HMS ONTARIO - A MARISSTELLA WOODEN SHIP KIT

[Tony P]

You’re doing fine. This kit is on my short list for my next project.

 

[Neil_jo]

I think it looks great. I found this build frustrating put mine aside for a while.

Neil

 

[José Catela Pequeno]

I think it looks great. I found this build frustrating put mine aside for a while.

Neil

One more modeler that gave up this kit?
Several other logs end up more or less the same way.
Hope you may pick it up again soon, Neil.

I believe the construction is frustrating because of the instructions.
Instructions are too focused in the maritime terminology, but is not so clear concerning what to do.
For instance:

• I made a mistake in the internal planking; Planks should have been sanded, so that the strips are narrower to the bow and wider to the stern. To be honest, this is in the plans and in the instructions, but written in a way that is not clear at all. At least not for me. Fortunately it will not be visible in the finished model... I will know better when I reach the external planking phase.
• I am now preparing the frames for the hull sheave blocks (three on each side). In the process I went through the instructions and tried to find all the parts for the sheave blocks. I couldn't understand clearly if the sheave (it self) is to be made out of photoetched parts, wood parts, or a mix of the two. The issue is not yet settled, but I am leaning to the last possibility (mix of photoetched and wood) which doesn't make sense to me. I am considering using a wood dowel and building them from scratch.

There are other examples and some parts of the instructions have to be red several times to make out what is meant.

The ship is very interesting and the quality of the parts seams to be quite good, but the kit would benefit from having the instructions reviewed. At least for less experienced builders such as myself.

Looking at it from the bright side: this is a hobby in which I expect and hope to have difficulties. This kit guarantees that requirement. For the time being I am satisfied with the challenge.

Best regards
Catela

 

[dockattner]

Looking at it from the bright side: this is a hobby in which I expect and hope to have difficulties. This kit guarantees that requirement.

A 'sunny side up' attitude is helpful in this hobby!

 

[Neil_jo]

One more modeler that gave up this kit?
Several other logs end up more or less the same way.
Hope you may pick it up again soon, Neil.

I did not give up, just frustrated put it aside for a while and built another kit.
But I'm back at it again. Messed up a few things but it's coming along.
I'm mostly building this from the plans and the pictures in the instruction booklet.
I wish there was a better parts list.
And yes there are a few uncompleted builds of the ship out there.

Neil

 

[Tony P]

I think many instructions were translated from another language to English. A lot gets lost in translation. I though Maristella had good instructions ?? Not the case ?

 

[José Catela Pequeno]

I think many instructions were translated from another language to English. A lot gets lost in translation. I though Maristella had good instructions ?? Not the case ?

Hi Tony!

In my opinion it is not only an issue of translation.

Construction steps are sometimes addressed more than once in different parts of the instruction booklet (298 pages...) and not always in the same way.

Different methods are proposed, with different materials.

For instance, the sheaves for the six sheave blocks to be embedded in the hull wall can be made from photo-etched parts, or laser cut wood parts.

In one part of the instruction book, they instruct making the 2 stern block sheaves by gluing two 0.5 mm-thick photo-etched halves and the other four middle-ship blocks sheaves using laser-cut parts. Don’t have a clue about the reason for this difference. The blocks are exactly the same (dimensions, function, installation in the build…).

In one other point of the instructions they write that the sheaves may all (the 6) be made with laser-cut parts.

Finally, the kit provides six laser-cut discs labeled with the 6 block references, but does not provide sufficient photo-etched parts.

For a modeler like me, perhaps below the level required for this kit, this is confusing:

1st question - why have two different construction methods for the stern blocks sheaves, if they are basically equal to the other four middle-ship sheaves?

2nd question - why don't the parts supplied match the first construction method?

3rd question - why have more than one option for the same thing (photo-etched or laser-cut)?

The issue can be easily solved by forgetting the photo-etched parts and using only the laser-cut. Alternatively new sheaves may be made out of a wood dowel.

But it is annoying and not reassuring for the rest of the build: I find these issues as I go along and never know if there will be others ahead, more difficult to solve.

The ship model is very interesting, but, as I wrote before, the kit would benefit from a review of the instructions.

Best regards

Catela

 

[MarisStella]

Introducing a New Era in Model Crafting: MS Model Ship Kits

We are proud to announce that our new production center, located in the heart of China, is now fully operational. This strategic advancement brings unprecedented value to the global scale modeling community and our distribution partners worldwide.

Unmatched Quality & Precision

Our manufacturing technology has achieved a generational leap forward. Products from our new facility exceed previous EU-based benchmarks by a significant margin, offering superior detail, fit, and finish that places us at the forefront of the industry.

