Looking good Ken, the rigging is really starting to take shape too

That is a bit unlucky that you are missing more spures.

Unfortunately people do make mistakes but its how they correct them that matters, I am guessing by the fact that you received the last missing spure that you shouldnt have any problems getting these ones too

Please dont give up as I would like to see you finish this

Hi all was looking at this today and noticed the mast was bent.

so I thought how can I fix that and a cunning plan developed.
first break the top of the mast off then drill out a hole in the top of the mast and insert brass rod then reglue the top on








since this pic I decided I dont like the fore mast sail so have removed it was thinking of removing the main sail as well but my missus says no, what do you think would they have had one sail down and not the other or would they both be up or down.

Well I'm not sure what's going to happen with the La Reale I've contacted heller several times but no reply, the 32 oars I do have couldn't go all on one side said some are different so I can't put them all on one side and display it that way. Not sure I can be bothered with displaying it in dry dock being refitted (lot of work involved and I will always know she's not complete) too big to keep hanging round, maybe time to bite the bullet and stick her in the spares drawer. All I know is she's taking up valuable room, not sure the missus will let me scrap her but, I am rapidly losing interest in her.

Hi Ken,
It would be sad to see 'La Reale' left unfinished, it's such a beautiful model.I know customer services can be a pain sometimes, but wouldn't it be worth giving them the benefit of the doubt on this one and contacting them again.
It's a dilemma for you I'm sure, but I'm one of many who are following your build diary; she is unique amongst the many other diaries on the forum and I'd love to see this one finally finished.
Happy building
David

Well I decided to have a go at making the missing parts and after 2 hrs and on my third attempt, this is what I have



I'm quite pleased with it, its a bit crude but when its installed I dont think it will notice too much.
I know one thing I will never buy another heller kit. its not the kits (the kwak apart) they are great kits I've loved the La Reale, its their complete ignorance I've sent 2 emails just asking would they let me know even if they are going to send the parts, not one single reply to 8 emails, now I call that down right rude. I intend to send one more email informing them that they are not the only kit manufacturer out there and if they treat all their customers the way they have treated me I wont be the only customer they loose.(since they obviously ignore emails it probably wont do any good but it will make me feel better) You don't buy model kit and expect to have to make the parts yourself. Rant over so only 15 more of these babys to make

thanks I had already sent the email but I can send another with a copy of this post and say something like "and now you see it starts)

Thats great news Ken!

Hopefully we will get to see you finish this [wing]

Glad you got it sorted Ken

Hi all a little update on the Reale, I thought I would try to improve the way the rowers handles are depicted.









so, only 29 more to go