I've always wanted one of those too...lol
Which Vasa kit to start from?
- Thread starter dockattner
- Start date
- Watchers 11
A healthy outlook, Dave. Thanks for sharing that. I'm confident my lack of experience will produce countless "that's not right" comments. My question is more about which kit gets me closest as a starting point. And, I guess, which kit is the most buildable. I have hand skills - but looking at all these build logs over the past several weeks has made me aware of how deep the waters are that I am about to swim in... At the end of the day this model will end up in my house (not at a museum) so your comments are helpful and encouraging.
This topic has developed legs as we now have a poll
I will expand further on my thoughts before I cast my vote.This can be very subjective to the individual builder so here are my thoughts from reading other's logs.I do feel that most will be tempted to start consulting the wealth of pictures online of the vessel when they start the build.The inclination will be there to make alterations to suit the original.
Deagostini;The most accurate model produced but also the most expensive.My only personal dislike is the supplied second planking which is Sapele and a white wood for below the waterline.Personally I would change this as I feel it doesn't suit the vessel.The artillery is accurate to the ship.
Sergal;some inaccuracies as I understand it, the fore mentioned laser engraved decks etc.Balsa first planking, no longer lime.The cannons are generic castings.The second most expensive kit.As Brian mentioned though it does build into one of the larger models as opposed to Corel and Billings.
Corel;Lots of inaccuracies.The hull cross section is wrong in many places leading to issues if you want to correct details, everything will have to be a compromise.The plus note is you are supplied with a comprehensive kit that builds into a nice model out of the box with no additional expenditure.If you are NOT tempted to start looking at reference pictures, then this is the most cost effective route.If you do, then you may end up frustrated.My friend built this model and travelled to the museum, took his own pictures and consulted Fred's book.He changed many things but ended up being a bit of a compromise as to get things to work as they should have, he would have had to alter the structure before planking.
Billings;The hull and overall construction is accurate.You get similar laser etched decks and gratings as the Sergal.Yes the ornaments are plastic but injection moulding does give crisp features.The curved pieces do require bending to suit the rear galleries.The gunport are not designed to be cut out, simply supplied as plastic frames to stick to the outside of the hull.The hull is single planked in birch I believe.It used to be Obechi.
This is the cheapest kit in the line up so you could argue it gives you money left over to add to the kit.The decks could be over planked and a second layer of hull planking added(preferably in veneer thickness to avoid issues).Cannons are not accurate so alternatives would need to be made.
I have another friend that built this kit.Altered the gunport so they pierced the hull and made new cannons from wood.The finished result looked extremely impressive.He used acrylics to simulate weathered dark timber with the Billings supplied wood and painted the ornaments in the correct Polychrome.He did this and still kept the grain visible in the planking by using various washes.
Kind Regards
Nigel
I will expand further on my thoughts before I cast my vote.This can be very subjective to the individual builder so here are my thoughts from reading other's logs.I do feel that most will be tempted to start consulting the wealth of pictures online of the vessel when they start the build.The inclination will be there to make alterations to suit the original.
Deagostini;The most accurate model produced but also the most expensive.My only personal dislike is the supplied second planking which is Sapele and a white wood for below the waterline.Personally I would change this as I feel it doesn't suit the vessel.The artillery is accurate to the ship.
Sergal;some inaccuracies as I understand it, the fore mentioned laser engraved decks etc.Balsa first planking, no longer lime.The cannons are generic castings.The second most expensive kit.As Brian mentioned though it does build into one of the larger models as opposed to Corel and Billings.
Corel;Lots of inaccuracies.The hull cross section is wrong in many places leading to issues if you want to correct details, everything will have to be a compromise.The plus note is you are supplied with a comprehensive kit that builds into a nice model out of the box with no additional expenditure.If you are NOT tempted to start looking at reference pictures, then this is the most cost effective route.If you do, then you may end up frustrated.My friend built this model and travelled to the museum, took his own pictures and consulted Fred's book.He changed many things but ended up being a bit of a compromise as to get things to work as they should have, he would have had to alter the structure before planking.
Billings;The hull and overall construction is accurate.You get similar laser etched decks and gratings as the Sergal.Yes the ornaments are plastic but injection moulding does give crisp features.The curved pieces do require bending to suit the rear galleries.The gunport are not designed to be cut out, simply supplied as plastic frames to stick to the outside of the hull.The hull is single planked in birch I believe.It used to be Obechi.
This is the cheapest kit in the line up so you could argue it gives you money left over to add to the kit.The decks could be over planked and a second layer of hull planking added(preferably in veneer thickness to avoid issues).Cannons are not accurate so alternatives would need to be made.
