As my Ragusian Carrack is nearing completion, it is time for me to choose my next (and probably last) kit. I say last, as I will be 81 years old in May, and assume my next kit will take at least a year, and I'm already having problems with dexterity and dropping parts constantly.
My requirements/desires for this model are:
My requirements/desires for this model are:
- Maximum length of 32", assuming it needs to be displayed in my bookcase along with the Carrack, or in a plexi case (limited in display area).
- Not too small. Not that I need to build it 32" long, but 24"-30" would be great. Not smaller than 20", I think.
- Plank on Frame construction. My intent would be to completely plank one side, leave the construction visible the other. But we'll see.
- Either an Admiralty style kit or one one with simplified rigging (simpler than the Carrack - I just can't do that stuff).
- At least 1/48 scale, preferably larger, so smaller parts are larger and more detail can be added.
- A Monograph should be available for the build. Much easier than doing separate research or relying only on the kit. Also, I like adding small details to the build.
- Not necessarily a military vessel, but it must have some armament, cannon, bomb ketch, etc. No more than 10 or so cannon though, I like smaller numbers.
- DETAIL - My most IMPORTANT requirement is detail. Deck detail or structures, visible detail (cabins, roping, storage, etc.) above and below deck where visible. Something that makes it an interesting model. I can't depend on craftsmanship to impress the Admiral, it has to be details!
- A modern model using laser- or CMC-cut pieces for the most part.
- Good plans and instructions are important to me. Preferably in English. Existing build logs to view are great, but so would a new model be great.
- I really love Swiss Pear or Pearwood, but could use others. Wood quality is important to me.
- Fancy kit carvings are nice, but not necessary to me. Everyone would point them out and say "Wow, you did those?". "Well, no, but I glued them on."
- Complete kit, if possible, so I don't have to shop for all the details somewhere else.
- Within my capabilities. I've built one POF cross section and one POB model. I don't mind being challenged, though.
- Best quality kit that suits my requirements that I can buy. Price is not as important, I've come to realize.
- CAF HMS Granado - A very interesting model, extremely well presented on the forums, nice big gun and small number of others. 26" long.
- Model Ship Dockyard HMS Blandford - Also a very interesting Bomb Ketch, nice size at 31". Similar to Granado, but no built-in room for two mortars. If I built it, I'd like to make mods to add them onboard. A bomb ketch without bombs doesn't really appeal.
- CAF HMS Enterprise - Yes, this one definitely exceeds my length limit, but it's so nice I have to consider it. But all those cannon? Maybe new furniture to hold it?
- CAF Salamander - Definitely too large if built with rigging, but body only is less than 26". I've seem some builds with nice section detail. Also a Mortar ship, so interesting. A lot of wasted material if built Admiralty style, though.
- CAF Le Coureur - I'd glanced at this multiple times without any interest, until I saw some builds here and all that below- and above-deck detail! Smaller than I'd like (20" body) unless it were rigged, too large (38") if rigged, and I'm not fond of the rigging proportions, but what wonderful detail within the hull, so I have to consider it. Simplified rigging though. Perhaps similar or sister ships would have shorter bowsprit and length, that I could modify it to if rigged?
- I love pics I've seen of a scratch-built L'Aurore Corvette, and it might work even at 1/36 scale, with wonderful detail, but no kit, and I can't scratch build. A kit of this scale would be great.
- ModelMakers La Belle - This Italian-made kit looks really nice, customizable material and optional rigging, but they don't respond so it may no longer be available. 24" long at 1/30 scale, so that sounds really nice. But if I can't get it...