Revell USS Kearsarge or Revell CSS Alabama?

I would either buy both, or buy the Kearsarge. I've built both several times, and they make a nice set. The Alabama just isn't that accurate. If you care to, it can be improved, or left as is.

Auggie, I'm assuming you're wishing to build an 1863 Kearsarge.

    I've been down this road for over a decade. I started a 1/96 Kearsarge around 2007, gathered all the references I could find so I could modify the kit to be as accurate as possible. Stopped the build several times over the years realizing that I wasn't capable of building an 1863 Kearsarge from the kit. And building the Kearsarge from scatch was beyond my skills and limited time.

  There was a glimmer of hope when Blue Jacket produced their version of the Kearsarge but it was dashed by the price of the kit, lack of detail and research errors. But still, without question its the most accurate Kearsarge available. But not perfect.

  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you care about accuracy it would be wise to choose another subject to build.

 Steve AKA Grease Monkey

I have seen it opined that, the Kearsarge is best started from the Alabama kit.  This, as the deck details better resemble Kearsarge than Alabama.  The mast rake is right for Kearsarge, and inadequate for Alabama.  The hull length is allegedly more accurate, too.

WHich should not stop a person from buying either kit and building it OOB (other than the vinyl-thread ratline doohickies).

Augie, I bbuilt both last year & I think you would like the Kearsarge best. I did like both & posted pictures & posts on each. I am old,87, & still love to build models of all kinds, but lately it has been all ships. On the plastic ship kits I pretty much build them with what comes in the box & I think they make a very nice model. I will put on a picture of each & let you decide. I did put the aftermarket guns on the Alabama & made a few simple changes.

  I di rig my own shrouds & ratlines with an Airfix rigging tool. It took me a while to learn the best way to use that tool, but now I can do a nice job for most any ship. 

Both ships 

The Alabama.

Fantastic job Gene 1! Beautiful builds. I will probably have to go with the one that will break the bank "the least". Where can I get the Airfix rigging tool?

Thanks for posting the pictures. Could you direct me to the other posts of your builds.

And a big thanks to all the guys who have responded to my post with thoughtful comments and advice.

Auggie,

I am currently building the Alabama, making the necessary modifications to make the kit much more accurate.  It's not hard but is time consuming. If you like, I will be happy to send photos by email. You can then compare both with Gene's excellent model.  Just drop me your email address.

Bill Morrison

count me in bill

Augie, If you want to do it right listen to Bil as he has a lot of naval experience. 7 nuclear subs & Vietnam & probably the nicest most helpful guy on the forum. Mine are just sorta pretty, which is all I want now. I have written a lot of different discussions under the name  gene1 with the yellow Marmon Wasp car. 

    I am hot and heavy on the big 1/96 Revell Spanish galleon. It has been a big fun build & I am painting cannons now. I will post something on it soon. Bill, I even learned how to do the red & yellow Chevrons on the hull.

   Augie, either buy an Airfix kit that has the rigging tool in it or ask someone to send you one, because no one seems to know how to really use them  It took me a while but now I have done a bunch of ships with them . I am incapable of tieing knots so forget rigging rat lines anymore. Not all Airfix kits have the rigging tool.

Gene1;

 Hey aren't you the fellow who talked me out of a Alabama or Kearsarge a little time back . I got the Model A's wheels all wired ! You will build what you like and the way you like it .I have faith in you Gene .  Doc - T.B.

Thanks Doc, I love to hear from you & I am that guy. I never know what I will build next, right now it is Spanish Galleons. Did you see the movie, In the Heart of the Sea  , You would love it being a sailor (or Marine).It is about the 1820 Essex whaler & now I will be hot on Whalers.

   Building as much as I do, I learn a lot off new things every time. I learned a new way to get those Chevron markers on the side of the Galleon & how to get a nice finish On a plastic deck that does not have the plank grooves. It really has a nice wood look, showing all the grain.

   I would really like to see your model A pictures.

Gene 1 ;

 I will send you some in the Snail Mail .