I have another friend that built this kit.Altered the gunport so they pierced the hull and made new cannons from wood.The finished result looked extremely impressive.He used acrylics to simulate weathered dark timber with the Billings supplied wood and painted the ornaments in the correct Polychrome.He did this and still kept the grain visible in the planking by using various washes.
Kind Regards
Nigel
This was really helpful Nigel. Based on what you have shared it's clear that I will need to steer clear of the Billings. I certainly want actual gunports and creating those seems ambitious. I would rather direct my energies elsewhere during the build. For not much more money (?) I would go with the DeAgostini over the Sergal if it was available (I have more money than good sense!). And if it does suddenly become available I will certainly take note of your observations about the planking. That seems like a simple correction. All said, it's starting to feel like I'm back to where I started with the Corel knowing that I (skill-wise) will not be able to correct the hull shape issues. Dave's comments in this thread were helpful in that regard: just do the best you can...This topic has developed legs as we now have a poll
I will expand further on my thoughts before I cast my vote.This can be very subjective to the individual builder so here are my thoughts from reading other's logs.I do feel that most will be tempted to start consulting the wealth of pictures online of the vessel when they start the build.The inclination will be there to make alterations to suit the original.
Deagostini;The most accurate model produced but also the most expensive.My only personal dislike is the supplied second planking which is Sapele and a white wood for below the waterline.Personally I would change this as I feel it doesn't suit the vessel.The artillery is accurate to the ship.
Sergal;some inaccuracies as I understand it, the fore mentioned laser engraved decks etc.Balsa first planking, no longer lime.The cannons are generic castings.The second most expensive kit.As Brian mentioned though it does build into one of the larger models as opposed to Corel and Billings.
Corel;Lots of inaccuracies.The hull cross section is wrong in many places leading to issues if you want to correct details, everything will have to be a compromise.The plus note is you are supplied with a comprehensive kit that builds into a nice model out of the box with no additional expenditure.If you are NOT tempted to start looking at reference pictures, then this is the most cost effective route.If you do, then you may end up frustrated.My friend built this model and travelled to the museum, took his own pictures and consulted Fred's book.He changed many things but ended up being a bit of a compromise as to get things to work as they should have, he would have had to alter the structure before planking.
Billings;The hull and overall construction is accurate.You get similar laser etched decks and gratings as the Sergal.Yes the ornaments are plastic but injection moulding does give crisp features.The curved pieces do require bending to suit the rear galleries.The gunport are not designed to be cut out, simply supplied as plastic frames to stick to the outside of the hull.The hull is single planked in birch I believe.It used to be Obechi.
This is the cheapest kit in the line up so you could argue it gives you money left over to add to the kit.The decks could be over planked and a second layer of hull planking added(preferably in veneer thickness to avoid issues).Cannons are not accurate so alternatives would need to be made.
I have another friend that built this kit.Altered the gunport so they pierced the hull and made new cannons from wood.The finished result looked extremely impressive.He used acrylics to simulate weathered dark timber with the Billings supplied wood and painted the ornaments in the correct Polychrome.He did this and still kept the grain visible in the planking by using various washes.
Kind Regards
Nigel
I have cast my vote.I decided to vote for Billings and Corel as Deagostini isn't in the options for the reasons below;
Billings;the best starting point for the experienced modeller to bash to death.The hull shape is correct as is the decoration although some details are missing.It is easier to make the odd missing decoration rather than start from scratch.The price point gives the builder money left over for additional materials.
Corel;the most complete kit for someone who is not planning on lots of alterations and is not hell bent on accuracy in all the details.A very nice model out of the box.
Personally I didn't vote for Sergal.I think it is just too much money at RRP given the cost cutting on various areas.This used to be a very nice kit when it came out but the Mantua group have ruined it IMHO.Keep in mind we are getting close to Caldercraft Victory money here(at least in the UK) and the Caldercraft kit is in a different league.
Kind Regards
Nigel
Billings;the best starting point for the experienced modeller to bash to death.The hull shape is correct as is the decoration although some details are missing.It is easier to make the odd missing decoration rather than start from scratch.The price point gives the builder money left over for additional materials.
Corel;the most complete kit for someone who is not planning on lots of alterations and is not hell bent on accuracy in all the details.A very nice model out of the box.
Personally I didn't vote for Sergal.I think it is just too much money at RRP given the cost cutting on various areas.This used to be a very nice kit when it came out but the Mantua group have ruined it IMHO.Keep in mind we are getting close to Caldercraft Victory money here(at least in the UK) and the Caldercraft kit is in a different league.
