Kit Review Cisne Negro (Black Swan), 1:75 by OcCre

Aaarrr! I love the overall look of this ship and it represents the "look" that I imagine a Jolly Roger ship would have. I am also a big admirer of Occre. Their kits have great quality materials and the instructions are first-rate, at least for me. They also have very good customer service. They will replace lost, missing or broken parts, no questions asked.
Aaarrr, now that’s the spirit! Sounds like ye were born to sail the decks o’ this fine vessel. And aye, Occre does know how to craft a quality kit—their materials, instructions, and customer care be top-notch in these waters.
Now I gotta ask ye, matey—if ye end up winnin’ this beauty, will ye be ready to hoist yer colors and share a build log with the crew? We’ll all be wantin’ to follow yer voyage from keel to crow’s nest. What say ye—are ye ready to set sail an’ show us how a true pirate builds?
 
Hi All
Looks an interesting build. Be nice to win it!
I've built a couple of other OCCre kits - not ships but railway engine and its accompanying rolling stock. It's the Adler. A nice build and I like the way the parts are presented.
Rob
Ahoy there, Punchie (Rob)! Yer tale o’ pirate youth warmed me old sea-salt heart—and yer love fer this ship be plain as day. But alas, matey… ye may’ve missed a line in the rules of the raffle: ye need at least 100 posts to toss yer hat in the ring. Think of it like provin’ ye’ve spent enough time at sea before claimin’ treasure, aye?
No need to abandon ship, though—stick around, join the chatter, and ye’ll be up to 100 in no time. And when the next raffle rolls in with the tide, ye’ll be ready to board, cutlass in hand and spyglass in pocket!

Fair winds, and keep that pirate spirit sharp, me hearty!
 
Let's continue the review of the assembly manual and other documentation from where we left off in the previous post. Here are some more details.

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The third set of instruction sheets features a series of clear, full-color photographs that walk you through the build step by step. These are generally self-explanatory and easy to follow. A few technical drawings are included alongside the photos to provide extra clarity.

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To complete the model with a historically inspired finish, OcCre offers an optional paint set specifically for the Black Swan. The set includes 7 bottles of paint, carefully selected to match the recommended colors for this kit. It’s a convenient way to ensure consistency and quality in your final presentation. You can find the paint pack here: Black Swan Paint Set – OcCre.

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Conclusion

The Black Swan kit offers exceptional value for money, providing a wealth of high-quality materials. Additionally, it’s a positive change to see that, rather than including the white-metal ship's boat, the launch is treated as a separate project on its own. OcCre continues its tradition of providing easy-to-follow, color-photo-driven instructions with accompanying text, making the assembly process straightforward to follow.

With an estimated build time of 480 hours and over 3,000 parts, this kit labeled medium difficulty, is best suited for intermediate to advanced modelers. The comprehensive instructions and high-quality components provide a rewarding challenge, culminating in a display-worthy piece.

OcCre's 1:75 scale The Black Swan model kit is a testament to the company's commitment to quality and historical representation. From its thoughtful packaging to the precision of its components, this kit promises an engaging and fulfilling building journey. Whether you're a seasoned modeler or a passionate enthusiast, The Black Swan is a worthy addition to any collection, IMHO.


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The SOS ruffle’s got a Black Swan kit up fer grabs, courtesy o’ OcCre! Join the chatter, or ye’ll miss the boat, matey! You plannin’ to toss yer name in the cask for that ruffle? Or already got yer eye on riggin’ one up yerself?

The raffle happened here



Ahoy me hearties! ⚓️‍☠️

As a small token o’ appreciation for this fine crew o’ shipbuilders, I’d like to offer — courtesy of LucZoRama — a FREE Black Swan paint package to the lucky winner of this grand raffle!

It be an honor to support this fine forum and all the skilled hands bringing these OcCre ships to life. LucZoRama warms pirate heart to give a little back to the community that keeps this hobby alive and sailin’ strong.

Best o’ luck to all who entered — may yer builds be smooth, and yer colors be true!

