Greetings,
I am enjoying my build. It is fun and as it is a fictious ship (historically it is a galleon) you can take some liberties with it. I am practicing some new techniques on it and also trying new ideas.
One of the things I really like about the model is the removed hull. I would like to see more models done like this. I am having a blast adding lanterns and others details to the lower decks. It would be awesome if the HMS Victory was opened to show all of her decks and not just the one small area. I am looking forward to adding a lot of details to the Captain's quarters when I get to that section.
Some people have complained about the MDF building material. I have used MDF for othe projects so I have not had any issue with it. I have choosen to not use some MDF parts like the brig wall sections and I have used the MDF as a base to build on like the bulkheads and doors. Some of the MDF ribs are thin so you just have to be careful around them and this would be true even if they were plywood. I know of two builds that the builders used the MDF as templates to make solid wood replacement parts. Their choice but that does raise the overall cost.
If you want to make an accurate copy of the movie model you will have more work cut out for yourself. The cannons will need to be replaced, the three large lanterns on the stern need to be redone and the statues next to those lanterns are not included at all. There are other details too that need some work.
If you enjoyed the movies or If you ever just wanted a "pirate" ship I would say go for it. There is a lot of fun information about the movie and characters in the direction booklets. It has been a fun build. If you enjoy modifying models to correct errors you will enjoy it. If you want a fast accurate model and no interior then you may want to look at the 1:72 plastic model.
I hope this helps with your decision.
Christopher
Current builds:
HMS Victory
Black Pearl
Builds on hold:
Millennum Falcon
USS Constellation
Future Builds:
Hanse Kogge (14th C)
Mary Rose (16th C)