Anyone have a build log (pictures) of the ERTL (Imai) 1/70 Golden Hind?

Whoa.

That guy really did an AMAZING job with it!  I also have that kit in the stash...doubt mine will be that awesome when I build it!

Unfortunately, I haven't seen a lot of Imai kits in WIPs or build logs around here...which is a shame, since they're among some of the coolest kits I've seen.  When you build yours, please consider keeping a log of it here...I'm certain that many of the members would be interested...I know I would!

David,

When I first saw the work of the guy's ship I linked above I thought of your Spanish Galleon. You do such remarkable work on plastic ships making the wood look like wood!

 However, with Bing Translate I was able to discern that he added a lot of AM stuff (Zvezda's launch for one which looks really nice the way he put it together) and he changed a few things (added/deleted) to give it more "authenticity". I don't think he said "authenticity" but probably made mention of certain characteristics of ships of that period and modified the kit to that end. I believe there are more than a couple threads on this site with reference to the Golden Hind and I doubt whether anyone really knows how she looked exactly.

It's just one of 5 kits I'm considering. Lots of choices - a good thing.

If I ever do build it I'll try to keep a photographic record of some of the stages of construction and post them. I'm a SLOW builder so the log will probably drag on for a year or so.

Mike

Dave I really don't think you would have too much trouble at least matching the quality of that build. It's very good, but I've seen you do some amazing work. I an really impressed by your galley.

Any Imai kit is worth the time IMO. There was a series of stinkers that incorporated cast metal hulls with plastic parts, to be avoided, but the all plastic kits are really good ones.

I don't have a build log,but I have started on one plus the Mayflower in the last couple of weeks.

Rod

Rod,

Would you mind posting your thoughts on your build of the Golden Hind?

I'd be interested, as I mentioned above, on what you discover in constructing the kit. If there are any problems with fit, etc., as well as any additions/changes/modifications you may make.

If you'd rather not post here, then please feel free to PM me regarding your build.

Mike

On the basis of the photos it certainly looks like a fine kit - and historically believable.  (Very little is known about the actual Golden Hind.  There's even room for doubt as to whether she actually bore that name; she was originally named Pelican, and there's only one brief, less-than-emphatic contemporary reference to the name change.) I'm not a fan of cloth sails on models (except on very large scales), but the German gentleman has done about as good a job on them as can be done.  And the rest of the model looks beyond criticism.

But I agree with Rod Millard:  1943mike and David_K are perfectly capable of matching it.

Double Whoa!  You guys are very kind to say such things!  I'm not too modest to admit that I've learned to achieve an attractive finish on my kits, but when I look at the minutae (spelling?) of detail that the aforementioned fellow imparted to his GH, I am super-impressed!  I noticed the many custom mods he added, such as the instantly-recognizable Zvezda boat (that thing pops up everywhere!), and the AM fittings...but his rigging...that's where he blows my mind with that build....take another look:  That son-of-a-gun went to umpteenth level of detail with the rigging....dang!

That's some good stuff!

I still have a few Imai kits left in my stash for after the Junk, and it's true...each of them is a jewel!  

Good stuff, guys!

And I also hope Rod will share his build with us...I love being able to share in someone's adventure!  Plus, Rod's models are a great place to draw inspiration!

Dave

Turns out, I'll be starting my Imai Golden Hind soon...I wasn't planning to post a WIP for it, but I would be perfectly happy to share my thoughts on the kit as I progress.  Looks like it'll be fun, and I'm going to try a few new things with it!

Dave

David,

I'm looking forward to your thoughts on your Golden Hind build. I'm sure it will help me when I start mine.

Here are the only WIP threads I've bothered to bookmark (beside the German one I linked in my original post):

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234924973-golden-hind/

http://www.internetmodeler.com/2001/january/ships/golden_hind.htm

Since both of these links are of the Revell GH I'm not sure how much use they'll be to anyone building the Imai 1/70 kit. However, modelers' thoughts during the building process can be of interest.

Mike

Very nice model. I like your painting work.

Ulises,

Thank you for the link. Your models seem very well done. I'll certainly be looking at your  Golden Hind images when I get around to building that kit.

Mike

I have toured on the replica of the Golden Hind in London, and the model shown in the German site is very convincing indeed.  Like John, I am sure that there are modelers in our little group that could match or surpass that model.

My only issue that I had with mine (I sold it on eBay years ago) was that the cannons were only the top half that sat on platforms about 1/4 inch from the lower edge of the gun ports. It diminished the kit in my mistaken opinion. Oh, well . . . live and learn!

Bill