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11-19-2007, 01:06 PM
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Which Mayflower kit?
I finally summoned up the nerve (and $$) to try a planked model. I chose the the Mayflower. But there is a kit made by just about everyone (even in plastic). The Constructo kit seems ok.; large scale-1:65- and attractive wood planking, beechwood and mahogony. Anyone had any experience with this kit, or recommend another maker like Artisimo Latina or Billings. Would appreciate your take on any of the kits.
Regards Steamboateng  |
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11-19-2007, 11:04 PM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
Hello again Mike:
I am currently working on a Constructo kit of the Victory. Constructo is OK if you want "a pretty model" in natural wood. The plans/instructions are less help than I expected. I'm doing a lot of "stumble/fumble, how can I do this better with this kit". If you have the $ and want better plans and a more detailed finished product, I would go with AL or Billings (billings is an American outfit and would probably have better instructions). If model ship ways has a Mayflower, I would go with them ( I'm a MS fan, have their Flying Fish and USS Constitution waiting to be built.) Just my "two cents". PS: Tell me a "sea story".
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"Tactum illegitimi non carborundum
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11-20-2007, 11:00 PM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
Good to hear from you James, or is it Jim.
Of all models of 'Mayflower', Constructo was most expensive; $200 +, where AL, Bluekacket and Billings run $150-$170, for roughly the same size model. I couldn't find a Model Shipways kit. Tell me about Constructo. What would justify the price difference? Quality materials? Laser cut parts, Brittania and brass fittings? I think all of the above, but tell me about your kit. I'm not so much concerned about instructions, long as I got decent drawings to work from. (Besides, to quote a Tim Allenism "Real men don't read instructions.".) I know that 'Victory' is quite a complicated project and vague instructions may lead to some serious outbursts of long forgotten salty terms of endearment for its designers. Your right, I want a pretty model. I like pretty. Pretty is good! If I wanted 'not pretty' I'd build a black plastic Civil War 'Monitor'! The real 'Mayflower II' resides just 40 miles to the south. A sunny day and my trusty digital picture maker will glean all the details I need for a future model. Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to reading more about your present build. Sorry, no sea story today. I'm too po'd with President Bush, the price of oil, the stock market, subprime meltdown, the city mayor, and one of my dogs (in that order) to think one up. Regards, Mike  |
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11-20-2007, 11:52 PM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
Mike,
Model Shipways does have a "Mayflower" The scale is 5/64=1'-0" which is somewhat smaller that the others that you mentioned. It is a new model to the line that's why you probably didn't find it. The model and instructions are by Chuck Pissaro which should produce a great model. Unfortunately it is a solid hull not a plank on bulkhead. I've heard of the phrase "When all else fails, read the instruction" For the most part that works when assembling toys at CHRISTmas or a bike but I'm not sure that it works that well for a ship model. For the most parts the plans especial Model shipways are great getting the size and shape of the various parts but the instruction should give you an idea of the order of assembly Good luck on your decision Fred
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11-21-2007, 12:05 AM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
OK Mate, here goes: My friends call me Jim, by the way.
Cons first: 1. The plans have "fair" drawings, top deck, side view, moderate rigging, sails, masts and spars. Following them will give you a "Pretty model" 2. I found the wood "good" only broke a few planks because of grain. When sanded and stained, it is quite "Pretty". If you are not going to paint, it will look very good. 3. Constructo uses a lot of brass wire for fittings, such as dead eye straps and chains and trim around some deck furniture. 4. Constructo uses odd scales. My Victory is 1:94, not 1:96=1/8" scale. No big deal but it makes it hard to use drawings in reference books. 5. They don't include near enough blocks for proper rigging (but that's probably true for all the kits) Block quality is "OK". Dead eyes are "Good". 6. Not as detailed as AL might be. 7. Doesn't follow the shape / appointments of the real ship (must "bash" for authenticity). Pro's: 1. The price difference might be because the other two are "solid Hull"? Usually Constructo is less expensive than AL. 2. Sail material is of "good quality". 3. Ample wood included (I had plank material left over). 4. If left in natural wood or stained, the finished ship will be "very pretty" indeed. I feel your pain, I think all Of the USA does (not with the dog though; America doesn't care about your dog. Go easy on the dog, he/she is your "best friend", remember.) I've got the hull 90% completed, all decks on and planked and am beginning to build deck furniture and drill holes in the deck for eye bolts. Then finish planking up past the poop deck and foc'sle and add the beak's head. Too embarrassed to post photo's until I get some touch-ups done and the stern finished. All in all the Constructo kit is worth the money and not a bad buy. Hope this helps.
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11-21-2007, 12:12 AM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
Mike,
Almost forgot. I believe that "Billings Boats" is a Danish company not American. Not that it means a tinkers damn. Fred
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11-21-2007, 03:07 PM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
Thanks to Jim and Fred for your responses to my post.
That was a pretty good description of a Constucto kit, Jim, so I got a fair idea of what I'm getting into. (or do I?) Looking forward to some pic's of your Victory. How long have you been working on it? Hey Fred, you live about 20 minutes up I93 from me. I'm in Malden. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I did a little more cybersurfing research and have concluded that the Constructo kit is a fair representation of 'Mayflower II'. The AL kit departing most from her present arrangement. The various kits all sport differing paint schemes also. But the ship, moored at Plymouth, Mass. has donned at least 4 different liveries since her famous crossing 50 years ago. I also found and dl'd instruction booklet for the new Model Shipways version. I think I'm gonna go with Constructo. It's prettier! Thanks again for your assistance. Regards, Mike  |
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11-21-2007, 09:19 PM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
Mike:
You may have made the best choice; read the Critique of AL's bounty in the "recent posts section at the top of the "forums main page". Sounds like you would have been "upset" with them. I've been working on the Victory for about six months; tonight I drilled the hole for the bowsprit. I put off finishing the skylight because I'm tired of doing "tiny" work, so I drilled a "Huge" (8mm) hole in the bow. Tomorrow I plan to finish planking above the poop deck and foc'sl. BTW: has the dog been forgiven? 
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11-22-2007, 07:19 AM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
I read the post re AL kits. Thanks for the 'heads-up'.
I checked out your 'gallery', Jim. Victory sure looks to be a fine work in progress. Looking forward to more pic's. I've been in England several times, but didn't get a chance to get to Portsmouth and see the real ship. Wanted to, but all my visits were shipboard and time/travel limited. Pubs, people and beer were great tho! Yes, I've forgiven the dog. But that's all. Dow down another 211+. Added bankers to my list! Whilst I am contemplating my my dwindling collection of 'things to be thankfull for' this fine New England Thanksgiving morning I'd like to extend Thanksgiving greetings to the shipmodeling community. Have a good day, all.  Regards, Mike |
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11-22-2007, 09:11 AM
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Re: Which Mayflower kit?
Mike:
Added a few more photo's. Still in "primitive state" needs lots of filing, sanding, repainting, etc, etc. I chose to paint the hull early on to see how it would look, even though I"ll have to paint it over again to correct all of the errors. I'm using this model as a "practice piece" to try different techniques and see if they work; unfortunately some didn't!
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