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I let my Admiral choose my new kit !

Bob Cleek said:
I get it. "Happy wife, happy life." You gotta dance with the gal ya' brung. Maybe you can talk her into letting you pick out her next fancy outfit or pair of shoes. What goes around, comes around. No? :D After retiring from over forty years as a preeminent trial and appellate divorce attorney, I know how these things work. Believe me, I do.
Click to expand...

Bob,
We are moving from SW Florida to Dallas, TX in 2 weeks. I let her pick out our new home and she found one she loved. Great ! What she doesn't know is that I also picked that one !ROTF
 
You can always start it, see how it goes, and set it aside temporarily for something else if you feel it's necessary, using pva glue so you can undo anything that needs fixing. Given your woodworking skills, I suspect that the rigging will be the most challenging aspect. You may well build the hull and display that while you figure out rigging. I'd also suggest starting a build log so that you can easily ask questions as you go.
 
Mike,

Situation = you go ahead with the OcCre Victory:

Remember - This is NOT one big object that is being assembled. This is many many much smaller models that finally get combined into the one big one. Much of it can be assembled as parallel subunits. If a step is frustrating you and having you look at the door, set it aside and work on a different subunit. The instructions by necessity are a single path A to B to C. Read them with an eye towards which can be done as its own model.
Place labels on the finished sub assemblies. You will think that you will remember just what a thing is and where it goes. But you brain's memory cell will reset and weeks or months later things will be: What the heck is this? Just where does it go?

Not many of us are able to avoid feeling overwhelmed when a model ship build is looked at as a single task.
 
Mike-H2O said:
Paul,
Absolutely. Once I told her to pick which kit she wanted, Lol, she was all over it like a monkey on a cupcake ! She knows very well that I am in for long, difficult journey. I read her some of the comments on this thread today. She said "If you don't attempt it, you will always wish you had. My thought as well.
I have already asked her to help with the finish & help keep me on track, motivated & organized.
She will be my side the whole journey.
Click to expand...
By way of encouragement: my first ever ship model is my avatar (a link to the Vasa is in my signature). Everybody is different - but it is not beyond the realm of possibilities that you will win the day building this big model... You will have lots of friends pulling for you!
 
Mike-H2O said:
That statement makes no practical sense, but I hope you can see my thought process.
Click to expand...
It makes perfect sense to me! If I had to choose between a ship model and Las Vegas, I'd take the ship model every time. In fact, if I had to choose between going to Las Vegas and going to the dentist, I'd pick the dentist. :) I'm not a Vegas kind of guy.

Definitely go for it. If you can remain engaged enough to complete that fretwork masterpiece, you should be able to do the same with your Victory. If you haven't already, you might also consider at this point to begin reading Patrick O'Brian's "Aubrey/Maturin Series," https://www.amazon.com/Book-Set-Commander-Mauritius-Desolation/dp/B007RH5EXM/ref=sr_1_4?adgrpid=1334807707780468&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d6hgGPsoh5HRbvCau7OYYwe97FQSRaJ75K-xEZcB_jG5XG08ifFq81uecJGSdtdyDzbY3jLusgIahH6D-eSvmt5WKpLrX-oPH5-zP8RjLfK5Ydj5rcBSMAUM3qp3HNCncgVRu6gbXOE3u2285jjXXiTbUIPB5tcC-tGaXybg9MvbS6UXzIvjV5jNQnRu5ho2D0ssLs8_tyH21-mjEZaaEJ_zM8va1APpXhQlwAl-DfN4Psy9mOY1jLX16Hc8qY7ZkxJtqYBXZzOIRuV_oqmdwdW0XB3IBLcKNMnioGHtl1c.gDKn5Jgqa-OZTuzUKG3XxAAADXNMxPa3-mAeMpcAgbE&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83425719046940&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=88716&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83425859199747:loc-190&hydadcr=10021_13485517&keywords=patrick+o'brian+books&mcid=7b0286eb499f355dbdf70fc5c76560aa&qid=1763716186&sr=8-4

Start with Master and Commander and work your way through in order. Watch the movie, Master and Commander first, if you haven't seen it yet. (It's streaming on Netflix or Prime, I think.) The movie is an amalgam of plots from some of the books. The book, Master and Commander, starts a bit slow, but stick with it and you'll soon be hooked on the series. I know of no other books that so accurately portray life in the Royal Navy in the age of Victory. Reading this series, you will learn the nomenclature and become intimately familiar with how ships like Victory worked and the enjoyment of your building of the model will be greatly enriched.
 
