The Ship Model Forum

Recently I finished a Airfix 1:144 scale WASA which was published in the Classic Series during the early 1980s. It was one of my favorites in the series. It was also one that I wanted promoted to another level of detail...With painstaking research (and patience) I was able to convert a plastic kit into a mixed-media project -replacing many of its features in wood. Only the hull and mast tops I kept, but worked up to receive the intricate rigging that later followed.

Prior to this build, a first challenge originated with the Airfix 1:168 scale ROYAL SOVEREIGN (Sovereign of the Seas). That challenge was to convertand present additional features to the already existing molds that highlighted its attractive hull. All plastic parts were discarded and replaced with bass, pine and birch wood. Only the hull was kept (and altered) to match the supporting drawings and paintings of that period.

After exerting fourteen-hour days into a four month schedule, I was able to produce this striking model. I found in this experiment that the modification of ROYAL SOVEREIGN became an experience for future kit transformations. I also learned that no product can guarantee 'perfection'...and, I am yet to find the perfect kit and/or model to find such. Reality dictates that this will never be. However, what I found enjoyable about kit modification is that you keep the same element, just improvise the features/details. It also gives us the opportunity to evaluate the process by stepping away and assessing our skill level.

These supporting images is a testimony to how far we can take a project as we develop our abilities into a viable skill. Thanks for viewing.

Marvelous!

.....that is very very commendable work

The model looks great!

JIM B

_________________
....I buy them at three times the speed I build 'em.... will I live long enough to empty my stash...?
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html

IPMS UK SIG (special interest group) www.finewaterline.com

I had a quick look at the parts in my Airfix Royal Sovereign kit and I am blown away by what you have accomplished.

Glad you kept the hull. It's good to know that part was a good starting point.

Quality Deck fittings and "Furniture" add realism to a model. You accomplished that "In Spades".
Can you elaborate on what you did to make corrections to the hull and what features you added that may not be visible in the photos? More photos would be appreciated by all, I'm sure.

You did a most awesome job on the painting too.

Thanks for posting this. Wonderful work and worth every effort.

Nino


P.S. Finding a perfect plastic Sailing ship model is impossible but a few come mighty close. I can think of 2 or 3 that many modelers might agree with. Deciding which plastic kit is the worst would be a real challenge as there are too many candidates and opinions.

That's a great looking ship!

Scott

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K494 HMCS Arnprior
Royal Canadian Navy

[/img]Thanks for your comment and observation. Much appreciated.

I'm currently working on the Airfix H.M.S. Prince to finish the trilogy I began in 1980. I lost all three kits during that time with Sovereign and Prince in the early stages of build. I only completed Saint Louis which was 'reluctantly' sold to a collector. However, I was gifted those kits a few years ago and decided to engage...I will post when completed.

Thanks!

Thanks...I hope to do equal justice to the Airfix HMS Prince (current build).

Thanks, Scott...Currently working on the Airfix HMS Prince. Here's a few images.

I appreciate the comments...

I tried to submit images of the current build of HMS Prince for those who inquired, but it didn't go through. So, I'm attempting here. But if this is not possible, you can view the project here at https://classicshipmodelminiatures.blog ... npart.html

It's a great modification for those who have this kit.

Ahoi Fairwinds !

we at Modelwarships would LOVE to see the images here as well and also your previous builds in the main gallery.

To that end please describe the difficulties you have experienced with the images posting here; and I will endeavour to assist.

I usually post my images at around 1800 - 2000 pixels wide

any larger and it may fal to display.

Either way and whatever the problem/ issues --they are all solvable! --
we would like to see the images
you can e-mail me directly also ( in the UK ) at jbyacht services @ gmail.com ( remove the spaces ! )

Now then -- as a age-of-sail ship modeller,,,


you really want to see this by my model chum Marjinn

here at MW.com !

viewtopic.php?f=59&t=167367

Kind regards

Jim Baumann

my models here at MW.com

http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html



regards from rainy UK !

_________________
....I buy them at three times the speed I build 'em.... will I live long enough to empty my stash...?
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html

IPMS UK SIG (special interest group) www.finewaterline.com

great work

Thanks Jim:

It's been awhile since I've been on the forum and very much appreciate your viewing and compliments. The SOVEREIGN is part of a three-build endeavor of Airfix 17th century warships which I'm placing in a Trilogy Series. That series began 41 years ago and I was fortunate to acquire the original kits to make this happen.

I just finished the HMS PRINCE which is part of the Series and will post soon. Again, thanks!

I appreciate the 'thumbs up'...Thanks!

Nino, I appreciate the observation and compliment...

Since you requested information on this particular build, I wrote a few blogs on SOVEREIGN which you can view. It's informative and may be of help. Please visit https://classicshipmodelminiatures.blog ... rt-of.html

Thanks, Scott...All of the Airfix kits have potential to be outstanding models. The engineers didn't do a bad job replicating them and made them user friendly for all modelers. However, these models I've built is pretty much taking their vision to the next level.

Thanks!!