Let me just say first, your work on Heller Victory is fantastic. I have been studying these photos for a while on here in the last few days. I have also looked at the work you have done on the Revell USS Constitution you are building. Again, fantastic work.
I have both of these kits in my pile to be built at some point in the future. In fact, I have about 10 or so of these 1/96 to1/100 scale plastic sailing ships to build. So I am trying to learn from those who are far more experienced than I in how to build these kits.
Is there any insight you could share on how you have approached to building your ships? I would certainly like to hear what your thoughts are.
Thanks for the note - I’m heartened to see folks out there referencing my build logs for inspiration. These large scale ship models are great platforms for creating something special - or at least something as far as you are willing to take it.
I would say that having a passion for the subject is the starting point for me. It would be true to say for any modeling genre, but having a passion for the subject seems to be the underlying factor in all of the really exceptional ship model builds that I see out on the various forums. That interest/passion can oftentimes overcome inexperience and allow the builder to move things to another level. I’d say that would be the case for me. Nothing you see in my build logs is hard to do - it just requires patience and passion. And nothing has required any unique tools beyond what should be in any modeler’s tool box. (I’ll admit, however, that the “Chopper” is a godsend).
I frequent hobby shops that offer a wide selection of styrene for custom additions. Typically your local hobby train store is well stocked. Craft stores also have items of interest - small beads come in handy and fine lace netting for hammock cranes, etc (although the ladies may look askance at you as you stroll the aisles).
I have generally decided that if I find a build log in some forum that includes a bunch of research notes - particularly with detail photos or paintings of the ships referenced… then the chances are much greater that the model will include insights that allow me to learn something that helps extend the accuracy of my own kit.
Would I recommend that everyone who stumbles on one of my build logs replicate everything I’ve done? Of course not… Only to the extent it would contribute to their own enjoyment and satisfaction. And I’d hope that others would come along and refine things and take approaches that I did not take and share those efforts with the rest of us. That is the ultimate power of these forums.
Thanks again for showing an interest in my efforts and please feel free to chime in often - and of course share your own builds with us as you move forward.
Nice work on your build, I can’t see if anyone has mentioned a book called ‘anatomy of the ship - the 100 gun ship - victory’, Author is John McKay, Publisher is Conway. It has an awful lot of drawings and photographs that might be usefull to you.
I like your exposed framing sections, you are going to have a very fine model there and I look forward to following your build!
Hello,
I’m planning my Heller 1/100 Victory build. Can you please share the dimensions of the strip styrene that you (1) used to fill in the blank area on her hull, imitating copper plates, and (2) to add thickness around the gun ports.
Thank you,
Dean
This is an amazing project you’ve undertaken. I also have the "newer"kit in my stash and hope to begin it soon. I’ll be following along with your build for inspiration.
You can pull up Force9’s build of the Constitution, which is roughly the same size/scale.
He has extremely detailed information about beefing up the hull and gunports.