I was dismayed recently to find Syrenshipmodel is currently out of stock on rigging blocks (years ago, the quality of their blocks quickly cemented them as my go-to blocks for rigging)…
After emailing Chuck to ask about a restock, I was told it will be a few weeks.
I decided to look online anyway to see if the world has come up with anything comparable to Syren’s blocks. Mostly, regular blocks look just as you might expect or remember…square-ish, splintery, with misaligned holes for reaving. In a word- crummy.
But, I took a look at model-expo’s website, and saw that they now also offer what they call Beautiful Blocks…they look quite a bit different from the typical wooden blocks from the HECEPOB kits (and MEs normal stock)…they are rounded, and sanded, and seem to have a generally more refined look…but, it’s really hard to gauge their quality from a basic photo.
Has anyone used these blocks, and can you provide feedback on their quality?
I need about 75 4mm single sheave blocks…I could take a gamble and try out these new blocks from ME, or I could wait for Syren to get some more made and use what I already know I’ll like…
Shoot, get the one pack of 20, looks like it ought to be about $10 with S&H, that’s 50¢ per each.
Model Shipways remains a pretty solid outfit, if now unther the ME umbrella.
Really close to Chuck’s Bluejacket price of $5/dozen, but those are brittania metal, and would need paint or chemical staining. (and they are in even 1/16" increments, not mm)
They have a “starter pack” with a few blocks of each size. I ordered it.
Good quality - pretty close to Syren blocks. Only real difference is the strop line is a bit deeper on the MS blocks compared to Syren. Slightly darker color as well.
I ended up getting most of what I needed for the Constitution from them since Syren is limiting block shipments (or are sold out).
I will post some side-by-side pictures later tonight.
Bob, if you feel like posting some photos, that would be helpful! It sounds like they are decent quality, based on your description.
I may take CapnMac’s advice and get 1 pack to see how I like them…But I need to decide before I start using the last few Syren blocks I have on hand.
After a long hiatus from the forum, you all might see me chiming in more often. I got involved in some Bandai Star Wars kits over the Summer (the Perfect Grade Millennium Falcon is something else!), and my Imai Spanish Galleon has been neglected, in a partially-built state, for almost a year!
I like how they look, I’m going to buy enough to rig my current model…the deep strop lines are a good thing, I sometimes struggle keeping my rigging in place with Syren blocks.
Blocks or things that pass for them have been pushed on us for years. Now the last Time I had a use for them (On modern fishing Boats you still need them) On period Freighters from Post W.W.2 for freight handling you need them.(1/96, scale remember) For 1/96 models of 12 Meter sailing vessels you need them. I now go through the motions and make My own. The last time I got Good ones I got them from BlueJacket Shipcrafters. They were great (I will still stick with making my own).
Maybe with a small ship in large scale I might consider them, but considering the number of blocks on a ship or even a large brig, we’re talking a lot of blocks! I think ordinarily I will stick to the cheap stuff. Look good enough for me.
I do a fair amount of scratch builds, and rigging fittings are the major expense of the work.
Even on plastic kits I frequently replace plastic rigging blocks with wooden ones. I have the Soleil Royale in progress and that has a huge number! Since I only rig now and then buy blocks as needed.
