Hi fellow model builders from around the world

[Gregor]

Hi fellow model builders from around the world
my name is Gregor, I’m from Cologne, and I recently joined this forum. First off, I’ve really enjoyed reading a lot of your posts. In my first post, I’d like to show you two models I completed in 2025. I haven’t seen either of them on SOS yet (I generally prefer less popular kits).
I look forward to a lively exchange of tips, experiences, and opinions.

 

[Gregor]

This little boat found its way to me all the way from Australia. It depicts the legendary “James Caird,” a lifeboat from Shackleton's “Endurance,” which played a key role in one of the most spectacular rescue operations in maritime history.
The deck of the finished model is covered with a tarpaulin. That’s why the hull is open on both sides, offering a glimpse of the cramped conditions and sparse equipment inside.
The kit is from Modelers Shipyard and is of excellent quality, both in terms of materials and instructions.

 

[Gregor]

Another model from 2025 is the Brixham Trawler “FD 10” by Billing Boats. Although I consider this boat a beauty, building it was rarely a pleasure.
I could still come to terms with the single planking of the hull, but unfortunately the kit comes with a large number of plastic parts that I had to replace with wood, such as the lifeboat and all the blocks, deadeyes, and cleats. The instructions were very vague, but at least this taught me to develop my own approach.
Still, it’s unlikely that I’ll build another model from this manufacturer.

I just realized that I haven’t taken a photo of the finished model yet and will do so in the coming days. And I’m trying to get into the habit of documenting the progress of my models better, so that I can share my current project—Corel’s “Flying Fish”—here as a build log.

 

[swampdweller126]

Hello and welcome to the forum, from NY

 

[Ignatius27]

Nice work, beautiful ships. Did you hem the sails on the trawler yourself or did they come pre-sewn?

 

[Gregor]

Hello and welcome to the forum, from NY

Thanks a lot

 

[Gregor]

Nice work, beautiful ships. Did you hem the sails on the trawler yourself or did they come pre-sewn?

Thank You very much.
The kit included only a single piece of fabric for making the sails. The quality didn't meet my expectations (too shiny), so I used my own material instead. I sewed the hems and panels on the sewing machine, and I attached the bolt ropes by hand.

 

[Ignatius27]

Thank You very much.
The kit included only a single piece of fabric for making the sails. The quality didn't meet my expectations (too shiny), so I used my own material instead. I sewed the hems and panels on the sewing machine, and I attached the bolt ropes by hand.

Nice work. I had to do the same when my Juan Sebastian de Elcano kit from Artesiana Latina came with shiny polyester sail material. I switched it with raw .75mm canvas and the sails looked much better.

 

[Jimsky]

Welcome on board SOS!

 

[Gregor]

Nice work. I had to do the same when my Juan Sebastian de Elcano kit from Artesiana Latina came with shiny polyester sail material. I switched it with raw .25mm canvas and the sails looked much better.

I think it would actually be asking too much for manufacturers to include ready-made sails with all the necessary details in kits of this price range. But a little more care in selecting the materials would be nice, wouldn't it?

 

[Gregor]

Welcome on board SOS!

Thank you, Sir.

 

[Bill-R]

Hello Gregor and welcome aboard. You did a beautiful job on your ships.

Bill

 

[Gregor]

Hello Gregor and welcome aboard. You did a beautiful job on your ships.

Bill

Thanks, Bill, for the compliment and the warm welcome

 

[Bryian]

Excellent work.

 

[BradNSW]

Welcome and thanks for sharing your wonderful models! Shackelton's story is incredible and your boat played a part!!