HMS Victory [1805] 1:79 by serikoff. Started with Mantua -> Upgraded with John McKay's Anatomy.

[Tobias]

Hi Sergey, great news. You'll definitely enjoy building the Alert. As for your question about whether you should do both at the same time, well, it's doable to a certain extent, but very difficult. I see it in both of my projects and I can only say that I wouldn't do it again.

 

[serikoff]

Congratulations on your future project with the HMS ALERT.
It is a very beautiful kit designed and produced with modern means.
It will change category compared to MANTUA from the 70s-80s.
What is funny is that I also have a project to start in some time on the French frigate LA BELLE POULE 1765 from the same manufacturer ZHL Model.
If it were me, I would finish the VICTORY before starting the ALERT.
As my grandmother used to say, "you should never run after two hares at the same time"!

Thank you for your congratulations. Well, regarding finishing Victory, it's very ambitious))) I've been doing it for so long that it's scary to imagine how I'll finish it. But still, I'll rest for now and switch to something new to relax. There's a lot of work on the new project even before it starts. So I'm still in the preparation and emotional admiration stage... and that's the most important thing for me))

Hello! What kind of ship modeler would you be if you didn't have unfinished ships in your closet?

Right on target!! By the way, I bought this set from one Madelis, who has 5 started ships and another one at the box stage)))) I sold this one so that I wouldn't be tempted to start something else))))

Hi Sergey, great news. You'll definitely enjoy building the Alert. As for your question about whether you should do both at the same time, well, it's doable to a certain extent, but very difficult. I see it in both of my projects and I can only say that I wouldn't do it again.

I understand... especially when it comes to time. I am eager to start a new ship, but for now I clearly understand that it is necessary to bring Pobeda at least to a stage where it looks like something finished in the display case. At least cover the hull with rigging and oil and sketch out some elements for effect. And when all this beauty will cause admiration, then at this stage it can be frozen. There is no place to put it in full size with masts and rigging anyway))

 

[Hoss6262]

Today, I finally reached the waterline. From the keel to the waterline (WL), there are 29 rows of copper plating. To prevent glue from seeping onto the paint above the plates, I use electrical tape, which I align precisely along the waterline.

View attachment 491544

As planned, I started plating from the keel upward, ensuring the rows remained perfectly horizontal to the keel. Upon reaching the waterline, I switched to plating horizontally along the waterline, ensuring the rows align with it. This way, the lower rows naturally taper into these, rather than the other way around.

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At the stern, I'll taper the rows to a point, while at the bow, two rows will follow the waterline.

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A few words about "tapering" (the rows that narrow to a point): Since the copper plating simulates nails, the upper edge of the plates (where the nail imprints are close together) must always be preserved to maintain this appearance. I first mark the cut line, then, if the section is above the waterline, I cover it with electrical tape before attaching the row. Once the top row is in place, I can proceed with the lower ones.

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After securing the plates, I completed a full row that tapers to nothing for the first time.

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On one side, the progress so far looks like this:

View attachment 491554

For the other side (I work on both sides simultaneously in portions), I start at the waterline and work downward to meet the lower rows, carefully mirroring the pattern from the first side. Even if something doesn’t align perfectly, I can blend the rows seamlessly because these sections will be lower. And, as expected, slight discrepancies appeared—an excess of about 1.5 mm. I’ll have to find a way to cover this, but since it’s a small area, it should remain unnoticeable.

Another issue has emerged: when removing the protective electrical tape, small fragments of paint come off with it. I’ll likely need to touch up the lower wales to fix these imperfections.

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The holidays are coming up, which means I’ll have more time to work on the ship. I’m eager to finally finish the copper plating. Honestly… this might be the last time I do it (if I build another model). It’s such a specialized and tedious task!

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday season—whether you celebrate New Year, Christmas, or any other holiday. I wish you all health, kindness, and PEACE! I never thought I’d find myself genuinely wishing for peace, but .here we are. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones!

Hello Sergey, I'm just now caught up on your project. I appreciate your controlled approach to applying your Victory's copper plates, defining your borders, and ensuring your lines are straight. It is so easy to be off just slightly on the first couple of plates and then realize the "drift" later.
Well done, on the entire model, Sir.

