ROYAL CAROLINE 1:30 by Zhl my version, by Peglegreg

Peglegreg

Staff member
Forum Moderator
Joined
Jul 30, 2017
Messages
1,653
Points
488

Location
Central Coast NSW
G'day all
Before I start this log, and even before I have this kit, I have to thank some of our great members.
The first person to whom I havta say thanks to, is the no other, than owner of ZHL-Max. We have been talking, via emails from the start and everystep of the way, from the sale to the dispatch and finally when he gave me the tracking number. He was simply the best sales person and he kept me informed all the way.
I would dearly urge, all members that are thinking of buying this kit, they would use Max rather than all the eBay's site. I have found out, that these internet site are not the true ZHL's kits, but a 100% RIP OFFS. They are the same in every way, but Max is NOT getting the rightful sales, from his years of hard work and developments.
Max told me that all of his materials and timber are the highest quality and he would never use inferior wood in his carvings, hense that is another reason to use the true ZHL'S kits.
The second person, is our dear friend and my mentor John. You might know him only as Neptune. His incredible log on this kit is the only reason why I decide to get my own one. I thank him so much, and I hope to make a decent effort, to try to reach his very high standards.
I sent an email (via SOS friends notification) to John to ask him some questions and I gave him my mobile number and private email address, a day after I placed an order through Max. John straight away rang me, when he received my email and talked for a long time, like we have always been friends
He gave me a lot of valued advice on this model, of where to be careful about etc. and years and years of knowledge about our great hobby, he gave them all to me freely.
In one of our numerous conversations, he mentioned, that he was talking to a friend about his RC log on SOS. His friend asked him, why did he put all of his tiny 'hiccups' that he made into his log? John answered him straight away, "so they won't make the same mistakes". That is John to the key!
I will try do the same, but I will have John helping me, all the way, so MAYBE I might be lucky and be error free. What am I saying, that's an impossible thing to do in this hobby! DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!
The third person on my list, is my old friend, Janos. Before I placed an order with Max, I rang Janos and asked his advice over what is the best wood to use when carving? His great knowledge shone through, and he gave me the key information that I was after, so that is why I chosen the Boxwood version.
;)
As you all know, Janos does amazing sculptures for his models, and I trust his opinion completely.
The forth person, and not be the least, to whom I'm pleased to be a new friend, and a fellow Royal Caroline builder is Maarten.
I emailed Maarten, again through SOS, to get his advice and ideas on the way he is proceeding with his model. We have emailed a few times back and forward from Australia and Holland (what a great forum we have here, to be friends with people through out the whole world) and he has given me advice from his experience as well.
I'm thinking about doing something very similar to what Maarten is doing. It all depends on, if that I wanted to do, is feasible or not.
Some of you may know what I'm talking about, if you have read my log in the other forum! It appears that I have a lot of planning and thinking to do.
Any way, I'll be going through the both boxes and the many plans and diagrams and looking at all the different stages, before I even glue the first bulkhead, so it will be clear in my own mind. This way any issues that might come in the future will hopefully be sorted out. Here I go again, being dumb, we all know planing is good, but it NEVER GOES THE WAY WE WANT!
:mad:
If my ideas can become a reality, I will havta do some drawings etc to make sure things will be ok. Again being dumb!
:confused:
So it might be a long time before I start to build this kit. I'll keep you all informed all the way.
Thanks for watching and happymodelling to everyone!

Greg
 
Last edited:
Well said, and I agree with your sentiments 100 % Greg.

I have also had many purchases from Max at ZHL and find him a gentleman to deal with.
 
Hi Greg

One thing I really like about John's build logs is he shares his vast knowledge he has gained over decades. That experience is great for our friendly forum. A forum is all about the learning experience. If we have an issue we will be given positive information on how to treat an issue.

I look forward to seeing your build Greg

Cheers
Geoff
 
G'day Brian and Geoff.
Yes, we are to very fortunate to have friends like John, in this greatest forum! He will always give his vast knowledge to anyone that will ask for it. He is one of the 'purist gentlemen' that we have here.
Again Max, was brilliant in his sale approach when I bought this kit and this after sales service is outstanding.He deserve all the sales, because of his years of developments into our kits.
Max, told me in confidence, of his next model that he is working on, within a few years, after his development stages are all complete. He will be able to let you all know. All I can say, "IT's a BEAUTY".
Havagreatweekend to all

Greg
 
Last edited:
G'day all.

Great news for me! I had a text from HDL yesterday and I was informed that my kit will arrive this Thursday sometime.
:D
That's a fast delivery from China to Sydney then to the central coast in 13 days from order to delivery.
I must say a big thanks to Max for rushing this parcel for me. I told him that this is my 60th birthday present from my lovely wife, which is on the 14th.
He told me he'll do his best, but he said, all the cargo, to Australia and other destination are clogged up this time of year because of Christmas. Normally it would take 5 to 6 days extra to just to get it through customs at this time of year.
He must have pulled some 'huge strings' to rush it through, for me.
So, my palms are now bleeding, because of the itch, knowing it's only 4 more days until I can open (only to have a look, I've been told) and to explore the contents. LOL.
:p
I'M COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS!
Thanks for watching.
Happymodeling to all.