I think we may be drifting into comparisons that don’t really fit the situation. Mike isn’t dealing with a relationship issue — he’s sharing a modeling project and the story behind it. Let’s keep the focus on the build and the hobby, not on personal analogies that don’t really add anything to the discussion.

that is not true at all we are not robots assembling parts like in a factory, yes Mike is in fact dealing with a relationship issue if he lived along there would be NO issue but that is not the case here, he is in fact dealing with a complex issue that will play a big part in his state of mind as he navigates this project. i know from personal experience my wife is also my boss she owns and runs the Lumberyard for Model Shipwrights. We support each other as it is evident with Mike and his wife.
So Mike having to "keep the focus on the build and the hobby" is a cold-hearted approach. i say go for it you have the support you will need from both your wife and this forum. you do not have to build an award-winning model just do the best you can.
You are a lucky one who has a wife that takes an interest in what you are doing, it is beyond me some are so narrow minded they think assembling parts out of a box brings happiness it is so much more than that, an early statement from this very forum is "the people are far more important than the model being built" let's keep it that way.
 
Folks,

This thread has run it's course. I appreciate the dialog, conversations, debates & every comment. I have learned a lot from this thread in just 1 week. I also think I learned some things about myself. If it wasn't for this forum, I would not be attempting any build. Thank you for participating, watching & the encouragement.

Please, Please, follow my build log. I am going to need some serious help & advice.

HMS Victory - Limited Edition by Occre, 1:87

Stay Tuned... #853/999 Planning to start this journey - Feb/Mar '26 This will be my first build.
shipsofscale.com

Since I am new to this hobby, I cannot offer any advice on ship building.
Instead, I would like to offer one, meaningless tidbit of advice that has nothing to do with anything.
Those of you who do not know Pink Floyd's music & find yourself with 45 minutes of free, uninterrupted time, scan the internet to find a music platform & listen to
"Dark Side of the Moon" Album in its entirety

Thanks again,
Mike
 
Last edited:
Welcome aboard Mike, saw Roger and The Wall concert in Perth years ago, just amazing. I have done AL and Occre kits , after my limited experience I would have gone for an Amati Victory kit , or Kolderstok ,high quality (which I also have), look into ZHL kits , apparently the chinese are outdoing other kits. I love the fact your wife is involved, that's just beautiful. Enjoy the ride.
 
frankieg said:
Welcome aboard Mike, saw Roger and The Wall concert in Perth years ago, just amazing. I have done AL and Occre kits , after my limited experience I would have gone for an Amati Victory kit , or Kolderstok ,high quality (which I also have), look into ZHL kits , apparently the chinese are outdoing other kits. I love the fact your wife is involved, that's just beautiful. Enjoy the ride.
Click to expand...
Yes I have Dark side, Wish you were here on vinyl, the only way.
 
frankieg said:
Yes I have Dark side, Wish you were here on vinyl, the only way.
Click to expand...
Ok so I've read the whole feed now, Mike , I wish I had a partner that was so interested and will back you with your build. You have the skills and backing, I envy you. I'm sure this will work out for you, there is so much info on this site and if you are stuck, plenty of people here to help you. Maybe take some of the comments lightly. You've got this. Cheers mate
 
frankieg said:
... look into ZHL kits , apparently the chinese are outdoing other kits.
Click to expand...

But "buyer beware!" Chinese imports are extremely "iffy" right now, given the tariff situation and U.S./China trade negotiations. A variety of tariffs apply, and these taxes can change without notice. An AI query indicates the below tariffs currently apply, but the U.S. Customs interpretation of wooden model ship kits as subject to only the additional 10% tariff on "softwood timber products" or the additional 25% tariff on manufactured softwood products (e.g. furniture and cabinetry are expressly included) is uncertain.