Exceptional Value, Redefined

Through optimized production and supply chain efficiency, we have substantially reduced costs. We are passing these savings directly to the market, with a reduction in product pricing of approximately one-third.

A Clear & Rewarding Partnership

We have established a transparent, two-tier distribution structure, with a target margin of around 30% at each stage. Registered partners will also qualify for an additional cooperative discount, ensuring a healthy and profitable business model.


Global Brand Integrity

To ensure fair competition and protect the investment of all our partners, MS Model Ship Kits will be marketed under a globally unified suggested retail price. Adherence to this policy is essential for maintaining a stable and prosperous market for everyone.

Innovative Support: The MS Financing Program

We are introducing a proprietary and copyrighted support system: the MS Partner Financing Program. This flexible discount and credit scheme is designed to help partners manage inventory. Complete details will be provided in a separate partnership agreement.

Powerful Marketing, Delivered Daily

When you partner with MS, you gain more than a product line—you gain a full marketing arsenal. We are committed to providing daily, high-quality promotional materials, including professional video commercials, dynamic image sets, and digital content to drive customer engagement and sales.

Join Us.

This is more than a product launch; it is an invitation to build the future of scale modeling together. We provide the excellence, the value, and the tools. You provide the passion and the reach.

Stock the brand that crafts mastery. Become an MS Model Ship Kits Partner today.

For full partnership details and our complete product catalog, please contact us to get started.

Advantage center for distributor calling:


A Commitment to Authenticity: Our Research Journey

In 2022, we faced significant challenges regarding the perceived quality of the historical research underpinning our ship models. This vulnerability was exploited by competitors in attempts to discredit our products. In response, we embarked on a comprehensive initiative to solidify our foundation. We meticulously gathered primary source materials from relevant domestic museums, including manuscripts, contracts, books, professional studies, and high-resolution photographs of historical artifacts. Through dedicated study and analysis, we have since developed our own authoritative works and reference materials.

A major undertaking currently in production is a definitive book focused on the fleet of the Republic of Ragusa. This volume, spanning approximately 1,500 A4 pages, will integrate photographs of artifacts, our technical drawing designs, original research papers, and archival scripts, serving as an exhaustive scholarly resource.

Our research publication series began with the work “Navicello: Truth or Myth!?”

Furthermore, we have completed expanded research dossiers on the Ragusian Carrack, Cog, and Galleon. This deepened research directly informs a new series of promotional films for our ship model kit line, enhanced with professionally produced content that highlights historical precision and craftsmanship.

An Expert Analysis of Ragusan Naval Architecture: The Carrack, Nava, and Galleon (14th-17th Centuries)
https://youtu.be/B2t2HpFRl8w

Ragusian Nava,
The Forgotten Workhorse of the Adriatic
https://youtu.be/R7rNaH7QEfg

MS Model Ship Kits Ragusian Nava 215 Ragusian Wagons
https://youtu.be/S_jGEc70RD8

The Shallow-Draft Hulls of 16th Century
https://youtu.be/l9Q5jtAVSrs

MS Model Ship Kits

MS groups of the products
https://youtu.be/v-j1Vpzj1-8

MS innovative construction video
https://youtu.be/JEmJ4Ab_9CA

MS Ragusian Nava 215 wagons KIT and BUILD
Unboxing, Elements, and Build Log
https://youtu.be/qWvTTg61aD0
https://youtu.be/mL9PClP96Os
https://youtu.be/vhSw-sdwASg

HMS Ontario and HMS Speed works

This video was created as a result of MS Model Ship Kits research work. Refers to the 3D printed figures of Ragusian Cog, Carrack and Galleon ship models.
https://youtu.be/albX3qygzV4

MS Model ship kits, an innovation in making scale model sails from the Age of Sail period
https://youtu.be/a_VC0pCcwzQ

HMS Speedy boat reconstruction and MS Innovative boat making method
https://youtu.be/z4I2x_Uadig

HMS Speedy anchor reconstruction and MS Innovative anchor making method
https://youtu.be/ZQzp2T0ux2Q

HMS Ontario and HMS Speedy guns reconstruction
https://youtu.be/AYsnNxmk5UY

MS groups of the products
https://youtu.be/v-j1Vpzj1-8


Our Evolving Content Lineup:

Let us begin the presentation of our models, supported by this research:

Ragusian Cog
Ragusian Carrack
Ragusian Galleon
Brazzera
Trabaccolo
Štilac
Trajta
Pasara
Batelina
Barque Stefano

...and the remainder of the fleet.

This expanding library of top-tier research materials and films is designed to cover the complete historical and technical integrity of each vessel. We are committed to presenting maritime history with unwavering authenticity, bridging the legacy of the past with the precision of our present-day recreations.

