No-Brand Halcon $40 kit. Small, but interesting

AslanB

AslanB

Joined
Dec 13, 2024
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A couple members suggested that I do a build log of this cheap, no-brand Halcon kit that I may garner some insight, hints and tips to learn the fine art of wooden boat building. Sounds like a solid plan to me, so here I go.

Going forward, if you have any pointers for me, I'd deeply appreciate it. Though there are a couple points I feel I need to make clear first. I am on an extremely limited budget, as I am living on a disability income. Fancy expensive tool sets or better kits aren't in the cards for some time. Also, yes, Iknow this kit is,, well, substandard. I don't expect the jewel of my collection here, but I plan to make it as nice as I can.

First, a little background on me. I am not exactly a "spring chicken" having reached 60, and this isn't the first kit I've worked on. 44 years ago my parents got me the Privateer Rattlesnake kit. I think it was the Mamoli one (1/64th scale) that is still made, and some day I'd love to revisit it, since I never finished that one. I did get some planking experience, and remember every foul up I did.

I also have spent many years as a cabinet maker, so I have some appropriate tools, Granted, I need some much smaller clamps and some form of pin or clamp for planking. I am not completely clueless, not quite, anyway, but I know I have a lot to learn.

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Tonight's post is to basically show what I got myself into. These two images are to show just how small this kit is. I'll try tomorrow to lay out some of the material, since, I am certainly going to have questions. Especially regarding planking material, sine I think I got short changed there. The absolutely NORMAL pencil is there for scale. I did not expect a kit so tiny. Wow. From what can tell, the laser cut pieces are well done. I did not expect a thin laser cut sheet of planking. I think I am going to buy some decent plank material for the second layer. If anyone knows a good, inexpensive source, let me know, please? Als, pictures I've seen of the finished model makes it look like some detail parts are out o scale. Things like doors that are too thick, and some other bits and pieces. I plan to correct these as I get to them. Also, the kit deck grating has to go. I can make better. Anyone know where to find a working HO scale table saw? ROTF

Well, I'll post parts images tomorrow, and then it's waiting till I can get started.

Happy Holidays.
 
The Halcon is not a good kit, with crap for instructions and poor quality wood, but it makes for great practice, and the parts are surprisingly well fitting. I built one recently and bashed the rigging to make it correct just for fun. The hull looks good oiled or painted but don't try to stain it like did of the finish will not look very good.
 
DARIVS ARCHITECTVS said:
The Halcon is not a good kit, with crap for instructions and poor quality wood, but it makes for great practice, and the parts are surprisingly well fitting. I built one recently and bashed the rigging to make it correct just for fun. The hull looks good oiled or painted but don't try to stain it like did of the finish will not look very good.
Click to expand...
I've seen several paintings and photos of these old Baltimore Schooner clippers, and the majority seem to have white anti-fouling paint below the waterline, and a black and white scheme above. I plan to go with that, as I know the wood on here isn't the best. I am also thinking of getting some better planking material. Maybe even enough to rebuild the main deck in a better way. Frankly, there is so LITTLE to this model, it's amazing. At least I have the brass cannons and anchor chain, metal anchors and the anchor eyes for the bow. That's what I was paying more for, in this kit.
Now I need to find a source for 2mm dead eyes and REALLY tiny belaying pins and blocks.
But then, like you said, this is a kit to practice on, and renew my skills as a modeler. Granted, I used to work in plastic, and as WW2 airplanes, but some of the skills translate. I just wish I'd finished the Rattlesnake wooden kit I'd had 44 years ago.
 
DARIVS ARCHITECTVS said:
I also have the Mamoli Privateer Rattlesnake in a box awaiting construction. After building the Halcon, you should feel confident enough to tackle the Rattlesnake.
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I was confident enough to tackle the Rattlesnake 44 years ago, LOL. I just wish I'd finished the job. Maybe someday I can afford yo buy the kit again. Most likely will be something off Ebay where prices are lower.
 
AslanB said:
A couple members suggested that I do a build log of this cheap, no-brand Halcon kit that I may garner some insight, hints and tips to learn the fine art of wooden boat building. Sounds like a solid plan to me, so here I go.

Going forward, if you have any pointers for me, I'd deeply appreciate it. Though there are a couple points I feel I need to make clear first. I am on an extremely limited budget, as I am living on a disability income. Fancy expensive tool sets or better kits aren't in the cards for some time. Also, yes, Iknow this kit is,, well, substandard. I don't expect the jewel of my collection here, but I plan to make it as nice as I can.

