Model Shipway's Bluenose I :: View Single Post

I must say that this kit has tested my abilities for my first ship and this is entry level!?
The plans are so well done that when I compared them to the model information that I gathered from the home port of the Bluenose II in Nova Scotia I couldn't find anything significant other than differences in color schemes, anchor chain hooks, or chain box placements.

I'm finishing up the masts now (7/9/04) just five months after starting. With just the rigging remaining my path so far is clear sailing, no questions. The only complaint I have is some of the laser cutting is incorrect in the case of the supplied mast coat diameters, which I had to remake from scratch, and the off tolerance cuts of the mast hoops and bulkheads.

If all the MS kits pay attention to detail and accuracy like this one, I won't hesitate to build more from them which also make them worth more, eg. the Niagra, Connie, etc. I can't even imagine what the Connie would be like... Also, when I compared the MS kit to A/L or even Mantua/Panart the contrast of the premade matalic parts in them was such a let down. It seems that some kits are concerned more with just an easy assembly process and quick high at the end for the "assembler" that they sacrifice the real meaning of ship modeling in the first place. sheesh... go build a plastic model then...

MS entry level kits are certainly excellent, IMHO, "boot camp" models as they teach the basics all the while the clear plans shout out at you GET OVER THAT WALL YOU MAGGOT!!!!

Scratch building wouldn't be too far off after 2 or 3 of these kits.
Dave