After finishing my previous build, the xebec from ZHL models, I almost could not wait to start my new challenge. This time, I have chosen for the HMS Victory from Occre (number 225). Although, I have seen many discussions on this kit on it's lack of accuracy and 'better' alternatives, the main reason to choose this kit is it's originality and possibilities of add-ons/changes. I have been studying this kit for a couple of weeks (including some of the partial build logs on this site) and came to the conclusions, that I will make a few changes to make it to my liking.
First, the original coloring of this kit is a bit flat. The untreated oak in combination with the beech wood does not give enough contrast, especially compared to the mahogany wood at the keel. I think even the photographer of Occre, responsible of the pictures at the website, agrees, since most pictures are taken with light reflecting from the beech wood with a black background, to enhance the contrast. Anyway, I'll use my usual arsenal of wood stains to give it a similar color setting as my previous build. The oak wood will get 2 layers of a mahogany colored stain, while the beech wood will get a transparent stain.
Second, I'll close one side of the hull by using the planking pack of Occre. I will close half of the lower deck and fill it with barrels and other stuff.
Third, I'll make all the brass black, except for the decorative parts on the front and back.
Furthermore, I'll make some smaller changes along the way depending on the looks.
Next week, more progress!
First, the original coloring of this kit is a bit flat. The untreated oak in combination with the beech wood does not give enough contrast, especially compared to the mahogany wood at the keel. I think even the photographer of Occre, responsible of the pictures at the website, agrees, since most pictures are taken with light reflecting from the beech wood with a black background, to enhance the contrast. Anyway, I'll use my usual arsenal of wood stains to give it a similar color setting as my previous build. The oak wood will get 2 layers of a mahogany colored stain, while the beech wood will get a transparent stain.
Second, I'll close one side of the hull by using the planking pack of Occre. I will close half of the lower deck and fill it with barrels and other stuff.
Third, I'll make all the brass black, except for the decorative parts on the front and back.
Furthermore, I'll make some smaller changes along the way depending on the looks.
Next week, more progress!
. The oak is pretty hard but nice to work with and it stains well. I'm almost finished with the bulkheads, put in a simple floor for the barrels, and started glueing the barrels on their place. The floor and barrels are located on the same half as the hull that gets planked. I'm guessing that the barrels will be just visible enough from the open side to give some impression of fullness. If not, I'll illuminate the interior with some lights.
