Another question for anyone willing to answer:

I'm still working on the Clara Mae, but have a sizable income tax refund coming. So instead of doing the intelligent thing and paying bills, adding to savings, etc., I decided to buy another kit. I look at it as an investment in my future mental health and recreation!

Anyway, I've already done, or am doing, my second kit from AL, both of which were rigged fore-and-aft. What I'd like to try now is one that is rigged square on the mainmast and fore-and-aft on the mizzen. So far I've been happy with AL, I've found no major problems.

The ship I'm looking at is the Independence from Constructo.

From looking at the poll on favorite kits, I see that Model Shipways is the favorite, AL second and all the others far behind.

Anyone have any experience with Constructo, or have a better idea on what I should do? Any comments at all are welcome!

Thanks,

V.W. Miller

Well, i've got only expierence with AL kits, like you, and with Corel. Because the kit's mostly contain replaceable woods, it boils down to the quality of the plans and castings. The question you may ask yourself is : I'm happy with AL, so why don't I get another AL get as I know what to expect? On the other hand you could just go to the hobby store and look inside the box before buying.

I've heard lots of bad stuff about Constructo kits. Even owned a couple, but I sold them because the instructions were so awful.

Any kit from Model Shipways should be high on your list, IMO.

You also might want to consider the Bomb Vessel Granado from Caldercraft. For that matter, the whole Caldercraft line is excellent, wood, fittings, instructions, the whole package. I own their Granado, Endeavour, Bounty, Diana, and Victory kits. Still to be built, but I have inspected them thoroughly and am very impressed.

HMS Fly and HM Granado from Victory models have also been getting very good reviews.

Hope that helps.

Best Regards,
John F Smith

John,

I'm interested in getting a Caldercraft kit, but JoTiKa Ltd., in the UK is the only place I've seen them on line. Is there a vendor here in the US?

Sal

Hello,
Aeromarine Laminates in Delaware had carried Calderkraft line, but I don't know if they still do. If not maybe they can steer you in the right direction.
Rick

Hi Sal,

Aeromarine Laminates is the US distributor for Jotika, Ltd. which produces Caldercraft kits.

Their contact information is:
Aeromarine Laminates
22762 Sussex Hwy
Seaford, Delaware 19973
302-628-3944
www.aeromarinerc.com
aeromarine@erols.com

I have dealt with them on several occasions and they are pleasant, helpful, and a reputable dealer. If you call them on the phone, they can quote you a real time price for Caldercraft kits and shipping, and you can order over the phone from them using your credit card, as I did.

I don't believe it is possible to order Caldercraft kits from their website. I think that the only thing you can do there is link to Jotika's website and view information about the kits. To see the Caldercraft line, select "Scale Ships" from the window on the left hand side of their home page and then select the link to Jotika.

Good luck and happy shopping.
Best Regards,
John F Smith