Resumption of VASA build

After having completed my build of Corel's "HMS VICTORY cross-section," I am gearing up to resuming my build of Corel's VASA and I am a bit leery of doing so based on my experience with the X-section. As I have commented previously, straight out of the box, that kit was not at all even a reasonable representation of the VICTORY. I had to do quite a lot of scratch building and referring back to the plans I used in building the full model (Mamoli) to do the rigging. I am also a bit leery of creating a build log. I do not have CNC equipment, millers or a lathe (not yet anyway) like many of you do. I am trying to learn how to do 3D printing but the learning curve is rather steep. I do have good power tools but those are wood shop-size. I recently purchased an "X-Y" table for my Dremel drill press stand and have been practicing with it and turning out reasonably looking parts. I have done a considerable amount of research on the VASA including lots of information, drawings, etc., from Dr. Fred Hocker of the VASA Museum in Stockholm. I have saved lots of photos from various build logs for reference use. Still, work by some of you on your VASAs is a bit intimidating. I say that totally in a complimentary way.

So, my quandry is this. I feel that, from reading and following other build logs, I might benefit from the experience of you others, especially other VASA builders, as I progress with the construction of this ship. The vast majority of comments I have read in lots of build logs have been complementary, helpful, insightful and constructive and extremely rarely have negative comments been posted.

I welcome positive comments, especially from those who have built the Corel kit. What ever direction I take, this will be, as we all learn, building a model such as the VASA will require lots of time and patience and the learning of new and/or improved/unexpected skills.

I wouldn’t worry about CAD, CNC, or 3-D printing. I scratch build models without having access to any of these or a desire to use them. You can build a fine model of Vasa without them. Vasa of course was built almost entirely of wood so little or no metal turning requiring a lathe; cannons excepted but maybe you can use the kit supplied ones.

Since you have full size power tools, these can be used for model building. A full sized table saw with the right blade can be set up to rip planking. I use my full sized drill press daily.

And last but not least, much of this is a mind game. Don’t worry about stuff that needs to be done “down the road” focus on what you’re working on today. As you progress you will gain confidence.

Roger