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Has Anyone Tried Model Shipways "Beautiful Blocks"?

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  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Marysville, WA
Has Anyone Tried Model Shipways "Beautiful Blocks"?
Posted by David_K on Sunday, November 15, 2020 10:21 AM

Hi All-

I was dismayed recently to find Syrenshipmodel is currently out of stock on rigging blocks (years ago, the quality of their blocks quickly cemented them as my go-to blocks for rigging)...

After emailing Chuck to ask about a restock, I was told it will be a few weeks.

I decided to look online anyway to see if the world has come up with anything comparable to Syren's blocks.  Mostly, *regular* blocks look just as you might expect or remember...square-ish, splintery,  with misaligned holes for reaving.  In a word- crummy.

But, I took a look at model-expo's website, and saw that they now also offer what they call *Beautiful Blocks*....they look quite a bit different from the typical wooden blocks from the HECEPOB kits (and MEs normal stock)....they are rounded, and sanded, and seem to have a generally more refined look...but, it's really hard to gauge their quality from a basic photo.

Here's a link:

https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-Shipways-Beautiful-Blocks-1-Sheave-40-mm-Wood-Block-20-Pack_p_4180.html

 

So, my question to you all:

Has anyone used these blocks, and can you provide feedback on their quality?

I need about 75 4mm single sheave blocks...I could take a gamble and try out these new blocks from ME, or I could wait for Syren to get some more made and use what I already know I'll like...

Any thoughts?

BTW, I hope everyone here is safe and sound.

Thanks,

Dave

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Current Project:  Imai/ERTL Spanish Galleon #2

Recently Finished: Revell 1/96 Cutty Sark

Next Up:  ???

 

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Sunday, November 15, 2020 3:06 PM

Or...I'd be happy to give you all the HECEPOB blocks you want...but I doubt you do.

I'd like to try those MS one as well, esp. if they are a little cheaper.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Marysville, WA
Posted by David_K on Sunday, November 15, 2020 6:07 PM

lol Bill!

I myself have a # of the HECEPOB blocks, can't bring myself to throw them out, but I can't think of a world in which I'd ever use them :)

If I decide to try out the *Beauties* from ME, I'll be sure and report back on my findings.

Dave

        _~
     _~ )_)_~
     )_))_))_)
     _!__!__!_         
     (_D_P_K_)
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    ~~~~~~~~~~~

Current Project:  Imai/ERTL Spanish Galleon #2

Recently Finished: Revell 1/96 Cutty Sark

Next Up:  ???

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Sunday, November 15, 2020 7:25 PM

Shoot, get the one pack of 20, looks like it ought to be about $10 with S&H, that's 50¢ per each.

Model Shipways remains a pretty solid outfit, if now unther the ME umbrella.

Really close to Chuck's Bluejacket price of $5/dozen, but those are brittania metal, and would need paint or chemical staining.  (and they are in even 1/16" increments, not mm)

  • Member since
    March 2018
  • From: Chicago suburbs
Posted by Luvspinball on Monday, November 16, 2020 2:42 PM

They have a "starter pack" with a few blocks of each size.  I ordered it.

Good quality - pretty close to Syren blocks.  Only real difference is the strop line is a bit deeper on the MS blocks compared to Syren.  Slightly darker color as well.

I ended up getting most of what I needed for the Constitution from them since Syren is limiting block shipments (or are sold out).

I will post some side-by-side pictures later tonight.

Bob

 

Bob Frysztak

Luvspinball

Current builds:  Revell 1/96 USS Constitution with extensive scratch building

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Marysville, WA
Posted by David_K on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 6:50 PM

Thanks for the input, guys!

Bob, if you feel like posting some photos, that would be helpful!  It sounds like they are decent quality, based on your description.

I may take CapnMac's advice and get 1 pack to see how I like them...But I need to decide before I start using the last few Syren blocks I have on hand.

After a long hiatus from the forum, you all might see me chiming in more often.  I got involved in some Bandai Star Wars kits over the Summer (the Perfect Grade Millennium Falcon is something else!), and my Imai Spanish Galleon has been neglected, in a partially-built state, for almost a year!

Anyway, thanks again for your replies.

Dave

        _~
     _~ )_)_~
     )_))_))_)
     _!__!__!_         
     (_D_P_K_)
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    ~~~~~~~~~~~

Current Project:  Imai/ERTL Spanish Galleon #2

Recently Finished: Revell 1/96 Cutty Sark

Next Up:  ???

 

  • Member since
    March 2018
  • From: Chicago suburbs
Posted by Luvspinball on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 5:38 PM

blocks

Sorry, MS = Model Shipways "Beautiful Blocks"

Bob

Bob Frysztak

Luvspinball

Current builds:  Revell 1/96 USS Constitution with extensive scratch building

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Marysville, WA
Posted by David_K on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 6:31 PM

Thanks, Bob!

I like how they look, I'm going to buy enough to rig my current model...the deep strop lines are a good thing, I sometimes struggle keeping my rigging in place with Syren blocks.

Syren may have some competition for my $$...

Take Care,

Dave

        _~
     _~ )_)_~
     )_))_))_)
     _!__!__!_         
     (_D_P_K_)
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    ~~~~~~~~~~~

Current Project:  Imai/ERTL Spanish Galleon #2

Recently Finished: Revell 1/96 Cutty Sark

Next Up:  ???

 

  • Member since
    November 2020
Posted by Waynesbea on Friday, September 23, 2022 11:13 AM

Has anyone used Model Monkey's blocks? Was wondering if they are good...

 

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Friday, September 23, 2022 3:28 PM

Tis Funny:

       Blocks or things that pass for them have been pushed on us for years. Now the last Time I had a use for them (On modern fishing Boats you still need them) On period Freighters from Post W.W.2 for freight handling you need them.(1/96, scale remember) For 1/96 models of 12 Meter sailing vessels you need them. I now go through the motions and make My own. The last time I got Good ones I got them from BlueJacket Shipcrafters. They were great (I will still stick with making my own).

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Orlando, Florida
Posted by ikar01 on Friday, September 23, 2022 9:40 PM

You could always use them in a diorama aboiut the apokalypse or the economy in the next two years, whichever comes first.

  • Member since
    March 2022
  • From: Twin cities, MN
Posted by missileman2000 on Saturday, September 24, 2022 8:10 AM

Maybe with a small ship in large scale I might consider them, but considering the number of blocks on a ship or even a large brig, we're talking a lot of blocks!  I think ordinarily I will stick to the cheap stuff.  Look good enough for me.

I do a fair amount of scratch builds, and rigging fittings are the major expense of the work.

Even on plastic kits I frequently replace plastic rigging blocks with wooden ones. I have the Soleil Royale in progress and that has a huge number!  Since I only rig now and then buy blocks as needed.

 

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