Golden Hind - OcCre 1:85

[CarlosE]

Finally unboxing the Golden Hind model from OcCre, which I got back in October 2024. My particular interest in this ship comes from its connection to Sir Francis Drake, who attacked Cartagena de Indias in 1586, with the Golden Hind serving as his flagship. This one joins my growing collection of ship models with fascinating stories behind them.

Since I’ve had issues with other kits arriving without all the necessary parts, I’ll take some extra time to carefully check that everything is included. I’d rather catch any missing pieces now than end up putting the build on hold later while waiting for replacements.

 

[CarlosE]

OcCre’s instructions are quite basic for a model marketed toward people who are just starting in the hobby (n my humble opinion).

I did a pre-assembly just to verify that everything fits as it should, and I also used a new tool to cut the material for the deck planks.

 

[CarlosE]

The deck plank work was completed, but the result wasn’t any good. All the planks are now being removed so we can start over and get it right. .

 

[CarlosE]

My second plank attempt went much better… at least compared with the disaster of the first attempt!

 

[CarlosE]

Moving forward today with the bulk-ward and gun port installation.



Everything looks fine until I start installing the gun ports... and then I discover yet another mistake!



One of the great things about modeling is that you learn how to solve your mistakes. In this case, I used a hand saw to cut the bulkhead, and then used a piece of wood to make sure it was flush and flat with the gun port, as it was supposed to be.

 

[CarlosE]

Gun port assembly is done, and I’m almost ready to start sanding to prepare for the first plank—if the Admiral grants me permission!

 

[CarlosE]

Since we are already in Cartagena visiting family, I set up a work table at my in-laws’ home.
So far this has been my Golden Hind shipyard.



The backyard table turned out to be the perfect place for sanding, a place to e enjoying the Cartagena weather—with the mosquitoes keeping me company !!




Sanding done!