I am a "newbie" to this forum and would like to post the following question. Does anybody know who the manufacturer/supplier of the HMS Victory kit is offered via SATV advertisments? Is it a "no-name-brand" or a more professional "name brand" such as Amati, Bluejaket, Caldercraft, Artesania Latina etc.

What I did find interesting is to discover that Artesania Latina and Constructo are one and the same company. I am in the process of completing an older kit supplied originally by Constructo of the HMS Pandora, famous in history as the ship sent to hunt the mutineers of the HMS Bounty. The quality of the Constructo kit is questionable to say the least and the building manual/construction manual is really poor quality with black and white photographs that are vastly under exposed and totally black in many places with little or no detail. Some part were missing and many hull planks were badly warped.

For interest sake, if not known by some members of this forum, here is a neat trick to easily bend planking and other finishes such as veneer pieces to finish the hull etc. Obtain a bottle of Scrubb's Cloudy Ammonia at nominal cost ... last time got some around R25 for a 500mL bottle, enough to treat more than a single model. You can either apply the ammonia via a brush to the section you want to bend or you dip the section into the bottle with the cap removed. Allow the wood planking section to soak for about 10-15 minutes. Bends like a dream. You can also use a wide brush to brush on the ammonia. Make sure you work in a ventilated area for obvious reasons!!

Warmest regards.

Eugene Lombard

Rule of Accuracy: When working toward the solution of a problem, it always helps if you know the answer.

Good evening Magpie1832 ... Thanks for your response. Can you briefly describe the quality of the kit and any serious problems you've encounered? This kit is rather pricey here in South Africa and costs the best part of English Pounds 750 which in anybody's language is pricey. If the quality is not an issue then the price is relative.

Best regards.
Eugene Lombard

Hello there Eugene, and welcome to the forum!

To be honest this is a pretty good build, as Magpie has said there has been a few issues, but then again, only some of us have had these issues, and like the old saying, you can't please everyone.
It is a costly build, but unlike the boxed versions, with this one, you get a nice and informative magazine, full of facts and stories, along with some clear instructions of how to build her.
You also get this nice site, where you can join in on the conversations, and share your experiences with other like minded individuals along the way.

I wish you all the best with your build, and look forward to you joining in on the forum

Best Wishes
David

It is certainly not exclusive, and we would love to see whatever you decide to build. I am also building The Black Pearl alongside the Victory build and quite a few of the members have other builds on going as well, and if you look in "Other Builds" you will find them. Its great as all the techniques are relevant to any wooden boat. Good luck in your choice and I look forward to seeing your build here. Jack

Good evening LoneStar Spirit

Pardon my rudeness. I thank your Sir for your friendly and encouraging post. So far, I gotta say, this forum does not lack friendliness!! and I'm sure I'm going to enjoy the advice and friendships that are ineviatble.

Thinking seriously about getting involved with the Victory as offered "piece-meal". It certainly won't put an immediate "dent" in my budget. The entire kit + extras is spread over 2 years ... this represents a much lighter load. For interest sake, I have done a little background work on the Jotika Victory ... man, that thing is EXPENSIVE!! but real classy!! I have a quote from Jotika and have attached it for reference. Converting to SA Rand (x 11 !!!) = R9300 ... that's a whole lot of money!!

I am more than half done with my Constructo 1:85 Scale of the HMS Pandora. My first and even if I say so myself, "not to shabby".

Best regards.
Eugene

Aboard - A piece of lumber that may be used to repair your boat.

Hello again Eugene, how you doing?

Its great to see your researching things before committing yourself, it is an expensive hobby to say the least, but when you have finished and have it displayed in just the right bragging spot, it's all worth the while, and I for one, would love you to build this baby with us!!!!

Also, why not join in on the forum with us, we mostly talk rubbish, but now and again one of the crew comes up with something of pure genius, we try not to tell them though, gives them too much confidence, and a crew like ours needs to be kept in place

Anyway, it's great to hear from you, and if you get a chance I think we would love to see some pictures of the HMS Pandora, that's if you would like to share them with us.

Best wishes
David