Making Only 1 HMS Victory

[bowwild]

As I mentioned in my introduction a few days ago, I have a Mantua ART. 738 in 1:78 scale HMS Victory kit. I bought the kit around 1994. I have not progressed very far with it. I am at the point ready to apply first layer of hull planking. Before I spend hundreds of hours on this, at my age I only want to build one Victory. Is there a better kit, maybe a bit larger scale that I should consider? I know it would be quite a waste to set the Mantua kit aside, but one thing I won't regret are the pretty poor instructions. I am following a build on this forum of the exact kit, but builds aren't particularly detailed.
Thank you.

 

[AllanKP69]

Is there a better kit, maybe a bit larger scale that I should consider?

If you have not done so already, you can study the build logs here at SoS and other ship model sites to see if you like any of them. From reading these build logs none seem to be without problems from quality to correct design. There are a couple kit makers with superior products available, but they have chosen not to add yet another Victory kit to the market. A different ship still might be something to consider if you are not satisfied with the quality of your own kit. Hope you start a build log to share both your fun and tribulations.
Allan

 

[bowwild]

Alan,
Thanks for this insight. I am contemplating starting the Sovereign of the Seas since I've had it in kit form for about the same length of time without doing more than looking in the box. However, I should just the bullet and start wading further into the HMS kit. I have looked at several logs and YouTube videos. The pictures of many of those look so nice.
I might take some pictures of my progress since I've not moved very far.

 

[AllanKP69]

If you go with the Victory kit, you might find a set of scantlings beneficial as well as comparing parts with other sources based on contemporary information. For example, many kits use totally incorrect cannon patterns and sizes. Sovereign had Browne pattern cannon (issued circa1625-1649) and Victory had Blomefield pattern cannon (and Carronades) after her total rebuild in 1803. Drawings are below. I am curious to know what your model scales are and the cannon lengths and patterns to see how they compare to what was actually on the ships. If the patterns in the kits are incorrect and this is bothersome to you, I would be happy to email you STL drawings which can be used to have 3D printed cannon made in virtually any caliber along with contact information for a printer fellow that does fantastic work for very low prices.
Allan

 

[bowwild]

Thank you.
Roy

 

[Sapper]

You may be interested in the responses I received to:

Which "HMS Victory" kit - Caldercraft or Panart?

My research in these forums leads me to understand that a "top of range" HMS Victory kit is one from Caldercraft. The kit from Panart however is half the price and more within my price range (although still relatively expensive). What are the differences between these two kits that would justify...

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