Many kits produced by classic ship model kit manufacturers are well known, so it’s relatively easy to find examples of them under construction on the Internet, or to know of someone else who has built or is building the kit. But, for kits produced by relatively new manufacturers with a limited distribution network, it’s pretty hard to know what construction is like. So, it was nice to find a build of the Statenjacht kit, produced by the Dutch wooden ship model kit manufacturer Kolderstok.

Image from Kolderstok’s website.

The Statenyacht was a Dutch transport that was used in the 17th through 19th centuries, designed to carry and entertain VIPs. This from the manufacturer:

“Evolved from the war yachts as used in the 80-year war, it had developed into a convenient, fast and above all comfortable means of transport. The Statenjacht was the ideal way to travel at a time when country roads were bad and there was plenty of water. It was frequently used by high-ranking people and royalty, or official bodies such as the Amsterdam, Zuid-Holland and Zeeland Admiralties, but also by city councils and members of the VOC and WIC chambers.”

This particular build is by ship modeler Melissa T., of Saratoga Springs, New York. This is only Melissa’s second build, but it is progressing well, and illustrates some of the interesting features of this unique wooden ship model kit.

The framework going together nicely. Note the laser-etched alignment marks on the faces of the bulkheads.

The kit is not recommended for the first time builder. Kolderstok gives it a difficulty rating of 2 on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the most difficult.

One of the features of this kit that make it unique, is the furnishing of some interior details, including upholstered bench seating for the VIP passengers, and even a fireplace!

It’s not clear how much of this interior will actually be visible once the model is complete. But, just the fact that it’s there makes any observer want to look closely to see what he or she can see.

Melissa began her build log on March 13th, 2022, and presumably started the build on that date as well. So, it’s only been less than 2 months along, But, she’s planked the deck and is now planking the hull with the walnut strips provided in the kit.

We’re pretty sure this is going to be a beautiful model when it’s done! For those who would like to follow her build, it’s is posted on the NRG’s ModelShipWorld forum here: https://modelshipworld.com/topic/31535-statenjacht-by-melissa-t-kolderstok-scale-150/#comment-905439.

For those who are interested in building this model themselves, the kit, which is built to a scale of 1:50, and measures 19.7″ long and 20.5″ high when done, is available here at Ages of Sail: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/kolderstok/statenjacht-(kolderstok,-1:50).html.

Those who are interested in addition additional interior detailing might want to consider purchasing a copy of the book “The Statenjacht Utrecht 1746” by Ab Hoving and Cor Emke. We don’t carry this book ourselves, but it should provide some wondering insight on the design, as it follows the reconstruction of an 18th century Statenjacht. The book is available from the publisher at https://www.seawatchbooks.com.

In any case, we’re looking forward to reading further updates on Melissa T’s Statenjacht build. If anyone else out there is building this kit and would like to share your photos with us, please feel free to reach out to us! Ω