The specific tariff rate for Chinese wooden ship model kits is complex and depends on the import method, but recent actions indicate a significant tariff of 54% or $100 per item on de minimis shipments, and a standard rate of 55% on other imports. These rates are influenced by recent executive actions, including the modification of the de minimis threshold and the imposition of other tariffs, so the exact rate can change. The rate is also subject to change, as the situation is evolving.
  • De minimis shipments: A new policy effective May 14, 2025, reduces the postal rate on certain Chinese imports to 54% ad valorem or $100 per item.
  • Standard imports: The current rate for many Chinese goods is 55%, which applies to all orders shipped to the U.S. and is determined when goods cross the border.
  • Other factors: Recent U.S. actions, such as tariffs on specific wood products like timber and furniture, could also apply to imported kits depending on their origin and components.
(September 29, 2025): (Created by Executive Order: a 10 percent tariff on softwood timber products and a 25 percent tariff on certain furniture items. The decisions follow an investigation that found wood product imports are weakening the US economy and resulting in “persistent threats of closures of wood mills and disruptions of wood product supply chains”. The products impacted by the new tariffs, which will come into effect on October 14, are softwood timber (10 percent), upholstered wooden furniture (25 percent), and completed kitchen cabinets and vanities (25 percent).

U.S. tariffs include shipping charges. Therefore, if you purchase a ZHL Bellona for ZHL's list price of $1,798 USD (See: https://www.zhlmodel.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=223) you would at least have to pay $1,169 or $1,438 for the base tariff tax of 65% or 80% depending upon how U.S. Customs defines recent tariffs imposes on softwood products, plus increased shipping costs and the same tariff tax rate applied to the shipping costs. Additional to that will be a new "port fee" charged to any Chinese-built cargo hull unloading products at U.S. ports. This new fee will be based on tonnage, which for an average container ship is estimated to run around $1,500,000. That will increase shipping costs passed on to the consumers, which in turn will also be taxed as part of the base tariff tax because all shipping costs are included in the imported item's taxable valuation subject to the tariffs. In summary, I would guess anybody buying a ZHL model is presently looking at the price of the item quoted on ZHL's website at least doubling with the shipping and tariff taxes thrown into the mix and that is not counting U.S. state sales taxes which may also apply.

The hell of it is that the best anybody can do is guess at what the shipping and tariff taxes will be in the end because the bottom line is that when your package arrives, a customs officer determines the customs duties (taxes) on it and you have to pay that to get your package out of hock with customs. If you don't pay the customs duty, you don't get your impounded shipment and you're out the base purchase price you paid to the foreign source.

All I can say at this point is anybody thinking about purchasing a ZHL model kit should follow the ZHL FaceBook page to see what clues they can glean from the discussions there. (See: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=zhl ship model tariffs)

I don't see how the Chinese wooden ship model manufacturers can sell anything in the U.S. at the moment because the U.S. import taxes have rendered them incapable of competing on the U.S. market at this time. The tariff taxes on ship models imported from Europe are lower in most cases, but nonetheless substantially increase the cost of the models imported from there, although not as much as those from China.
 
Wow. I had no clue re: that subject. Excellent info, especially for experienced people on SOS looking for their new kit. Thanks for sharing.
 
Bob Cleek said:
But "buyer beware!" Chinese imports are extremely "iffy" right now, given the tariff situation and U.S./China trade negotiations. A variety of tariffs apply, and these taxes can change without notice. An AI query indicates the below tariffs currently apply, but the U.S. Customs interpretation of wooden model ship kits as subject to only the additional 10% tariff on "softwood timber products" or the additional 25% tariff on manufactured softwood products (e.g. furniture and cabinetry are expressly included) is uncertain.

The specific tariff rate for Chinese wooden ship model kits is complex and depends on the import method, but recent actions indicate a significant tariff of 54% or $100 per item on de minimis shipments, and a standard rate of 55% on other imports. These rates are influenced by recent executive actions, including the modification of the de minimis threshold and the imposition of other tariffs, so the exact rate can change. The rate is also subject to change, as the situation is evolving.
  • De minimis shipments: A new policy effective May 14, 2025, reduces the postal rate on certain Chinese imports to 54% ad valorem or $100 per item.
  • Standard imports: The current rate for many Chinese goods is 55%, which applies to all orders shipped to the U.S. and is determined when goods cross the border.
  • Other factors: Recent U.S. actions, such as tariffs on specific wood products like timber and furniture, could also apply to imported kits depending on their origin and components.
(September 29, 2025): (Created by Executive Order: a 10 percent tariff on softwood timber products and a 25 percent tariff on certain furniture items. The decisions follow an investigation that found wood product imports are weakening the US economy and resulting in “persistent threats of closures of wood mills and disruptions of wood product supply chains”. The products impacted by the new tariffs, which will come into effect on October 14, are softwood timber (10 percent), upholstered wooden furniture (25 percent), and completed kitchen cabinets and vanities (25 percent).

