This is the first wooden kit Iam attempting to build. A bit late since I am now 82. I thought I had better get cracking before too many of my faculties become dulled. In the war years I used to make models of naval ships that had been sunk, from old floor boards,finished with a piece of broken glass as a spoke shave & sanded smooth.I then sold them in my local newsagents to help a naval charity. This build is a far greater challenge which I am determined to complete as a memento for my grandsons after I have departed this life. So far the one problem I have is understanding the technical vocabulary of the Victory. In spite of serving three years in the Royal Navy (as an aircraft electrician) few terms mean a great deal to me. Would it be possible in one of the issues to include a glossary explaining the more common structures and where they are typically placed in Victory. Am having a little problem with a cataract developing in my left eye but if Nelson managed with his problem, no doubt so will I.

Nice Idea, I found the book Anatomy of a ship HMS Victory was excellent for listing the different names and parts of the ship, now all I have to do is remember them, but that looks unlikely.

There are a number of glossary resources available on the web which can be very useful with the historical navy terms:

Take a look at wooden ship terms

A dictionary of sea terms can also be found in 'The Young Sea Officers Sheet Anchor' an essential read for all aspiring sea officers from sailing days and us ship modellers nowadays.

You can get in on Amazon Young Sea Officers Sheet Anchor


William Faulkner's Dictionary of Nautical Terms published in 1780 and available on-line as an e-book.


I am sure you will find something of interest in each of these depending upon how far you want to go into the history behind this hobby.

Mike T

Hi Capt. Welcome to the madhouse. Anything you want to know, just ask. There is a wealth of knowledge amongst the forum members. (As I've found myself).

Welcome aboard Capt. Birdseye, as you will no doubt see by the replies to your posting that there is no shortage of good advice to be had on here, all you have to do is ask and you will be given the appropriate answer to your request..I hope that you thoroughly enjoy your build, as I am..good luck mate..

Hi Capt, and welcome,

Im glad to see that at 82yrs you are having a go at building this ship, total respect. I wish I will get to that grand age and still be a keen modeler if my health will let me.

I have to agree with Jack, Mr Turpin is a wealth of knowledge, I am also self employed like Mike, but dont seem to get half the time he gets to research things.

I must say though, How much would that book be worth from 1780 which his distant relative, that I am led to believe! obtained? and how good it is of Mike to put it online for us!! Sorry Mike, couldnt resist

Anyways Capt, Enjoy the build and dont forget to come on here.