Where oh where are the good Blocks found?

Ed,

Thanks for the info on the Bluejacket blocks I didn't know that they are metal. These sound like what I've been looking for - a block that looks like a block.

I checked out ModelExpo and there blocks are like the ones in the Mamoli kit and to me look like "chips" of wood.

Al B is right, Warner Woods West sells only by mail order (maybe phone as well). Call them and they'll send you a price list. They"re pricey. I've never used them, but a couple of the members of my club have and these blocks look great.

I've used the Bluejacket blocks on a number of projects. They are very realisitic, but they are metal. You have to file off the rough edges from the casting process and then prime and paint them. The really small ones are a real bear to work with. But they do look good in the end.

You should also look at Model Expo (modelexpo-online.com). Some of their wooden blocks aren't too bad.

Ed.
VP, Long Island Ship Model Society
Member, NRG

You said you use Bluejacket and I am intrested in what they look like. On Bluejackets website all they have is a hand drawing of what a real block looks like.

Sorry Dave, don't have any photos of Warner Woods West blocks. As I said, Lloyd Warner has email. If you contact him he might send you some photos.

Al

Al,

Do you have any close-up pictures? I am curious as to what they look like.

Llyod Warner does not have a website and does have email but I could not find his address. However, his telephone number is listed as 435-652-4400. His address is listed as 440 Old Highway 91, Ivins, UT 84738.

I have not used his products but have seen good review of them. Personally, I use BlueJacket ShipCrafter's fittings extensively and, before they went out of business, A.J.Fisher's.

Al Blevins

Bruce,

You did even cast a shadow on the kit. I like the kit it is GREAT! I am just detail oriented. I am also doing an HO (1:87) model railroad and find the same... engines and rolling stock are never as detailed as I would like and I scratch build the structures and landscaping.

---

Scott,

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll give it a few more days as I am in no real hurry.

---

Well guys I found a use for the green tanagyka wood...
It makes great shims for the first layer planking.

And here I thought I was supposed to use it on the outside of the hull.

If you don't get a response by e-mail, call them. I had good luck with them through the phone and them finding what I need.
Scott

Dave:
I didn't mean to cast aspersions on your kit; Mamoli makes good ones. The quality of model ship kits is all over the lot and many leave a lot to be desired unless you are building a toy boat. Unfortunately, as you are finding out with the copper and blocks, even the good ones lack in some areas, but the same can be said for pretty well any model media. I, like you, tend to go for the details in these scales.
Keep on truckin'
Bruce

Scott,

I e-mailed Bluejacket today and asked them if they could send me a picture of the blocks they sell. The pic's on their website look like hand drawn pictures of the real thing.

---

Bruce,

"The joys of even a good quality kit!" Yep I agree! Just guessin' but I may be too detail oriented.

The kit as a whole is very good. The instructions being translated to english have a bit to be desired but with my trusty rosetta stone I'm doing fine. I've mic'd out some of the parts and they are very close if not right on scale. The quality of the wood is very good, no splits, no splinters. It's well worth the money.

The joys of even a good quality kit!
I agree with Scott, try Bluejacket. The only other alternative is to make your own.
Bruce

Dave

Since you may be buying in bulk, I would first try Bluejacket shipcrafters. I have had good luck with their hardware and service.

Scott