U.S. tariffs include shipping charges. Therefore, if you purchase a ZHL Bellona for ZHL's list price of $1,798 USD (See: https://www.zhlmodel.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=223) you would at least have to pay $1,169 or $1,438 for the base tariff tax of 65% or 80% depending upon how U.S. Customs defines recent tariffs imposes on softwood products, plus increased shipping costs and the same tariff tax rate applied to the shipping costs. Additional to that will be a new "port fee" charged to any Chinese-built cargo hull unloading products at U.S. ports. This new fee will be based on tonnage, which for an average container ship is estimated to run around $1,500,000. That will increase shipping costs passed on to the consumers, which in turn will also be taxed as part of the base tariff tax because all shipping costs are included in the imported item's taxable valuation subject to the tariffs. In summary, I would guess anybody buying a ZHL model is presently looking at the price of the item quoted on ZHL's website at least doubling with the shipping and tariff taxes thrown into the mix and that is not counting U.S. state sales taxes which may also apply.

The hell of it is that the best anybody can do is guess at what the shipping and tariff taxes will be in the end because the bottom line is that when your package arrives, a customs officer determines the customs duties (taxes) on it and you have to pay that to get your package out of hock with customs. If you don't pay the customs duty, you don't get your impounded shipment and you're out the base purchase price you paid to the foreign source.

All I can say at this point is anybody thinking about purchasing a ZHL model kit should follow the ZHL FaceBook page to see what clues they can glean from the discussions there. (See: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=zhl ship model tariffs)

I don't see how the Chinese wooden ship model manufacturers can sell anything in the U.S. at the moment because the U.S. import taxes have rendered them incapable of competing on the U.S. market at this time. The tariff taxes on ship models imported from Europe are lower in most cases, but nonetheless substantially increase the cost of the models imported from there, although not as much as those from China.
Click to expand...
No tariffs to Australia
 
A bit late to the game, but I've only got a few words to say.

First and foremost, congratulations on deciding to tackle this hobby. Second, congratulations on having such a wonderful life partner that would choose to purchase such a wonderful kit for you.

As for the hobby itself, I find it rewarding and a test of my skills in multiple domains. I too have a lot of experience in 3D modeling and drafting/civil eng, and that comes in quite handy when trying to read the plans for a kit. Starting as a young child, I loved building model kits... though those consisted of plastic models and lots of Guillows (sp?) balsa and tissue aircraft kits.

One key consideration that others have made, and you fully understand from your scrollsaw work... is that each time you sit down to work on the project, only proceed for as long as you find it comfortable and interesting. If you're getting tired, frustrated, or confused... that's a good time to call it quits for that session. It should always be challenging but fun, and if you're tired or angry, that will lead to mistakes... and worse... give you apprehension about starting on it again.

I do echo the sentiment that you could consider building a smaller and far less costly POF kit to develop your basic skills. In particular I'm thinking about planking and rigging, as those are the two most unique aspects of wooden model ship building (IMHO). A small kit (but a decent kit that's well reviewed here) is the perfect learning opportunity. As someone who has built many homes, you likely started out small and worked your way up to the big ones, right? You grow with each successive endeavour and the experience yields confidence.

Personally, I have zero doubt that you'll be successful with your Victory. Its the right model for you because someone who loves you bought it for you because they have faith in your abilities and wanted to see a huge smile on your face.

Welcome to SOS, and I look forward to following your progress as you work on this lovely project.
 
I have only just seen this string from the Saturday alert. My commanding officer is of the same mind as your Admiral - something to keep your mind and skill set really focussed, but goodness, what a model to take on for a first build! There are some very good suggestions in the string, but also consider a few simpler models like the Marie Jeanne (Billing or Artesania), or if you are looking for a gunship something like Caldercrafts HMS Pickle which don't cost much, but will teach you what you need to understand about planking and rigging and which tools are best. It is a hobby - so what if it takes a few years to complete your Victory, there are plenty of builders who work on models over 3-5 years and when you think about the cost, spreading it over that time means it is not that expensive as hobbies go.
 
frankieg said:
Welcome aboard Mike, saw Roger and The Wall concert in Perth years ago, just amazing. I have done AL and Occre kits , after my limited experience I would have gone for an Amati Victory kit , or Kolderstok ,high quality (which I also have), look into ZHL kits , apparently the chinese are outdoing other kits. I love the fact your wife is involved, that's just beautiful. Enjoy the ride.
Click to expand...
 