 

[serikoff]

Hello Sergey, I'm just now caught up on your project. I appreciate your controlled approach to applying your Victory's copper plates, defining your borders, and ensuring your lines are straight. It is so easy to be off just slightly on the first couple of plates and then realize the "drift" later.
Well done, on the entire model, Sir.

Thank you for your words. I really hope that the copper sheathing will work out because there are questions about how the lines begin to converge. And if I did it with an overlap, then it would be possible to bend them, but... in this case it is problematic. I will try to do one fragment, the most difficult one, on the one hand, and see how it all looks and then it will be clear whether the result will be good or not.

 

[serikoff]

Hello, everyone, and happy New Year!
I’ve spent a long time thinking about what to do with my new project, and, as always, I’ve decided to approach it as logically as possible. While I still have time for the hobby, I’ll start work on Alert, but only after finishing a few key tasks on Victory:

1. Complete the copper plating (this will take the most time, around 10–12 days).
2. Attach the railings (1–2 days).
3. Add nail imitations on the remaining decks (2–3 days).
4. Drill the holes for the gun ports (2 days).
5. Clean out all the dust and polish the hull; maybe touch up some imperfections with paint (2 days).
6. Polish the copper plating (2 days).
7. Oil the entire hull and decks (2–3 days).
8. Possibly oil the grates and the head (1 day).

The goal is to finish everything so that there are no major tasks left for the hull, aside from attaching smaller details. Once done, I’ll place the hull on a new stand inside the display case. It will wait there until I have less time for the hobby, allowing me to occasionally create and attach individual elements to the hull.
After completing these tasks for Victory, I’ll start Alert, as long as I have the time and opportunity to work with wood. I’m eager to begin, but I don’t want to be one of those people who start a build log with just pictures of the kit, an unboxing, or the keel partially assembled.
I’ve already made some progress with Alert: Reviewed the instructions, Cleaned the parts of dust, Started work on the drawings.

Soon, I’ll publish a series of posts in a new build log for Alert, beginning with a kit review. This should be helpful for those considering purchasing it on AliExpress. After that, I hope I’ll have the time and resources to move forward with the build.
Good luck to everyone in the new year, and may you have the strength to continue your projects!

 

[dockattner]

1. Complete the copper plating (this will take the most time, around 10–12 days).
2. Attach the railings (1–2 days).
3. Add nail imitations on the remaining decks (2–3 days).
4. Drill the holes for the gun ports (2 days).
5. Clean out all the dust and polish the hull; maybe touch up some imperfections with paint (2 days).
6. Polish the copper plating (2 days).
7. Oil the entire hull and decks (2–3 days).
8. Possibly oil the grates and the head (1 day).

I love the precision in your plan...

MOD composite #13 at 9:00 am; check hygiene prophy at 9:40 am; at 9:50 am cut preps and take impression for porcelain veneers #6-11 (patient hates the sound of drills so be sure to turn up the music in the op); 11:30 am crown prep #14 then lunch...

It's all a plan until the 9:00 shows up at 9:15 am .

 

[AnobiumPunctatum]

I think there are a lot of fotos and a kit presentation in the group build area of this kit. I think you're really optimistic in your time schedule.
But I fully understand you that you like to start. Do not do this - I have an unfinished Alert on the shel and did not know when I will go back to her.

 

[serikoff]

I love the precision in your plan...

MOD composite #13 at 9:00 am; check hygiene prophy at 9:40 am; at 9:50 am cut preps and take impression for porcelain veneers #6-11 (patient hates the sound of drills so be sure to turn up the music in the op); 11:30 am crown prep #14 then lunch...

It's all a plan until the 9:00 shows up at 9:15 am .

100%
We like everything to be precise and according to plan)))

I think there are a lot of fotos and a kit presentation in the group build area of this kit. I think you're really optimistic in your time schedule.
But I fully understand you that you like to start. Do not do this - I have an unfinished Alert on the shel and did not know when I will go back to her.

I agree, but all the kits there are the same, and I have from AliExpress, and there is some difference. I haven't started assembling yet only to be absolutely sure that I can do everything. As I already said, my decision is more than logical. While I have time, I will start, and when there is little time for a hobby, I will slowly finish projects. Otherwise, if I don't start now, then it is not a fact that I will be able to do it later.. then why did I buy this kit?))))) It is better to set big goals for yourself... it is harder to miss them))

 

[Bill-R]

I think that’s a great plan.