Kind Regards
Nigel
Thank you for your vote Nigel. Its been fun interacting with you over this topic. Funny you mentioned the Caldercraft Victory. This Vasa build is a rehearsal for a future Victory build: either Caldercraft or the pending 1:64 Amati.
Not to highjack your thread @dockattner but I do so love when the more experienced guys can explain things so well like @NMBROOK has here.
Shocking turn of events...the DeAgostini Vasa came available this morning. I placed an order so now I have both the Corel and the DeAg on the way. Looks like there will soon be one of those on ebay!
Congrats. I love CC kits and own the Victory. Having seen the build process for the Amati and all the MDF( sorry I have a personal dislike for fake wood) it has in the hull construction I will steer clear. Also Amati are to be doing the el cheapo approach on new kits that mos of the EU kits have started to do, but over charging for it.
The Amati is still a year or more away from final delivery. 1:72 CC is stupidly big, at 1:64 your looking at 1 & 1/2 m in lenght plus the weight!
I know size matters but..
All the best with the Vasa
The Amati is still a year or more away from final delivery. 1:72 CC is stupidly big, at 1:64 your looking at 1 & 1/2 m in lenght plus the weight!
I know size matters but..
All the best with the Vasa
Thanks for the heads-up on the Amati quality. This Vasa will take me a while so I'll be able to see build logs on the 1:64 Amati before I get to the point I need to choose between Caldercraft and Amati.
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2020
- Messages
- 2
- Points
- 13
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2020
- Messages
- 2
- Points
- 13
ik heb de wasa van billing gebouwd...kwaliteit = matig
wasa van corel is gedetailleerder en heeft betere kwaliteit onderdelen.
is wel iets duurder.
google translator:
i built the wasa from billing ... quality = moderate
wasa from corel is more detailed and has better quality parts.
is slightly more expensive.
wasa van corel is gedetailleerder en heeft betere kwaliteit onderdelen.
is wel iets duurder.
google translator:
i built the wasa from billing ... quality = moderate
wasa from corel is more detailed and has better quality parts.
is slightly more expensive.
Last edited by a moderator:
Danke sehr.
Dockattner,
I happened to find this other builder's Corel Vasa - He certainly bashed it - FYI
I happened to find this other builder's Corel Vasa - He certainly bashed it - FYI
Corel Vasa - bashed
Hello, Here are some shots of my completed Corel Vasa. Please note that all ropes, blocks, deadeyes, and cannons are after-market. Much of the wood is also aftermarket supplied. For the rigging both standing and running used the Billings, Mantua, and the museum’s sheets along with photos of the...
shipsofscale.com
Amazing work. That hull has me inspired!
Dockattner,
Just as a final note which could also affect your thinking (although it appears DeAg may be the choice), you can review the Billings Vasa kit instructions at:
http://www.billingboats.com/da/3/2/boats/the-expert/P-bb490-wasa.html
Especially for a new builder, the instructions should be a significant part of your decision. I know that the DeAg kit has excellent instructions as they used Fred Hocker and the museum for advice and collaboration.
Feel free to view the various ships logs of the Vasa too to come to your final choice.
Good luck,
Peter G.
Just as a final note which could also affect your thinking (although it appears DeAg may be the choice), you can review the Billings Vasa kit instructions at:
http://www.billingboats.com/da/3/2/boats/the-expert/P-bb490-wasa.html
Especially for a new builder, the instructions should be a significant part of your decision. I know that the DeAg kit has excellent instructions as they used Fred Hocker and the museum for advice and collaboration.
Feel free to view the various ships logs of the Vasa too to come to your final choice.
Good luck,
Peter G.
Dockattener,
My apologies. The link in my previous post to the Vasa instructions has become out of date. The new link is:
www.billingboats.com
Regards,
Peter G.
My apologies. The link in my previous post to the Vasa instructions has become out of date. The new link is:
BB490 Wasa | The Expert | BB490 Wasa from Billing Boats
BB490 Wasa - The Expert - BB490 Wasa from Billing Boats
www.billingboats.com
Regards,
Peter G.
Dockattener,
My apologies. The link in my previous post to the Vasa instructions has become out of date. The new link is:
BB490 Wasa | The Expert | BB490 Wasa from Billing Boats
BB490 Wasa - The Expert - BB490 Wasa from Billing Boats
Regards,
Peter G.
Thank you, Peter. I'm certain I will find the construction manual helpful. The drawings are quite detailed. I appreciate your kindness in sharing the link!