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Advice re PoF

J

jamesphillipps

Joined
Jan 5, 2026
Messages
1
Points
3
Hi - new member

Have made:
HMAV Bounty -Caldercraft
HMS Terror -Occre
Revenge - Amati

These builds have gone OK but having seen some of the builds on SoS, would consider trying my hand at PoF - probably a cross section ? HMS Grando or Bonhomme Richard. Some of build logs show wonderful results and clearly some levels of skills which I don't possess. However would those cross section kits mentioned above be a good starting point? The kit reviews are very positive but as a first timer at frame building - are the instruction manuals adequate - they all seem to come from China - and I am apprehensive that they may assume a level of knowledge that I do not have. Any advice gratefully received.
Jim
 
jamesphillipps said:
Hi - new member

Have made:
HMAV Bounty -Caldercraft
HMS Terror -Occre
Revenge - Amati

These builds have gone OK but having seen some of the builds on SoS, would consider trying my hand at PoF - probably a cross section ? HMS Grando or Bonhomme Richard. Some of build logs show wonderful results and clearly some levels of skills which I don't possess. However would those cross section kits mentioned above be a good starting point? The kit reviews are very positive but as a first timer at frame building - are the instruction manuals adequate - they all seem to come from China - and I am apprehensive that they may assume a level of knowledge that I do not have. Any advice gratefully received.
Jim
Click to expand...
Hi, Jim. Welcome to the SoS-forum. You have already build a few model, so you have ‘some skills’. After 2 models myself I started the Bluenose PoF. So I started with a 55 frame model and that took some perseverance to sand and build them all. But starting with a cross section is a good idea. Then you have less frames to build. In some Chinese kits the instruction are in Chinese. But with the translation-app its easy the translate. Not always in the right way, but it gives a good direction. And with the examples of other build, you can find there a lot of information.
And a big advice: start a build-log yourself. Then you can post all your questions and for sure you get in no time a answer for other members.
Regards, Peter
 
Welcome to the forum! Looking forward to what you have to post.

I can make a recommendation for you that I've done myself. I built the Hayling Hoy kit from Modelship Dockyards as my first POF. Here's more information from the forum.
https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/pages/ModelShipDockyard2/

It is fully framed but the kit is straight forward and around $300 at the moment, available in cherry or pear. You end up with something you can be proud of without committing yourself for years. It has a manageable 36 frames + Hawse pieces. The instructions are largely 3D pictures, but there are limited proper drawings as well. Also, there are several build logs, including my own.

You can build it with or without masts and rigging. Also. David Antscherl did a beautiful book on the same ship that would allow you to build it from scratch if you wanted, complete with plans that could compliment the kit. The book has a huge number of details that you could bash the kit with. I did some fancy joinery and trim if found in that resource, even though I discovered the book later in the process.
Hayling Hoy by David Antscherl

You'll learn a lot about the format and will know for sure if that type of building is something you enjoy. You can find a link to my build log in my signature. I was happy. Just a suggestion.
 
If you're looking for a good kit, the Bonhomme Richard kit by ZHL (Unicorn) in Pear is high quality.

The link in my signature has a detailed build log from unpacking to building the display case. Tips and techniques are sprinkled throughout the log.

Lots of other logs on this kit to refer to on this forum!

Good luck.
 
Welcome aboard from Connecticut. I think one of the best way to get constructive feedback is to start a build log of your ship and efforts. It helps us all understand what you are doing and any problems. It is also fun to do!

Rob
 
Hi James,
as some members have already mentioned, there are excellent build logs available for various kits. Whether you prefer a cross-section or a complete ship is up to you.
 
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