Post by tirick on Sept 17, 2010 12:16:45 GMT -9
This is partly a kit review and partly a build diary, so bear with me! While 'The Maiden' is not a 'scale' model by any means, meant more for gaming than specific accuracy to any particular ship, the quality of the texturing is considerable, and the model (as I'll note in detail below) is substantial. This is an older kit, released in 2004. I'd always meant to get a copy, and could not resist buying one when RPGNow placed it on sale with the Canals set.
To start, as I've mentioned, the detail in the texturing work is extraordinary. I've another kit by them, 'First Light', with which I was equally impressed. The instructions are very clear, with well laid-out steps and photographs of the process.
However, I jumped the gun a little when I started printing as I failed to calculate the total cost of the assembly. There are somewhere around 100 pages (with required reprints of duplicate parts) of full dark colored pages. I very rapidly ran short of color ink (it was down to 1/4 tank) at about page 20, and then by page 35 was out of black (which was down to a little under 1/2). This is where I've stopped. I'll resume the remaining 60 or so pages once I've the spare funds (I spent too much of my budget on Steam games in the last week). I estimate, at the current rate of consumption, to use up the remaining color cartridge and at least 1/2 tank of the black. This props the sum total cost of the kit to around $75 ($10 in cardstock; $35/$22 colour/black cartridge; $4 for the kit + $2 for the foamcore).
Decking
Straightening the Foamcore
To start with, after cutting out the pieces of decking I needed to flatten the foamcare I had, as I stored it vertically (having no place to store a 2'x3' sheet anywhere else). This took about 2 days with varying weights and balances. The decking assembled well, and cutting/trimming was without incident.
I printed two copies of the steerage parts, one on card the other on paper, and used the paper to line the interior of the lightvent house (as I used the transparencies in place of the textured glass). I also used the transparent hold covers when assembling the decking.
Lightvent
The bow was a little tricky to assemble, and I suspect I have an extra layer on the card tab on the prow, which is causing me some fit-up issues on the decking above, but it went together with little unintended warp. The doors can be cut to open/close.
Bow
The remaining hull sections warped fairly considerably on my, although I blame the glue not the design. The textures are two-sided and the hull runs up the height of the main deck in one section. The beam supports (running up the side) help considerably with the warp, and as well support the main deck.
Finally, the mast supports help align and support the main deck, which fits quite nicely in three sections. There are a few fit-up problems, especially on the bow and stern, although I personally blame the builder ( ) not the designer. The gunports can be cut to 'open'. Enterprising builders could probably make more of this than I have currently. Thus far there is great opportunity for lamination, although that will drive up the printing cost.
Length
The model is huge, running 31 inches from the tip of the bowsprit to the stern. I expect it will be at least as tall, once the sails are assembled. I don't know why I didn't consider this before printing but oh well. I'll find a use for it one of my games yet. Thus far it has been an enjoyable build.
More to come!
Enjoy!
Tirick
To start, as I've mentioned, the detail in the texturing work is extraordinary. I've another kit by them, 'First Light', with which I was equally impressed. The instructions are very clear, with well laid-out steps and photographs of the process.
However, I jumped the gun a little when I started printing as I failed to calculate the total cost of the assembly. There are somewhere around 100 pages (with required reprints of duplicate parts) of full dark colored pages. I very rapidly ran short of color ink (it was down to 1/4 tank) at about page 20, and then by page 35 was out of black (which was down to a little under 1/2). This is where I've stopped. I'll resume the remaining 60 or so pages once I've the spare funds (I spent too much of my budget on Steam games in the last week). I estimate, at the current rate of consumption, to use up the remaining color cartridge and at least 1/2 tank of the black. This props the sum total cost of the kit to around $75 ($10 in cardstock; $35/$22 colour/black cartridge; $4 for the kit + $2 for the foamcore).
Decking
Straightening the Foamcore
To start with, after cutting out the pieces of decking I needed to flatten the foamcare I had, as I stored it vertically (having no place to store a 2'x3' sheet anywhere else). This took about 2 days with varying weights and balances. The decking assembled well, and cutting/trimming was without incident.
I printed two copies of the steerage parts, one on card the other on paper, and used the paper to line the interior of the lightvent house (as I used the transparencies in place of the textured glass). I also used the transparent hold covers when assembling the decking.
Lightvent
The bow was a little tricky to assemble, and I suspect I have an extra layer on the card tab on the prow, which is causing me some fit-up issues on the decking above, but it went together with little unintended warp. The doors can be cut to open/close.
Bow
The remaining hull sections warped fairly considerably on my, although I blame the glue not the design. The textures are two-sided and the hull runs up the height of the main deck in one section. The beam supports (running up the side) help considerably with the warp, and as well support the main deck.
Finally, the mast supports help align and support the main deck, which fits quite nicely in three sections. There are a few fit-up problems, especially on the bow and stern, although I personally blame the builder ( ) not the designer. The gunports can be cut to 'open'. Enterprising builders could probably make more of this than I have currently. Thus far there is great opportunity for lamination, although that will drive up the printing cost.
Length
The model is huge, running 31 inches from the tip of the bowsprit to the stern. I expect it will be at least as tall, once the sails are assembled. I don't know why I didn't consider this before printing but oh well. I'll find a use for it one of my games yet. Thus far it has been an enjoyable build.
More to come!
Enjoy!
Tirick