MS Model Ship Kits

 

[Heinrich]

I think @MarisStella would be better served answering the specific questions that modelers ask rather than the multiple re-postings of the same material. It is wonderful to hear about all the research that MS is doing in their endeavours to provide accurate models, but if modelers (who have already invested in the company by purchasing the kits) are confused by the instructions, that should take priority over anything else.

 

[MarisStella]

Subject: Follow-Up on Our Recent Communication

Hi Heinrich,

It’s great to hear from you again. We sincerely apologize for the delay in our response—we experienced some internal organizational challenges, but those have now been fully resolved. Moving forward, we’ll be answering all inquiries promptly.

We’d also like to update you on exciting improvements we’ve made:

• Enhanced Production & Techniques: Our manufacturing processes have been upgraded significantly, ensuring higher quality and precision.
  
  
• Competitive Pricing & Network: We now offer better prices and an expanded network, providing greater value and reliability.

As a sample of our updated offerings, please refer to the attached instruction book. We’re confident it reflects the advancements we’ve implemented.

Looking forward to continuing our collaboration.

Best regards,

MS Model Ship Kits

 

[MarisStella]

Subject: Update on Our Instruction Books

Hello,

Please see the attached example of our latest instruction book. We have created updated versions with additional content and continuously improve these materials to help you better understand the projects.

Based on feedback and questions we receive, we regularly add explanations and clarifications to our instruction booklets. The example provided is the most recent version, but please note that it is not the final one—we are always refining and expanding these resources.

We truly value your work, communication, and the knowledge and experience you bring. Your input helps us make our products and instructions even better.

Please review this version and share any remarks or suggestions you may have. We appreciate your collaboration and enthusiasm!

Thank you, and keep up the great work—we love having you on board!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CNx2_MiIpjlATn2STOBvwiZKeZiSdwrL/view?usp=sharing

Best regards,

MS Model Ship Kits

 

[gedailey]

I think it looks great. I found this build frustrating put mine aside for a while.

Neil

Yes I have walked away from this kit several times over the last 2 or 3 years. Mine is the older version model. the transom is a bitch and trying to deal with it But I do come back to it while working another model. Anyway I have totally gotten rid of the kits instruction and I am now just common sensing it together my own way and now seeing a little progress....Four and a half years later I now realize that some of these instructions Suck no matter what you spend on the kits , so hang in there Neil and think it out with you own mind ,and little by little you will get their.....Thanks for posting ,At lease I know I am not alone.......

 

[Neil_jo]

Yes I have walked away from this kit several times over the last 2 or 3 years. Mine is the older version model. the transom is a bitch and trying to deal with it But I do come back to it while working another model. Anyway I have totally gotten rid of the kits instruction and I am now just common sensing it together my own way and now seeing a little progress....Four and a half years later I now realize that some of these instructions Suck no matter what you spend on the kits , so hang in there Neil and think it out with you own mind ,and little by little you will get their.....Thanks for posting ,At lease I know I am not alone.......

Thanks I'm still plugging away at mine.

Neil

 

[Tony P]

Hi Tony!

In my opinion it is not only an issue of translation.

Construction steps are sometimes addressed more than once in different parts of the instruction booklet (298 pages...) and not always in the same way.

Different methods are proposed, with different materials.

For instance, the sheaves for the six sheave blocks to be embedded in the hull wall can be made from photo-etched parts, or laser cut wood parts.

In one part of the instruction book, they instruct making the 2 stern block sheaves by gluing two 0.5 mm-thick photo-etched halves and the other four middle-ship blocks sheaves using laser-cut parts. Don’t have a clue about the reason for this difference. The blocks are exactly the same (dimensions, function, installation in the build…).

In one other point of the instructions they write that the sheaves may all (the 6) be made with laser-cut parts.

Finally, the kit provides six laser-cut discs labeled with the 6 block references, but does not provide sufficient photo-etched parts.

For a modeler like me, perhaps below the level required for this kit, this is confusing:

1st question - why have two different construction methods for the stern blocks sheaves, if they are basically equal to the other four middle-ship sheaves?

2nd question - why don't the parts supplied match the first construction method?

3rd question - why have more than one option for the same thing (photo-etched or laser-cut)?

The issue can be easily solved by forgetting the photo-etched parts and using only the laser-cut. Alternatively new sheaves may be made out of a wood dowel.

But it is annoying and not reassuring for the rest of the build: I find these issues as I go along and never know if there will be others ahead, more difficult to solve.

The ship model is very interesting, but, as I wrote before, the kit would benefit from a review of the instructions.

Best regards

Catela

We don’t know why kit makers make certain parts and instruct us in the way they do. All in all kit builders should have the means of making parts if needed. The instructions are extensive I see and a thorough read or several reads might help along with making notes if things aren’t explained clearly.