First, a little background on me. I am not exactly a "spring chicken" having reached 60, and this isn't the first kit I've worked on. 44 years ago my parents got me the Privateer Rattlesnake kit. I think it was the Mamoli one (1/64th scale) that is still made, and some day I'd love to revisit it, since I never finished that one. I did get some planking experience, and remember every foul up I did.

I also have spent many years as a cabinet maker, so I have some appropriate tools, Granted, I need some much smaller clamps and some form of pin or clamp for planking. I am not completely clueless, not quite, anyway, but I know I have a lot to learn.

View attachment 491418View attachment 491419


Tonight's post is to basically show what I got myself into. These two images are to show just how small this kit is. I'll try tomorrow to lay out some of the material, since, I am certainly going to have questions. Especially regarding planking material, sine I think I got short changed there. The absolutely NORMAL pencil is there for scale. I did not expect a kit so tiny. Wow. From what can tell, the laser cut pieces are well done. I did not expect a thin laser cut sheet of planking. I think I am going to buy some decent plank material for the second layer. If anyone knows a good, inexpensive source, let me know, please? Als, pictures I've seen of the finished model makes it look like some detail parts are out o scale. Things like doors that are too thick, and some other bits and pieces. I plan to correct these as I get to them. Also, the kit deck grating has to go. I can make better. Anyone know where to find a working HO scale table saw? ROTF

Well, I'll post parts images tomorrow, and then it's waiting till I can get started.

Happy Holidays.
Click to expand...
 
Hi, I built one of these cheap Halcon schooners as my first ever build earlier this year. Whist some pieces are poor quality, especially the cannons and anchors), the main kit is not too bad. The instructions are very poor however, but searching other people’s build logs on this site was helpful.

Here are a few photos of my kit completed for reference.

IMG_5510.jpeg

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IMG_5505.jpeg

IMG_5541.jpeg

IMG_5544.jpeg

IMG_5534.jpeg
 
AslanB said:
I've seen several paintings and photos of these old Baltimore Schooner clippers, and the majority seem to have white anti-fouling paint below the waterline, and a black and white scheme above. I plan to go with that, as I know the wood on here isn't the best. I am also thinking of getting some better planking material.
Click to expand...
Just a thought... you could deck her out similar to the Pride of Baltimore II with green anti-fouling paint and black and yellow above the waterline. I've sailed on her and she's a wonder. One benefit would be that there are tons of photos of her available, including many that I've taken and would be happy to share.
 
AslanB said:
A couple members suggested that I do a build log of this cheap, no-brand Halcon kit that I may garner some insight, hints and tips to learn the fine art of wooden boat building. Sounds like a solid plan to me, so here I go.

Going forward, if you have any pointers for me, I'd deeply appreciate it. Though there are a couple points I feel I need to make clear first. I am on an extremely limited budget, as I am living on a disability income. Fancy expensive tool sets or better kits aren't in the cards for some time. Also, yes, Iknow this kit is,, well, substandard. I don't expect the jewel of my collection here, but I plan to make it as nice as I can.

First, a little background on me. I am not exactly a "spring chicken" having reached 60, and this isn't the first kit I've worked on. 44 years ago my parents got me the Privateer Rattlesnake kit. I think it was the Mamoli one (1/64th scale) that is still made, and some day I'd love to revisit it, since I never finished that one. I did get some planking experience, and remember every foul up I did.
Click to expand...
Hi Aslan, A few thoughts on economical tools. Rubber bands are your friend, and also the mini crocodile clips they sell for electronics hobbyists, both very inexpensive. And for belaying pins - or an approximation look for entomological pins or jewellery pins like these.
www.ebay.co.uk

100 Brass Ball Head Pins - Silver - 50mm x 0.6mm Jewellery Findings P00730 | eBay

Ball pins, basic finding/component in jewellery making, can be used to create beautiful earrings, bracelets, necklaces etc. Like head pins the ball at the end acts as a stopper for beads and charms.
www.ebay.co.uk
 
Along with the suggestions of others regarding inexpensive tools... consider painters tape as well. I use it quite a bit during my builds, as I can cut it narrower than the roll width if I need to, and you can get it to grip on rather odd shapes when you need it to. I use it mostly for second planking layer on kits that have a two layer set up... the first to give proper shape, and the second of a thin veneer of walnut (or other woods) strips. I an then glue those thinner veneer strips to the hull and use painters tape to hold them down while the glue sets. Most of my suggestions for clamps and the like would be too large for the scale you're tackling, and given the size of the items you're going to work with, I would be leery of introducing anything too large as it would likely lead to breakage. Best wishes for success with your project, and I look forward to reading (and seeing) your progress as you work through it.

