Hi Hinrich,Dearest Friends
As I have promised earlier today, I picked up Kolderstok Willem Barentsz #2 today.
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As I have become used to by now, packaging was superb - safe and secure.
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And this then is what sets this WB apart from its siblings - the Oak wood.
It quickly became clear to me that this is no ordinary WB. Of course, this is a very special kit to me as I suppose you can say that it is a custom-kit created for me. But the first thing that struck me on opening the box - and I must say I was not expecting this - was the huge impact of the oak wood. No matter at how many pictures of the 7P I have looked, (99% of those are ordered in oak), nothing could prepare me for just how beautiful the wood tone is.
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Just look at this 8mm-thick laser sheet containing the keel, rudder and assorted items.
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The oak just dominates the box.
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Close-up of the 1.5mm x 6mm planking strips.
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In total, there will be different wood types utilized for this build. From the top is the 1mm/1.5mm x 3mm/4mm strips, the1.5mm x 6mm strips, walnut strips in 1.5mm x 3mm/4mm and the 0.7mm x 4mm Abachi strips for the decks.
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Close-up of solid oak wood strips in three different thicknesses in case something additional has to be formed or cut-out.
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The selection of dowels that will make up the masts and spars.
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Such quality triplex I have yet to see on a model. It is extremely finely grained.
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On my request Hans has custom-made the windlass and mooring bitt for me out of solid 4mm oak and turned the octagonal windlass as well. I did make these on my current model so to make things a little easier for myself, I asked Hans to prefabricate these for me. This he did free of charge.
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The 3-D printed swan (De Zwaan) - a superb piece of very delicate work.
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The lifeboats - I do not even know how many there are, but I suspect three at least. The two @Kolderstok writing pads are incredibly useful.
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Sails and Flags
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Instruction Manuals - one for the hull and one dedicated to the rigging. This is in addition to the full-sized rigging plans.
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Ever wondered exactly how thick the rope must be that you use on your ratlines? Here is your answer and is the perfect example of the kind of detail that the manuals contain.
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The Japanese saw and handsaw I ordered; the hand drill was a surprise.
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As was the Clou water-based stain and two mixing bottles. Speak to guys like @Maarten and they will tell you - this stuff is the best. Unfortunately, Hans could not ship the alcohol-based product to me because of flight restrictions, but he remembered ... unbelievable ...
And then ... there is the clincher. When I saw this, I just went quiet. As a gift, Hans included this:
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To such a sentimental old fart as myself, this type of gesture is priceless. I have no words to thank him for this.
And that dear friends; is what #2 looks like. I did not attempt to do an unboxing or a kit review. I did not touch on the bulkheads, false keel, plans, ropes and the like as they will all be featured when I get to them during the build.
All that is left is to say a huge thank you to Hans and Kolderstok - I hope I can do this wonderful model justice!
I am very happy for you, that your long awaited WB #2 has arrived, the contents look great. Looks like another great kit from Kolderstok.

Cheers,
Stephen.