I am interested to know if any member(s) of this forum (or the South African Forum) have built HMS Victory by Constructo?

Any feedback would be appreciated. Secondly, some comments about Constructo Tall ship models would also be welcome.

Comments regarding the quality of the kit(s) generally speaking (planking quality, quality of brass and cast iron items etc), detail(s) of assembly instructions. I believe (from feedback here in S.A. that the latest Constructo Kits are a far cry from older kits) that Constructo have made great improvements in the quality of their instruction manuals, being printed in colour with good assembly detail and no longer the very cryptic black/white photos. Parts are apparently laser cut and the quality of wood used is excellent.

Thank you.

Eugene

NAUTICAL STUFF
Compass – A navigational aid that accurately points to the largest metal object on your boat.

Thanks David ... you're a real help!! I'll tell you the actual reason I'm asking. For starters, I'm busy with HMS Pandora by Constructo. I purchased the kit about 5 years ago for South African Rand 1800 or approx 180 Pounds Sterling (at the exchange rate 5 years ago). I have got to be honest. I have been disappointed with the overall quality where it counts, ie. the quality of cast components are really weak (no detail in many places)and a very cryptic black and white construction manual. The photographs are so under exposed in many places that you cannot make heads or tails from them.

Navigating the manual is a real mission with 7 different languages. In places (typically with the rigging) it appears that the manufacturer/designers of the kit simply assume that ALL modelers know how to do this and the manual simply "glances" over the entire procedure. I gotta say mate, for a first time builder, the kit has been (and still is) daunting!! Having said that, the price difference between HMS Victory by Artesania and Constructo is, like, very nearly half the price in the favour of Constructo!! HMS Victory by Artesania, in issues spread over 30 months PLUS 7 binder issues and ALL the "freebies" is S.A. Rand 8569 or close to 800 quid!! ... a tidy sum if you ask me!! This is a far cry from HMS Victory by Constructo here in S.A. for S.A. Rands 4600 as opposed to Artesania HMS Victory at R8570. Prices for HMS Victory by any other manufacturer OTHER than Constructo "peddle" here for between R8300 to R8800. The Constructo Victory I can get here for S.A. Rand 4600 or about 420 Pounds as opposed to 800 for the Artesania model!!

You might've convinced me mate!! ... I'm seriously contemplating the Constructo kit!! It's just nice n' easy to go the Artesania route with 30 payments of approx' 25 Pounds monthly instead of an outlay of 420 Pounds up front. Thanks again.

Eugene
NAUTICAL STUFF:
Dock - A medical professional ......... not sure why the term shows up in a nautical dictionary.

Thanks for the offer ... that would be tremendously helpful!! Wow, that's a bargain at 155 quid!! Seems like I'll have to snoop around E-bay!! Anymore like that there??

You will have to educate me some for doing business on E-bay.

I am posting some questions about mounting dead-eyes. Could you assist here?

Thanks.
Eugene

NAUTICAL STUFF (... again)
Gunwale - (pronounced "gunnel") The part of a vessel near the side used for supporting one's midsection while one is engaged in the practice of heaving.

I have attached some pics of my Constructo Manual. The quality of the pics in the manual are really NOT GOOD!! ... as you can see. The hobby shop where I purchased the kit was just a hobby shop. Nobody to give advice, just walk in and buy what you want, pay and leave. Soooooo .... I got no advice, and yes, of course, now in hind-sight it's obvious that the Pandora by Constructo is NOT for beginners.

The kit does not state that anywhere in the literature printed on the box, nor in literature (instruction manual)in the box, that the kit is for more experienced modelers.

I really hope that Constructo have sorted their support information and that the kits are what you say they are today, especially with a complicated model like the Victory. The price is right, that's for sure, BUT, with pics and support paper work (diagrams etc) like I have, it's going to be a problem or me.

I have to rely on your feedback mate, and thanks for offering your help and advice.

Hi folks.

I have the constructo HMS Victory - in dry dock (1-94 scale I think).

A beautifull model/kit, but beyond my paitence/skill level. Nothing to do with the instructions, in fact I found that there was probably to much info. Photo's, parts lists - uncut and cut into lengths, written instructions in english (translated from Spanish - but more than my kids know). A lot to deal with, but with the right approach - easy enough.

In reality, I ran out of free time, then health, then other things.

This model, and probably this forum, has re-ignited my intrest. Times are still busy, and particularly hard, but you can't keep a good hobby down .

I must admit that I purchased this model about 7 years ago, in readiness for a two year build before my own 'Trafalgar' celebrations. She may not be the same kit, but deffinately the same parents.

Additional help, and some really dodgy photo's available (if really necessary).

See ya.

Wow!!! That really does look classy!! If you are doing a build log for it, I for one will be very interested in following it...good luck with the build...

Hi Guys,

I have just started building the HMS Victory by Constructo. I am going to start adding in the pictures to start a build log.