Hi Garth.
Great work on the flags, figures and the victory sign.
look forward to seeing the next update.
Ian

Hi All,
As for the 120 Issues, they all are complete!!!
I still have a stand and presentation case to build.

I have uploaded a couple of pics that I took in my garage, but I will have to find a suitable backdrop and take better pictures.

I started my build in December 2010 and completed in August 2017.

Total Hours 475h ( I think I would have to add 10-15% had I opted for the painted version)
Average per Issue 4h
Quickest Issues 5 & 15, 10 minutes each
Longest issue 38, 18hours & 15min
Least enjoyable … easy – the small boats
Most enjoyable planking and the rigging

My thoughts on the build.

The kit and the parts provided – I think Deagostini have provided an excellent kit. For the most part, all the parts received were correct and fitted as they should. They also provided more than enough materials and parts in the kit. I have quite a stash of extra bits.
The instructions are easy to follow and are fairly accurate. Where there may be a fault, they have corrected it in later issues.

Partwork Builds – On the positive side, the parts are received incrementally and build is paced. You are not flooded with parts and books of instructions in one go. The cost is also spread over a period of time and it does become more affordable.
On the negative side, should you require a replacement part and the partwork has run its course, it may be difficult to source the parts. If you are collecting to build at a later stage. Check that the parts received are correct and not damaged as you receive them. In South Africa, CNA & Jacklin have always replaced my parts without hesitation.

Is the HMS Victory kit suitable for a beginner? – NO,NO,HELL NO…. is the first thought that goes through my mind. But then, after sitting down, stopped shaking and poured myself a stiff Brandy & Coke, I have to change my answer to YES. With all the information available, the accurate and well-made accessories and all the lase cut ply bits, it certainly is ideal for a beginner.

I have built kits that have two A1 prints and a badly translated instruction booklet. They supply ply sheets with the ribs outline stamped on using a rubber stamp. Everything has to be cut out using a Fret saw.

Not to mention the abundance of information at our disposal; there must be 500 + pages of step by step instructions that are supplied with the kit, there are 63 Youtube videos of the build and all of the personal build diaries on the various forums to look through.

It’s not that the build is that difficult, it’s just that there is so much to build. If you can see your way through some of the longer more tedious tasks, for example fitting the ratlines, it is defiantly well suited for a beginner.

Finishing this build has been a huge victory, excuse the pun, for me. I am excellent at starting a build, but not that good at completing them. I literally have boxes of unfinished models.

Thanks to everybody that has followed my build and for all the support and inspiration.

Kind regards,
Garth

Beautiful build very well done. It will look stunning in a display case - you just have to find room to display it

Graeme

A fabulous end result, looks stunning.... .. Very well done and congratulations on completing her.....

Regards

Alan

Fantastic Garth, you must be so proud.

She looks a stunner Garth...I bet you must be really proud of her...

Looks amazing Garth! Congratulations on finishing her, 7 years is a long way to come....
Have to say all your insight and advice in this diary has proved extremely useful and I'm sure it will continue to do so.

Thanks,
Brian

Hi All,

Been off the grid for some time due to commitments at the office.
Thank you all, once again, for your kind and inspirational comments and feedback, it is sincerely appreciated.

Kind regards,
Garth

Hi Walter,
Thank you for looking in and for the kind words.
Regards,
Garth