Bill

 

[RogerD]

I love the precision in your plan...

MOD composite #13 at 9:00 am; check hygiene prophy at 9:40 am; at 9:50 am cut preps and take impression for porcelain veneers #6-11 (patient hates the sound of drills so be sure to turn up the music in the op); 11:30 am crown prep #14 then lunch...

It's all a plan until the 9:00 shows up at 9:15 am .

Some interesting timings and a tightly laid out plan, like Sergey. However, you didn’t mention how you’ll use that 15 minutes (0900 to 0915) as model time. As for all that prep stuff just wing it - oh, you have a dental term for that too .

 

[RogerD]

Interesting thought processes about building more than one model at the same time. You sound very organized Sergey so no doubt it’s very attainable for you. I’ve been tempted to do the same thing with two models but I know I’ll never get either finished if I do that. Knowing my disorganization skills I’d end up with the for’d end of one model attached to the aft end of the other .

 

[serikoff]

So, I did it... I created a new thread for the HMS Alert build. I’d be happy to welcome you all there. I really don’t want to be among those who finished an overview without starting the build, or stopped at the box review or the keel and slipway stage. But life has its own plans, and it tends to make adjustments. It’s human nature to start things but not always finish them.

In the near future, I’ll post a brief review of the kit. As I mentioned, it’s slightly different from the usual one since it was purchased on AliExpress. Anyway, everything about this build will now be there, at this link…

HMS Alert [1777] 1:48 POF by serikoff. (Two hulls: skeleton and fully rigged)

Background My name is Sergey, but in the ship modeling community, I’m known by the nickname serikoff. Currently, I have an unfinished project, HMS Victory, which I started in 2009 (although the project was on hold for ten years). My plan is to bring the model to the stage of a partially...

shipsofscale.com

For now, I’d like to finish the copper plating, which is what I’m about to go and do. Wishing you all kindness and peace!

 

[Jimsky]

I love the precision in your plan...

MOD composite #13 at 9:00 am; check hygiene prophy at 9:40 am; at 9:50 am cut preps and take impression for porcelain veneers #6-11 (patient hates the sound of drills so be sure to turn up the music in the op); 11:30 am crown prep #14 then lunch...

It's all a plan until the 9:00 shows up at 9:15 am .

... what is lunch?

 

[serikoff]

I think that’s a great plan.

Bill

Thanks for support))

Interesting thought processes about building more than one model at the same time. You sound very organized Sergey so no doubt it’s very attainable for you. I’ve been tempted to do the same thing with two models but I know I’ll never get either finished if I do that. Knowing my disorganization skills I’d end up with the for’d end of one model attached to the aft end of the other .

I'm also afraid of this, since I've already taken a 10-year break from construction... But here, everything is logical, there is time, you need to use it, and if you don't have it, then you'll regret not finishing)))) Just kidding, I'd like to finish both.

 

[GrantTyler]

As for all that prep stuff just wing it

Now we are talking Roger….I have a pilots license for just winging it

 

[serikoff]

I’m truly glad I bought this kit and can take my time with it. I had some minor difficulties with the copper plating, which frustrated me, but I shifted my focus to the Alert—translating the instructions, cleaning the parts, and then returned to the copper plating today, resolving the issues.
I figured out how to approach the placement of strips under the stern and discovered a way to speed up the preparation of the copper. Now, instead of applying tape to each strip individually, I apply it to the entire sheet and then cut the sheet with the tape into the required strips. I initially avoided this method because I was worried the tape might interfere with the cutting. However, after testing it, I realized the key is to replace the blade more frequently to ensure it cuts the copper cleanly. This adjustment significantly sped up the preparation process. What used to take two days now takes just 2.5 hours per sheet.



I accomplished quite a lot today. Tomorrow, I’ll aim to symmetrically apply the plating on the other side.




And I’m particularly pleased with how the strips are aligning, just as I envisioned.

 

[Bill-R]

I liked your idea of switching focus to another ship for a while and then returning to the Victory. I very often will have several projects going at the same time for that same reason.