BTW, age is a relative thing. You'll find that for many of us on here, 60 would be considered young. :)
 
AslanB said:
A couple members suggested that I do a build log of this cheap, no-brand Halcon kit that I may garner some insight, hints and tips to learn the fine art of wooden boat building. Sounds like a solid plan to me, so here I go.

Going forward, if you have any pointers for me, I'd deeply appreciate it. Though there are a couple points I feel I need to make clear first. I am on an extremely limited budget, as I am living on a disability income. Fancy expensive tool sets or better kits aren't in the cards for some time. Also, yes, Iknow this kit is,, well, substandard. I don't expect the jewel of my collection here, but I plan to make it as nice as I can.

First, a little background on me. I am not exactly a "spring chicken" having reached 60, and this isn't the first kit I've worked on. 44 years ago my parents got me the Privateer Rattlesnake kit. I think it was the Mamoli one (1/64th scale) that is still made, and some day I'd love to revisit it, since I never finished that one. I did get some planking experience, and remember every foul up I did.

I also have spent many years as a cabinet maker, so I have some appropriate tools, Granted, I need some much smaller clamps and some form of pin or clamp for planking. I am not completely clueless, not quite, anyway, but I know I have a lot to learn.

View attachment 491418View attachment 491419


Tonight's post is to basically show what I got myself into. These two images are to show just how small this kit is. I'll try tomorrow to lay out some of the material, since, I am certainly going to have questions. Especially regarding planking material, sine I think I got short changed there. The absolutely NORMAL pencil is there for scale. I did not expect a kit so tiny. Wow. From what can tell, the laser cut pieces are well done. I did not expect a thin laser cut sheet of planking. I think I am going to buy some decent plank material for the second layer. If anyone knows a good, inexpensive source, let me know, please? Als, pictures I've seen of the finished model makes it look like some detail parts are out o scale. Things like doors that are too thick, and some other bits and pieces. I plan to correct these as I get to them. Also, the kit deck grating has to go. I can make better. Anyone know where to find a working HO scale table saw? ROTF

Well, I'll post parts images tomorrow, and then it's waiting till I can get started.

Happy Holidays.
Click to expand...
Awesome, another Halcon build!
I got a kit as well this christmas, but it seems to be a diffent laser cut, not containing the dinghi and e.g. Except the wood (5 sheets) it came with wooden sticks, cannon barrel and one spool of yarn.
Watching to see how yours is coming along.

PXL_20241228_130734118.jpg

PXL_20241229_203955368.jpg
 
jackofalltrades said:
Awesome, another Halcon build!
I got a kit as well this christmas, but it seems to be a diffent laser cut, not containing the dinghi and e.g. Except the wood (5 sheets) it came with wooden sticks, cannon barrel and one spool of yarn.
Watching to see how yours is coming along.

View attachment 492980

View attachment 492981
Click to expand...
That looks a lot like the kit I got, missing the dinghy, anchors and other metal bits, and the sails. I'll be watching to see how someone with more experience than I does with this wee beastie.

I'll be starting mine, err, sometime. We are going to be having to sell this place by spring and wife insists I wait till after we move. My posting a build log on it was so I'd at least have a start.
 
Jimsky said:
I am wondering what models will be made more: Victory or Halcom ;)
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I'm going with Halcon on that, because I know I have no interest in the Victory at all. It's sort of off-putting just how many different models there are of it, how detailed, how complex the whole ship is. I'm also put off Old Ironsides for most of the same reasons, too many kits, too much coverage. I want things that mean something more to me, and where the aesthetics appeal to my stranger sense of beauty. Rattlesnake, HMS Pallas, Roter Lowe, HMS Enterprise, USS Enterprise 1799 schooner. But first, I have to practice the skills!
 
AslanB said:
I'm going with Halcon on that, because I know I have no interest in the Victory at all. It's sort of off-putting just how many different models there are of it, how detailed, how complex the whole ship is. I'm also put off Old Ironsides for most of the same reasons, too many kits, too much coverage. I want things that mean something more to me, and where the aesthetics appeal to my stranger sense of beauty. Rattlesnake, HMS Pallas, Roter Lowe, HMS Enterprise, USS Enterprise 1799 schooner. But first, I have to practice the skills!
Click to expand...
All of those are worthy vessels. Of those, Roter Löwe and Rattlesnake pique my interest.
 
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