Bob Cleek said:
But "buyer beware!" Chinese imports are extremely "iffy" right now, given the tariff situation and U.S./China trade negotiations. A variety of tariffs apply, and these taxes can change without notice. An AI query indicates the below tariffs currently apply, but the U.S. Customs interpretation of wooden model ship kits as subject to only the additional 10% tariff on "softwood timber products" or the additional 25% tariff on manufactured softwood products (e.g. furniture and cabinetry are expressly included) is uncertain.

The specific tariff rate for Chinese wooden ship model kits is complex and depends on the import method, but recent actions indicate a significant tariff of 54% or $100 per item on de minimis shipments, and a standard rate of 55% on other imports. These rates are influenced by recent executive actions, including the modification of the de minimis threshold and the imposition of other tariffs, so the exact rate can change. The rate is also subject to change, as the situation is evolving.
  • De minimis shipments: A new policy effective May 14, 2025, reduces the postal rate on certain Chinese imports to 54% ad valorem or $100 per item.
  • Standard imports: The current rate for many Chinese goods is 55%, which applies to all orders shipped to the U.S. and is determined when goods cross the border.
  • Other factors: Recent U.S. actions, such as tariffs on specific wood products like timber and furniture, could also apply to imported kits depending on their origin and components.
(September 29, 2025): (Created by Executive Order: a 10 percent tariff on softwood timber products and a 25 percent tariff on certain furniture items. The decisions follow an investigation that found wood product imports are weakening the US economy and resulting in “persistent threats of closures of wood mills and disruptions of wood product supply chains”. The products impacted by the new tariffs, which will come into effect on October 14, are softwood timber (10 percent), upholstered wooden furniture (25 percent), and completed kitchen cabinets and vanities (25 percent).

U.S. tariffs include shipping charges. Therefore, if you purchase a ZHL Bellona for ZHL's list price of $1,798 USD (See: https://www.zhlmodel.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=223) you would at least have to pay $1,169 or $1,438 for the base tariff tax of 65% or 80% depending upon how U.S. Customs defines recent tariffs imposes on softwood products, plus increased shipping costs and the same tariff tax rate applied to the shipping costs. Additional to that will be a new "port fee" charged to any Chinese-built cargo hull unloading products at U.S. ports. This new fee will be based on tonnage, which for an average container ship is estimated to run around $1,500,000. That will increase shipping costs passed on to the consumers, which in turn will also be taxed as part of the base tariff tax because all shipping costs are included in the imported item's taxable valuation subject to the tariffs. In summary, I would guess anybody buying a ZHL model is presently looking at the price of the item quoted on ZHL's website at least doubling with the shipping and tariff taxes thrown into the mix and that is not counting U.S. state sales taxes which may also apply.

The hell of it is that the best anybody can do is guess at what the shipping and tariff taxes will be in the end because the bottom line is that when your package arrives, a customs officer determines the customs duties (taxes) on it and you have to pay that to get your package out of hock with customs. If you don't pay the customs duty, you don't get your impounded shipment and you're out the base purchase price you paid to the foreign source.

All I can say at this point is anybody thinking about purchasing a ZHL model kit should follow the ZHL FaceBook page to see what clues they can glean from the discussions there. (See: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=zhl ship model tariffs)

I don't see how the Chinese wooden ship model manufacturers can sell anything in the U.S. at the moment because the U.S. import taxes have rendered them incapable of competing on the U.S. market at this time. The tariff taxes on ship models imported from Europe are lower in most cases, but nonetheless substantially increase the cost of the models imported from there, although not as much as those from China.
Click to expand...
 
Hi, as of November 21 when I received a shipment from China the Tariff Duties were 30%. Des
scription of goods was Toy Model Puzzle, Duty class 9902.01.24 20% tariff rate, 9903.0125 10% rate and 9503.00.0090 free. You can look up what the duty class is.
 
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