Bill

 

[Chestcutter]

Apologies posted in error

 

[Mwentling]

Hello to all my colleagues in the best hobby in the world!

My name is Sergey, but in the world of ships, I go by the name serikoff.

And here’s my story. (Without this introduction, it might be hard to understand me).

I’m from Ukraine and I am the creator of a website and forum dedicated to wooden shipbuilding. My forum is one of the largest in Ukraine. It began functioning fully in 2012. There are more than 150 build logs, just as many threads featuring completed models, and 250 threads discussing techniques and other topics. Some of the modelers who have published their work include prominent names such as: Evgeny Epur, Dmitry Shevelev, and Vladislav Zhdan. These names are well-known in our region. (By the way, Olga, who is known here under the nickname shipphotographer.com, also regularly published her work. It’s not surprising, since we’re from the same area). But! The situation started to deteriorate after 2014, when we began having issues with the website’s domain and hosting. That was the first phase of the war, as our countries were closely intertwined, and cross-sanctions began to destroy joint services. And after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the website essentially died. To be more precise, it still exists, but all the images uploaded by modelers have disappeared. The reason for this is a conflict between the image storage resources and the website’s platform. Right now, I don’t have the resources or time to restore it. But I’m sure that after our victory, someone will be able to create a forum as large and wonderful as yours.

Now, about me...

I started building my second model in 2009 (the first one was experimental, and I didn’t see the point in finishing it). At that time, there weren’t as many resources available as there are today. I made many mistakes and learned how to correct them. I shared this knowledge on my website and forum. However, due to being busy in 2013, I had to put my project on hold. But as the saying goes, "Every cloud has a silver lining." The war started, borders were closed, and I could no longer travel—something that took up all my free time. I’m a dentist, in case anyone’s curious. And under constant shelling, explosions, and air raid sirens, to keep from losing my mind, I decided to return to my hobby. Exactly 10 years later.

What am I doing here...

First of all, I’d like to say that I found your forum by accident. But! I fell in love with it right away! There’s a warm atmosphere, lots of information, and I’ve really been missing all of this. In my journal, I want to share my build, all the knowledge I have, and, of course, ask the questions that interest me. I will be happy to help anyone if you have questions, feel free to reach out. I’m deliberately not posting a link to my website so as not to spoil the build. I want my journal to progress in real time, reaching the current state of the build. Please excuse my English—I will be using Chat GPT for translations to avoid any difficulties.

What I’m building...

As you can see from the title, it’s HMS Victory. I created the framework of the model using plans from a Mantua kit. I didn’t buy the kit itself. I printed the plans in A0 format and built the frame (the skeleton) based on them. That was the end of my work with the Mantua kit. All further work was based on John McKay’s anatomy of the ship. In this journal, I want to take you through the whole process, from the kit plans to the anatomical upgrade.

View attachment 475811

I would also like to share my experiments: Working with blueprints. Aging and painting wood. Aging copper. Making and painting ropes and rigging. 3D modeling and integrating 3D printing into wooden shipbuilding. And much more. It will be fun, and I hope it will be informative for you. I’m sure I will learn a lot from you as well. Thanks in advance for that!

View attachment 475812

Let’s get started!

P.S. Рідною.

Хочу звернутися до всіх українців, що виїхали до, чи під час війни. Не слухайте нікого. Кожна людина прагне щастя та безпеки собі та своїм близким. І я щиро сподіваюся, що у вас все добре і ви у безпеці. А всім, хто залишилися, хочу побажати перемоги, мирного неба, сил та здоров'я все це пережити. Бережіть себе, все буде Україна! Слава ЗСУ!

Sergey,

Hello to all my colleagues in the best hobby in the world!

My name is Sergey, but in the world of ships, I go by the name serikoff.

And here’s my story. (Without this introduction, it might be hard to understand me).

