The Shelf of Doom

I just received the same Andrea Doria/Stockholm package (a stimulus purchase as well!) and am equally impressed. But having never built a paper model of this quality before, I'm thinking I might ought to start on something simpler to get some practice.

Doria's loss in 1956 was the first big media event I remember. I was 9 years old at the time and devoured every bit of information on that tragedy I could lay my hands on. It still fascinates and causes me to wonder how something like that could happen.

Hi SpaceRanger!

      Well, I am still waiting for my detail set. Gotta tell you though these are looking to be some of the best this company has done. I was present that day. Only two years older than you and a Cabin Boy on my uncle's fishing boat and we were enlisted by the Coast Guard to pick up any people in the water( If Any) and definitely pick up debris that created a danger to shipping of any size.

     I had hoped years ago that someone, anyone would come out with these two ships in any scale in plastic except 1/1250 perhaps. Anyway, They build a little different than their other kits. Going back to plastic, I would've even been happy if Imaii had brought them out as part of their 1/400-1/500 series of ships. Never happened though.

     So enjoy! P.S. Sailors are a superstitous lot. Many that heard the sounds of the Doria going down, quit that day and Never went to Sea again!

Hello!

TB - as for superstitions I sure do hope the title you chose for this one don't get you in trouble... Wish you lots of good luck with your ships!

Space Ranger - I'd like to reccomend some paper ships developed in Poland to get you started. I think those are of better quality (design-wise) than the German kits. Just try to start with something smaller than a battleship and in smaller scale - otherwise that "starter" might take you a lot of time to complete. If you can get one, older Maly Modelarz kits (20 to 30 years old) might be a good choice. 30 years ago the paper got better on those kits, and the design stayed simpler than on the private venture companies (Maly modelarz is state owned and publishes since 1957!).

If you wish soem more tips please PM me - good luck with your ships, too and have a nice day

Paweł

Hi Pawel!

      Good to hear from you! I have to agree with you on the small ships. There are some I have from years back that would be good starter kits. From Maly Modelarz too! I like the Quality of the company's product and gotta give them a high five on the quality!

     Now I have heard three ships die in my time. I know what causes all the sounds, but it still sends shivers down my spine! The last one we lost on a salvage attempt and we had to go to mixed gas to bring her up again!

     Some folks just think a ship is alive. I have to agree to a point. It's the crew that makes her live for sure. Back to Paper. The quality on these models is beyond reproach! They are going to be fun! Besides, I need a go to that calms me down after working on plastic! Card or Paper just does it for me.

    I think Paper is inacurrate. The thickness is more than an ordinary piece of paper which is what most folks immediately think of. You know, like typing paper! It's closer to what it is called in the U.K. --Card!