HMS Victory - Mantua 1:78 Build log

[AllanKP69]

Hi Phillip,
Do you know what year the kit represents? The photos you post show side davits for two of her ship's boats so I am guessing after 1860 which is the earliest known presence of her side davits. That is interesting as most kits seem to want to show her as she looked at her last sea battle at Trafalgar in 1805. (The transom davits supposedly were added in 1803 during her rebuild so would have been present at Trafalgar)
Allan

 

[Phillipsart]

HMS Victory Build – Bowsprit Progress & Question ️

I’ve started working on the bowsprit for my Victory build and I’ve hit a little snag.

As you can see in the photos, the plans and instructions aren’t to scale, and they fail to indicate the exact distance between the two key points on the bowsprit (shown in the diagram).

I’ve built the components and dry-fitted them, but without a measurement it’s a bit of guesswork.

Could anyone with the same kit (or who has already built this section) measure the correct distance for me? That would really help me get it right before I lock everything in place.

Thanks in advance – every bit of shared knowledge makes this build a little smoother!

 

[Phillipsart]

Mantua HMS Victory Build – Mast Work Begins ️
Big step forward today – I’ve started working on the masts. The very first one to take shape is the bowsprit, which is now fitted in place at the bow. This is a critical piece as it sets the foundation for the rigging that will eventually spread out across the foremast and forward sails.

I also began painting and detailing the bowsprit, giving it that authentic look to match the period fittings. The joints and supports have been carefully test-fitted to ensure the correct angles before I move further along with the rigging.

There’s still a lot more shaping, finishing, and detailing ahead – but seeing the bowsprit installed really changes the whole look of the ship. It finally starts to feel like HMS Victory is rising up with her towering masts.

Every little step is bringing this legend of the seas closer to life in miniature form.

️ Bit by bit, the Victory is taking shape!

 

[Phillipsart]

️ HMS Victory Build – Main Mast Progress ️

Started on the main mast today – one of the most important parts of the entire build. This section has taken quite a bit of careful filing, shaping, and sanding to get the correct tapers and squared sections as shown in the plans. It’s amazing how much detail goes into these masts, and I’m impressed with how well the kit captures the complexity.

I’ve also begun the painting stage – working the lower mast in the traditional yellow with black sections above, which already gives it that classic Victory look.

Next up is the crows’ bridge (fighting top). I’m still deciding whether to leave it in its natural timber with a varnished finish, which highlights the wood grain, or go with a more authentic black paint to match the period style and contrast with the mast. Both have their appeal – timber gives warmth and craftsmanship, while black ties it in with the ship’s historical look.

Lots more work ahead with fittings, rigging points, and detailing, but I’m very happy with how it’s starting to take shape. Each step makes this iconic ship feel more alive.

️ What do you think – paint the crows’ bridge black or leave it natural timber?

 

[GrantTyler]

She is looking impressive

 

[Phillipsart]

She is looking impressive

Thanks

 

[AllanKP69]

You may find the below drawing from The Masting and Rigging of English Ships of War by James Lees, on page 4 useful.

Allan

 

[Phillipsart]

I’ve decided to paint the crows’ bridge black as well. It gives it that authentic period look and really ties in with the ship’s style. Loving the way it’s coming together! ️

 

[AllanKP69]

The tops (crow's bridge) being painted black look great!. This is a kit thing for sure, but I wonder why they have a round hole in the cap for the masthead and the bottom of the topmast is round. Everything would be spinning in the wind
Allan

The two drawings on the right are from James Lees' The Masting and Rigging.

 

[Phillipsart]

The tops (crow's bridge) being painted black look great!. This is a kit thing for sure, but I wonder why they have a round hole in the cap for the masthead and the bottom of the topmast is round. Everything would be spinning in the wind
Allan

The two drawings on the right are from James Lees' The Masting and Rigging.



View attachment 539149

Yes. In reality, this would be an issue. In this case, I’m going to glue in place to stop any chance of it turning.

 

[Phillipsart]

The tops (crow's bridge) being painted black look great!. This is a kit thing for sure, but I wonder why they have a round hole in the cap for the masthead and the bottom of the topmast is round. Everything would be spinning in the wind
Allan

The two drawings on the right are from James Lees' The Masting and Rigging.



View attachment 539149

Looking at your drawing again. The part on the most left the bottom section of the main mast is square. The plans I have indicate to round the top so to fit into the cap

 

[AllanKP69]

The plans I have indicate to round the top so to fit into the cap

Hi Phillip,

Not a big thing and in the end I doubt many viewers will notice. but it is interesting to compare information based on contemporary evidence with what your drawings show.

The top section of the lower masts is square for most of the way in your photo, and the glue will keep it from turning as you mention, but on English ships there was no round section in any era for the top of the lower masts where the cap is secured.
Allan

 

[Phillipsart]

HMS Victory Build Progress – Masts Taking Shape!

Today was a big step forward in my Mantua HMS Victory build – I completed two of the four main masts! ️

This stage was all about careful measuring, sanding, and aligning each section of the masts to make sure they sit correctly through the decks and platforms. I’ve painted and fitted the mast sections, as well as added the platforms and trestletrees, which really start to give the ship that iconic towering look.

The main and fore masts are now in place, standing tall above the decks. Still to come are the cross masts (yards) which will stretch out horizontally to support the sails. Once those are added, the real challenge begins – the intricate web of rigging that will bring this model to life. That stage is where patience, planning, and steady hands will really be put to the test.