I’m from Ukraine and I am the creator of a website and forum dedicated to wooden shipbuilding. My forum is one of the largest in Ukraine. It began functioning fully in 2012. There are more than 150 build logs, just as many threads featuring completed models, and 250 threads discussing techniques and other topics. Some of the modelers who have published their work include prominent names such as: Evgeny Epur, Dmitry Shevelev, and Vladislav Zhdan. These names are well-known in our region. (By the way, Olga, who is known here under the nickname shipphotographer.com, also regularly published her work. It’s not surprising, since we’re from the same area). But! The situation started to deteriorate after 2014, when we began having issues with the website’s domain and hosting. That was the first phase of the war, as our countries were closely intertwined, and cross-sanctions began to destroy joint services. And after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the website essentially died. To be more precise, it still exists, but all the images uploaded by modelers have disappeared. The reason for this is a conflict between the image storage resources and the website’s platform. Right now, I don’t have the resources or time to restore it. But I’m sure that after our victory, someone will be able to create a forum as large and wonderful as yours.

Now, about me...

I started building my second model in 2009 (the first one was experimental, and I didn’t see the point in finishing it). At that time, there weren’t as many resources available as there are today. I made many mistakes and learned how to correct them. I shared this knowledge on my website and forum. However, due to being busy in 2013, I had to put my project on hold. But as the saying goes, "Every cloud has a silver lining." The war started, borders were closed, and I could no longer travel—something that took up all my free time. I’m a dentist, in case anyone’s curious. And under constant shelling, explosions, and air raid sirens, to keep from losing my mind, I decided to return to my hobby. Exactly 10 years later.

What am I doing here...

First of all, I’d like to say that I found your forum by accident. But! I fell in love with it right away! There’s a warm atmosphere, lots of information, and I’ve really been missing all of this. In my journal, I want to share my build, all the knowledge I have, and, of course, ask the questions that interest me. I will be happy to help anyone if you have questions, feel free to reach out. I’m deliberately not posting a link to my website so as not to spoil the build. I want my journal to progress in real time, reaching the current state of the build. Please excuse my English—I will be using Chat GPT for translations to avoid any difficulties.

What I’m building...

As you can see from the title, it’s HMS Victory. I created the framework of the model using plans from a Mantua kit. I didn’t buy the kit itself. I printed the plans in A0 format and built the frame (the skeleton) based on them. That was the end of my work with the Mantua kit. All further work was based on John McKay’s anatomy of the ship. In this journal, I want to take you through the whole process, from the kit plans to the anatomical upgrade.

View attachment 475811

I would also like to share my experiments: Working with blueprints. Aging and painting wood. Aging copper. Making and painting ropes and rigging. 3D modeling and integrating 3D printing into wooden shipbuilding. And much more. It will be fun, and I hope it will be informative for you. I’m sure I will learn a lot from you as well. Thanks in advance for that!

View attachment 475812

Let’s get started!

P.S. Рідною.

Хочу звернутися до всіх українців, що виїхали до, чи під час війни. Не слухайте нікого. Кожна людина прагне щастя та безпеки собі та своїм близким. І я щиро сподіваюся, що у вас все добре і ви у безпеці. А всім, хто залишилися, хочу побажати перемоги, мирного неба, сил та здоров'я все це пережити. Бережіть себе, все буде Україна! Слава ЗСУ!

Sergey, First, I am so sorry what your beautiful country in going through. I had the honor of meeting several of your countrymen at Burning Man in Nevada this year, where they display a powerful large work of art, titled "I am Fine", made of bullet ridden street signs from around Ukraine. I am planning a build of the HMS Victory based on Occre's kit, and have been reviewing everything I can get my hands on for historical accuracy. Your reference list and build log are a tremendous help! I wish you the best in 2025.

 

[serikoff]

I liked your idea of switching focus to another ship for a while and then returning to the Victory. I very often will have several projects going at the same time for that same reason.

Bill

Phew, thank God I'm not the only one like this)))))

Sergey, First, I am so sorry what your beautiful country in going through. I had the honor of meeting several of your countrymen at Burning Man in Nevada this year, where they display a powerful large work of art, titled "I am Fine", made of bullet ridden street signs from around Ukraine. I am planning a build of the HMS Victory based on Occre's kit, and have been reviewing everything I can get my hands on for historical accuracy. Your reference list and build log are a tremendous help! I wish you the best in 2025.

Thank you for your support. Ukraine would definitely not have survived if it were not for the help of the entire civilized world. I will be glad to help with the construction. Unfortunately, I am far from doing everything with complete precision (this project is not about that), but I will be glad to help in any way I can, since I know a lot about this ship))))