Set of 4 ship's boat kits 1:48 scale

[Masters Mate]

As mentioned some months ago, I purchased this set of 4 boats from Ali Express for just AU$32 in January this year. https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/...shop-present-it-here.2103/page-97#post-351150

EDIT - Please excuse my aging brain fog.....I actually only bought three of the four boats. I already had a longboat.
The prices ranged from AU$32 to AU42 each, so my post was grossly misleading. Sorry about that.

I will put them together as time allows and show any progress here. So far I have almost completed the Launch.

The instructions are basic - just a series of faint images to follow. The laser cutting seems very precise with minimal char. Because of the scale, components (especially the planking) are very fragile. I'm unable to identify the wood used but it seems okay.














I had this deck too low and had to remove it with water and tweezers and re-install it at this correct position. Some minor damage to the upper planking edge happened on the trip home from holidays and can be easily repaired.


These rowlock posts were tiny and fiddly but the PVA I use sets in a few minutes so allows for adjustment and then holding in place for just a few minutes.




All the tools I needed, so ideal as a holiday job. I'll add some more images when the planking and painting is done.



This is the largest of the 4 boats so I imagine the construction will become slightly difficult as the project progresses. I'm satisfied with my purchase and think these four boats will look good on my Medea build.

 

[AllanKP69]

You got a great bargain getting four boats at that price. The launch and pinnace kits look nice and your build is extremely neat. With four boats you may enjoy checking out contemporary plans that can be found on the internet at RMG, Wiki Commons and in the Danish archives that might be helpful with your project. One example of a 29 foot launch from 1779 in high resolution follows.
Allan

 

[Masters Mate]

You got a great bargain getting four boats at that price. The launch and pinnace kits look nice and your build is extremely neat. With four boats you may enjoy checking out contemporary plans that can be found on the internet at RMG, Wiki Commons and in the Danish archives that might be helpful with your project. One example of a 29 foot launch from 1779 in high resolution follows.
Allan
View attachment 473771

Thanks Allan
At this stage I'm simply following the laser lines and small drawings but I have looked at these plans on Wiki and it is great that at least some high res images make it onto there.
As an author I've had my fair share of tangles with the RMG over images and although I appreciate that they are a form of self funded charity I object to paying over GBP60 for a high res image of the Medea, or over 200 for an image of a painting which was donated to them. These plans and Lieutenants Log books etc were all public documents and should have been stored in the National Archives rather than a 'private' collection.

Anyway, that's my beef. The 4 boats WERE a bargain, and still available as far as I can see.

 

[Bryian]

Well done Ian. They are a fiddly job.

 

[pugwash]

Great kits.
I'd love to get my hands on a set; the links above don't give a direct rout to them.
For instance, 'Aliexpress' don't seem to want trade with the UK?
Very frustrating.

 

[Masters Mate]

Great kits.
I'd love to get my hands on a set; the links above don't give a direct rout to them.
For instance, 'Aliexpress' don't seem to want trade with the UK?
Very frustrating.

Hi Pugwash

Sorry, the links I put up default to my area as I am a registered Aliexpress buyer.

Try just searching for 'Aliexpress' and see if you can get in for your area. If you do, the prices will show in GBP. Then search for 'Shicheng Model' in Aliexpress search bar and you should see a mass of results to scroll through. They have been around for quite a while. As a new customer you should be offered a huge discount on 1 or more items - sometimes as low as $1 for something normally selling for $30 - $40.

This is the only Chinese seller I trust at the moment. I've bought from them for a couple of years with no problems.

Also, I only bought 3 boats, not 4, for the price. I already had a longboat.

 

[pugwash]

Thanks 'MM'

I managed to get listings for GB £.
2 sets of 4 boats, BUT.....£69-£90!
OUCH.