so, take that individual’s opinions more seriously than mine. If not - go for it.
I haven’t built this kit, but I bought it about 2 months ago when ME had it on sale for $150. Pretty standard Model Shipways fare. Fittings and wood were of good quality . Excellent instruction manual and plans. I don’t think you can go wrong with it. One pleasant surprise was that it came with Jim Roberts’ Planking the Built-Up Ship Model.
At this time I have the Model Shipways Prince de Neufchatel, Armed Virginia Sloop, Niagara, Charles W. Morgan and Flying Fish and I’m quite happy with the quality of each one of them.
This maybe a late response, however I have built the model and found it very satifactory in material and instructions. This past Feb I won 1st place with the model in a show and have exhibited it at Art events with very favorable comments. It took me 2 years to complete. I would be willing to answer any questions you might have about the kit or construction.
L P Washburn,
Great! I’m about to get started and yes I do have a few questions… Send me your e-mail address to greg.leszczynski@sympatico.ca
Best,
-Greg