It’s amazing to see the HMS Victory starting to rise above the hull with her masts now in position. Each new section added makes the ship look more and more like the powerful warship she was in her prime.

Can’t wait to get into the next stages and see her truly take shape with rigging and sails!

Slowly but surely, she’s coming together.

 

[Phillipsart]

I ordered 1mm mantua black rope today. As my kit did not have any included.

 

[Phillipsart]

HMS Victory Build Progress Update

The build is really starting to take shape now! I’ve been working on the main masts, and they’re almost completed. Each mast has been carefully shaped, painted, and fitted in place, and it’s starting to give the ship her true towering presence.

At this stage, the cross masts (yards) are the next focus. I’ve already completed two of them, and now I’ve got another eleven to go. It’s a slow process with plenty of shaping, sanding, and attaching fittings, but the detail is worth the effort.

While working from the plans, I noticed something that I’d like some advice on from anyone who’s built this kit (or similar):

On the plans, the cross masts have ropes running through the eyelets attached to the mast (see photos and plan detail). I’m wondering what size rigging rope should be used for these particular lines. The plans don’t seem to specify clearly, so any input from experienced builders would be appreciated.

Each step brings the HMS Victory closer to her majestic final form, and I can already imagine how impressive she’ll look once the sails and full rigging are in place.

Stay tuned – it’s all about patience, precision, and progress one step at a time!

️ Two cross masts down, eleven more to go!

 

[Phillipsart]

HMS Victory Build Progress Update ️

Making some solid headway on my Mantua HMS Victory build! The main masts are now fully completed and fitted in place, giving the ship an imposing and authentic profile. I’ve also added the rope lashings to the main mast, which really brings out the detail and adds that extra layer of realism to the rigging.

Today, I turned my attention to the cross masts. Managed to get three of them completed – a meticulous process of shaping, painting, and attaching the rigging lines through the eyelets. It’s a fiddly job, but very rewarding once everything is lined up and tensioned correctly. Still quite a few more to go, but the progress is exciting as the framework for the sails begins to take shape.

Every step is bringing this legendary ship closer to life, and seeing the masts rising proudly from the deck is a real milestone in the build.

️ Slowly but surely, HMS Victory is coming together piece by piece. Can’t wait to see her in full sail with the rigging completed!

 

[Phillipsart]

HMS Victory Build Progress Update ️

Big milestone reached today – the side masts (Spars) are now fully completed! With these in place, I can officially say that all the timber work on the ship is finished. From the hull planking to the deck fittings, lifeboats, lanterns, and now the towering masts, every wooden detail is in its place.

The Victory is really starting to show her commanding presence, and seeing the masts rising high above the deck brings her to life in a whole new way. It’s been months of careful sanding, painting, shaping, and fitting – but each step has been worth it.

From here, the real challenge begins: the rigging. With hundreds of lines, blocks, and knots to add, it’s going to be a long and meticulous process, but it’s also the stage that will truly make the ship look alive under sail.

This has been a journey of patience and craftsmanship, and I’m thrilled with how far the build has come. HMS Victory is slowly transforming from a kit into a ship worthy of display.

Stay tuned – the rigging stage is next, and that’s when the magic really happens! ️

 

[Phillipsart]

Victory Rigging Update

First block for the rigging is officially attached – and I can already tell there are going to be a lot more to come! This is where the Mantua 1:78 Scale HMS Victory really starts to look alive with all her standing and running rigging in place.

One thing I’ve been thinking about is the rope colours. The kit comes supplied with tan rigging line, which is fine for the running rigging (all the lines that pass through blocks and pulleys). However, on the real HMS Victory the standing rigging – the lines that support the masts – were covered in black tar for weather protection. That gave them the dark, almost coal-black appearance we see in paintings and photographs of the ship today.

Since I want to keep my build as authentic as possible, I’d like my standing rigging in black, and keep the supplied tan rope for the running rigging. Unfortunately, living a bit remote means sourcing proper 1 mm black rigging line has been a challenge. I ordered 80 metres of Mantua’s black line from an online store, but after weeks of no replies and no dispatch, I’ve had to lodge a PayPal claim to recover the money.

That leaves me with the 100 metres of tan line supplied in the kit. I’m now debating whether I should dye some of it black to cover the standing rigging, and leave the rest natural for the running rigging.

My big question is: is 100 metres of 1 mm rigging rope enough to complete the Victory at this scale? I honestly have no idea how much will be used once all the shrouds, stays, and halyards are in place.

Either way, this stage of the build is going to be one of the most rewarding (and time-consuming!). Every rope added brings the ship closer to her final look – the HMS Victory in all her glory.

If anyone has experience with rope quantities or dyeing rigging, I’d love your input!

 

[Phillipsart]

HMS Victory Build Update – Deadeyes! ️

Today I made a start on fitting the deadeyes to my HMS Victory build. These are the round wooden discs you see mounted along the ship’s sides, each with three holes through them. At first glance they might just look like decoration,

It’s exciting to start this stage, because from here the standing rigging begins to take shape, and the ship will start to really look like a proper warship under full rig. Lots of meticulous rope work still to come, but each step brings Victory closer to life.

️ One small detail at a time – and the mighty Victory rises!

 

[AllanKP69]

PROGRESS!!! One small detail for the future, rope wooldings were eliminated on British ships built or rebuilt by 1800, like Victory was in 1803, and 3 inch wide iron hoops and iron bands were used in place of rope wooldings.
Allan