Hi to all forum members, both active and those of us who just dip in and out to glean some useful information.
There has now for some time been discussions regarding the quality of the supplied parts, many members stating that the hull should be double planked, and that we are being supplied with inferior materials, especially the planking.
These are to my mind are individual opinions to which we are all entitled to make, but are not the facts as stated in the adverts, or shown in the supplied video.
We must really get back to basics and ask ourselves why we are subscribing to this build.
There are to my mind two distinct reasons, the first is that we newbie’s were not sure if we could actually build the model having never attempted one before, and those of us who could not justify spending a considerable amount of money in one hit only to find the build was beyond our skill level, and possibly some experienced builders who simply could not afford to buy the model outright.
I personally fall into the first two categories, as although I could afford to buy the model outright was not sure if I could build it, so reasoned that if the build became to difficult I could bail out and cut my losses.
When we purchased issue number one it included a short video explaining the various stages of the build, although the build instruction differed slightly from those in the video the basics are the same.
The hull build is as shown in the video, although many of us decided to make our own jig to maintain the overall squareness of the basic structure, one of the many useful tips picked up from the forum.
The planking again is shown as per the build, using the same wood as has been supplied. Bear in mind we have to date only planked above the waterline, (i.e. from the bottom of the lower gun deck). It clearly states and shows that a darker planking wood will be supplied for the planks below the waterline to give the two-tone effect many members want to replicate. As yet we have not been supplied with any of the lower planking material so how can we justify complaining that we are not being supplied with the correct wood.
The guns are as shown in the video, being black and not brass as many have stated. With the exception of the faulty barrels these are to my mind correct and as admin has already assured us the faulty units will be replaced at a later date. Those who have carried out extensive modifications to the canon have nothing to moan about as their expertise is sufficient to get them out of trouble, unlike us newbie’s.
The anchor is as shown in the video, and again the more experienced members have carried out modifications that would not have occurred to us newbie’s.
To my mind this is the ideal way to learn the skills needed to build a model of this kind, and now that many of us has reached the stages 27-29 have learned many useful skills that will enable us to build other models in the future, I have already decided that my next build will be a Mississippi Paddle Steamer.
It is also very easy on hindsight to say that we should have invested in a better model at much the same overall cost, the reason that we did not in the first instance was that we did not have the skills that we now have, and we have the magazine instructions and Mr Ts excellent build diary to thank for that.
I ,and I suspect many other subscribers are very happy with what we are receiving and do not feel that we have been ripped off, and have found a new hobby to explore and expand upon.
So come on all of you, let us enjoy the build, learn more tips from the experts and build a model that will be a testament to our newfound skills and something that can be appreciated by our children and grandchildren.

Unfortunately admin has stated that we wont be getting different wood for below the waterline,it will all be the same so that you have to paint/stain it or buy copper plating,this is one of the reasons people are getting a little miffed..the kit that this is supposed to be has all sorts of exotic timber in it...just like the advert shows..but we are going to be getting basic bass wood.g

Rob ur signature says it all!



Nolli Illigitimi Carborundum!!!

wholeheartedly agree with your comments

In addition i have noticed its the same people over and over again moaning and winging. I simply don't read a thread they have started and i am much happier for it. Quite frankly if its not for you then you have the option to stop deliveries and stop visiting the forum leaving the rest of us that love the build to get on with the fun.

Well said Cerri .

John

Nice to know that those boring latin lessons have made some people smile.

Semper et excreta sumas solum profundum voriant. (always in the s**t only the depth varies)roughly translated.

CMB larking aside I agree with what you have said. I personally have'nt had any reason not be unhappy with De A thus far and as a novice I'm more than happy to continue on with the build, enjoying this great forum and learning as I go. Maybe I'm not experienced enough as a builder to know if I'm not getting the real deal from De A. All I know is that I dont feel ripped off and I'm enjoying the build very much.

remember it is not a £700 kit it is £700 for the subscription

£23 per issue which has 4 mags say £???each
postage say £????
penalty £??? for paying in installments (as per other kits pay bit more if bought in installments)
covering cost of freebies
are web sites free official build diaries admin/cs etc

Paying in installments gives u chance to buy tools jigs sundries which can be used for future builds

So u get quite a lot for £700 the kit & perhaps more importantly a step by step training programme to enable u to tackle over the counter kits in the future

I am sure experienced builders who buy a complete kit have changed things due to personal choice or not happy with material

Even plastic kits have have extras u can purchase photo etch/ wooden decks

There are people on the forum who can work wonders with danish oil/stains/varnish etc so am sure u will be able to complete model natural color scheme

One thing I will say is that it is highly unlikely that the novice builder would be able to complete the standard AL Victory kit.
The instructions and support being provided for the partwork Victory by far outway the content of instructions supplied with the normal AL kit, most of which is in pigeon english and leaves a lot to knowing exactly what you are doing without being told to do it.