— Luczorama Team

Authorized OcCre Dealer | Proud Supporter of Ship Builders Everywhere

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I started building about four years ago, I have builds ships from four or five different manufacturers, never an Oc Cre. And the son wants to get me one to make to have in his office. And I thought he would like this one.
Plus the kit reviews are excellent.
Bobby K. Post 97.
I also Think a wonderful model like this will be great in his office. So many ⚓️‍☠️ conversation and specially make by his father is a wonderful gift for both of you. I will be honor to have any of both cases happening to me. First Place Metal
 
Thanks for the review, Jimsky. It looks like a very nice kit to build. My question is why Occre and Artesania are still making these metal parts. Are they cheaper to make than resin or plastic? They are quite difficult to work with, at least for me.
I would love to build this kit and prove that I'm wrong about metal parts, but unfortunately, my posts count sucks.
This is very interesting to hear and I think there could a solution for this particular problem. I will talk to OcCre about it and get back you.
 
Thanks, appreciate that! Yeah, those metal parts definitely spark mixed feelings. From what I understand, companies like Occre and Artesania Latina have stuck with white metal castings for a few reasons—partly tradition, but also practicality. Switching over to resin or high-quality plastic would mean major retooling, and that’s a big investment—especially for companies that cater to a niche market and can’t guarantee a return on that cost.

They also tend to move slowly when it comes to broad changes. Hiring new personnel or retraining for different production methods is another expense, so unless there's an apparent demand or benefit, they often stick with what works—even if it’s not ideal for every builder.

That said, I’ve seen great results from folks who clean and paint the metal parts well, and others who swap them out for aftermarket options like resin or 3D prints. Don’t let post count hold you back—this kit could be a good opportunity to see if the metal parts really are a dealbreaker for you

Do ya want to be added to the draw?


Yes, you are absolutely right and believe I can help on that matter with what you said about 3D printer.
 
Shiver me timbers. She looks a beauty. Me thinks I have found my next love. I may not be good at pirate talk but I'd love to add this boat to my fleet.
 
Shiver me timbers. She looks a beauty. Me thinks I have found my next love. I may not be good at pirate talk but I'd love to add this boat to my fleet.
Argh, matey @OldeManToad, yer heart’s set on this fine vessel for the ruffle, and who can blame ye? She’s a grand beauty, fit for any pirate’s fleet! But, shiver me timbers, the ruffle’s rules be callin’ for 100 posts to join the crew. Fret not, lad—sail the forums, share yer tales, and ye’ll hit that mark in no time. Keep yer compass pointed true, and we’ll see ye in the ruffle afore long!
 
Aaarrr, now that’s the spirit! Sounds like ye were born to sail the decks o’ this fine vessel. And aye, Occre does know how to craft a quality kit—their materials, instructions, and customer care be top-notch in these waters.
Now I gotta ask ye, matey—if ye end up winnin’ this beauty, will ye be ready to hoist yer colors and share a build log with the crew? We’ll all be wantin’ to follow yer voyage from keel to crow’s nest. What say ye—are ye ready to set sail an’ show us how a true pirate builds?
When I hoist my colours, the good folk of the Caribee will be quaking in their knee socks, I can bet you that!! And yes, there will be a build log, but with all that rum to quench my parched throat, I canna promise any exactitude in me work!
 
When I hoist my colours, the good folk of the Caribee will be quaking in their knee socks, I can bet you that!! And yes, there will be a build log, but with all that rum to quench my parched throat, I canna promise any exactitude in me work!
I love the idea if the rum. it is necessary I will say and yep is the pirate way sailer. Beer
 
It is only fitting that I build this ship--it's a fictitious ship and all of my other builds of actual ships have turned out to be equally fictitious, so it would fit right into my navy!
Now tell me this… be ye willin’ to throw yer hat in the ring for the raffle? There be treasure up fer grabs, and the crew’s gatherin’ fast. What say ye—ready to join the fray an’ test yer luck with the winds o’ fate?
 
Dear Masters...
I am a new member of the forum and I have 25 messages in total...I read the participation rules and I am very upset because I am very new to modeling. I am currently finishing the "golden hind" kit. I cannot participate in the contest because my message count is not enough.

However, can we review the rules of the contest and make them flexible in order to motivate new members and increase their desires?
I am also very eager to make a new kit. If the opportunity is given, I would like to participate in the contest...
Best regards
 
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