Greg
 
Last edited:
Hey Greg,
theres nothing better that opening up the boxes of a big new kit and going through all the parts and fittings in close up detail.
Its like being a child again with a Christmas present.

cheers Brian.
 
G'day John
Thank you for watching my log.
Good news! I've got the kit yesterday from Max at ZHL.
I'll post lots of photo of the opening the boxes after I make them small enough to upload.
But unfortunately my beautiful wife told me 'not to look at it, until my 60th birthday party is done next saturday week'.
:eek:
I think she right, and really, she hasn't give it to me yet.
Havagooday
Greg
 
Last edited:
G'day Greg, congratulations on your new kit, all you have to do is make sure you keep your hands off it till your Birthday
I look forward to your build and I know you will do a great job on it,
Best regards John.
 
Thanks John
Having a mentor like you and being a phone call away, I'm praying to keep up to your exacting schedule of craftsmanship.
I can see in the future, and we will be talking to you a LOT.
:oops:
Thanks for all the information that you have already have have me. Your blood is worth bottling.
Havagooday
Greg
 
Last edited:
Hi Greg

I agree John is a great mentor with decade off experience and is willing to share. I hope to see you start your fantastic model soon. From what I have seen in kits from ZHL you will have a fine build happening. Members like John will I know for sure will help you along your journey

Cheers
Geoff :D
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi Greg

I look forward to seeing your build

I have seen one of these high quality kits. With the parts provided in the kit, I doubt whether you will need upgrade in timber etc. on you build. I hope that manufactures take a lead role in improving there kits across the world. I wonder what the cost is due to poor timber and pat are in our hobby. Enjoy your build.

Cheers
Geoff
 
G'day Geoff
I often wonder that myself! I can only talk by my experience, it's not only the poor quality timber in the kits, that will add to a huge amount world wide, but more so, what is not included in the kits. I, for an example, added about $100 worth of materials in the AL HMS Endeavour kit. The decking furniture and the fittings are very, very basic.
This is NOT WITH THE ZHL KITS THAT I HAVE SEEN. They are superb!
Havagooday
Greg
 
Last edited:
Hi Greg,
thats the trouble with most kits, they have cheap veneer plywood for canon carriages and deck fittings so you cannot apply a clear varnish to them.

The high quality Royal Caroline and Le Requin kits that come from China have solid Cherry and Boxwood timber. I wish other manufacturers would follow their example and then I would be delighted to purchase from those manufacturers too
 
Greg when are you starting the new project

I am going to be following it keenly and a member like Neptune John will give you the best advice as he has a lot of years of experience. He is also willing to share his knowledge.

DIfferent parts of John's builds and how he goes about them I find fascinating.That teaches another modeler, like me that am inexperienced, but learning..

Cheers
Geoff
 
G'day Geoff.
I've haven't had a chance to do anything with this amazing kit, except to show some friends.
I agree with you 100% about John. He is a person, whom will give you all the help that you need, and as I said before, I'll be talking to John a lot, when ever I have a question. I'm certain, there are many! And I valued his vast knowledge completely.
:p
My beautiful wife is having a birthday party for me this Saturday and we are busy getting things right around the house.
Every free time, I'm thinking about what I want to do and so far it's working out, but there is s few issues that I have to make clear in my mind before starting the build.
I will have to do some drawings to work out the problems on the computer, before the actual build.
:rolleyes:
What I'm planning to do, is to have a full model, with sails and masks and full rigging. I'm also planning to the king's cabin (like Maarten), but the starboard side will be cut away to show the interior of the main and king's cabin easier. I will be making a clear persex cover the open area. I'm also planning to make cut down versions of all the forms that will make up these areas.

This is where I have to think about very hard. The chain plates will have to be on the clear perspex area and I don't think there would be enough strength to hold the tensions that these plates will have after the masks bring installed.

One way to solve this problem, is to use harwood beam, that will run behind the bottom decorative carvings and the plate can be attached to that. The forms can be extended to the chain plates aswel for added strength.
THIS IS WHERE I WOULD DEARLY LOVE EVERYONE'S INPUT!

So I would like your view on this matter and please give me alternative that might work.
I'll be posting photos of the first box opening very soon, as soon as I can reduce the file size.
Happymodeling and havagooday to all and thanks for watching.
Greg
 
Last edited:
Greg enjoy the builds and a lot of us will

John gas about 4 decadeof experience, I have 5 years. I have spoken to John and he will help along your build with his vast knowledge of hsd experience. That is what a forum is all about, one member helping another.

I wish your wife a happy birthday this saturday which will be Friday in the USA

All the bet

Cheers
Geoff
 
G'day Geoff
Thank you for your wishes, but is my 60th party that's she is arranging.

What you you think about my idea with the cut away side? Is it feasible to do what I'm planning?

Havagooday to all and thanks for watching!
Greg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Greg

You are the captain. What does John think

Happy 60th for next Saturday.

Cheers
Geoff
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Back
Top