I am writing this message on behalf of my father as he is not very good with computers. Since his retirement my dad has been very active builing model boats. Recently for his birthday I ordered him the Heller Soleil Royale (1/100 Scale, model # 80899) from an online hobby shop. Much to his disapointment there is no english instructions included with the kit. We phoned the hobby shop but they could provide no translated instructions.
We would greatly appreciate if anyone could sent us the english instructions for the Heller Soleil Royale. We would pay for the copying and shipping of the instructions (we live in Canada). Thanks - Lisa
I remember my SR instruction included a translation towards the back of the instructions. It was difficult having to jump back and forth, since the translation was just the text. So you end up having to jump from the picture, to the back for the text, and back to the picture. Other than that do not think a true english copy even exists. JTilley or one of the other more knowledgeable members may know better, but I don’t think the Soleil Royale was ever intended for the U.S. or England so was never marketed here.
There was a similar thread on this about a year ago. Many of us do have English instructions. I am going on a trip for awhile, else I’d volunteer. But there were several who volunteered awhile ago to help someone else, so I am sure there are folks in this forum who do have copies. When I get back, if no one else has come up with any, I’ll step up to the plate.
The English “Instructions” for the Heller Soleil Royal (no E on the end of “Royal,” by the way) are one of the minor scandals of the hobby industry. The kit was marketed in the U.S. and Great Britain from the beginning (I bought mine in, if I remember right, 1976, at a hobby shop in Columbus, Ohio), and it was packaged with a so-called “English translation” consisting only of text. It only took a few minutes of reading to discover that the author of this strange document (a) had never tried to build the model, and (b) couldn’t read French. (First clue: in the parts list the parts labeled “mat de misaine” in the original are labeled “mizzen mast” in the “translation.” In fact le mat de misaine is the fore mast.)
The English “translation” won’t tell you anything you can’t figure out for yourself by looking at the pictures in the French version. It’s pretty clear that’s all the author of the English document did.
If you make a search through this forum you’ll find quite a few posts dealing with this kit. I’m among those who think it’s a worthless, overpriced piece of junk, but quite a few other forum members disagree. My recommendation: read what everybody has to say about it, and make up your own mind.
I have the Heller kit waiting for a future build. If push came to shove, I could take the instructions to a print shop and have a copy made then send it to Canada if given the address. Please reply.
Montani semper liberi. Happy modeling to all and every one of you.
As with any kit, there are problems with Le Soleil Royal. But, as with most other kits, these flaws can be corrected. One of the older threads is called "Le Soleil Royal . . . The Ultimate Building Guide. Towards the end of that thread, I had posted an extensive summary of everything that the contributors had said. Check it out.
I have a copy of the English instructions, but I agree with John, the English instructions are very poor. However, I do disagree with him in that I have thoroughly enjoyed that kit. Having made the corrections that Ibelieved necessary, I have a very nice model of a French First Rate ship-of-the-line that I believe more closely represents the second Le Soleil Royal.
If you still want the English instructions, I can send them to you.
thank you and everyone for you offer of support. My father is most appreciative. He did find the instructions at the back . They are not the best instructions but he is experienced at boat building and will use the diagrams as a guide along with the some of the written text. Thanks again for your offer of help - Lisa
Lisa, glad that the problem of the instructions have been solved. Incourage your father the submit a building log on the Forum with pictures. Research back postings on the Forum on how other members constructed their models. Your father will find plenty of help and support from online viewers.
Best of luck to you both.
Montani semper liberi. Happy modeling to all and every one of you.
I was quite fortunate to buy my Heller Victory from Big Jake in the Imai boxing, with a great and completely redrawn set of instructions. Mind you, i’m only up to the middle gun deck, but it’s been pretty clear sailing so far.
The original kit was Heller Aurora and the instructions were in English and with better illustrations. I have several copies as well as a PDF version. Send me your mailing address and I’ll send a copy.
hi jeffpez,just reading through the posts here as i`m looking for english instructions as well,do you still have copies?if so maybe you could mail them to me? my address is minesamini2000@yahoo.co.uk thank you very much,stu.
I’m out of town for about a week and have spotty internet access. I have the English plans I can either mail or email but can’t do so until next Monday. Please send me a private message with your contact info and then be a little patient.
