Civil War Era Kits from Cottage Industry Models

April 5, 2016 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

We’ve completely revamped our listing of kits from Cottage Industry Models. This long time producer of multimedia (resin) kits has been producing some very unique, very interesting and very detailed kits. We’ve had them in stock, but many of these somehow got removed from our website.

When we started setting up our new showroom, the kits showed up and we realized that these beautifully detailed kits needed to get back on our website in a hurry.

Five of these kits have been added to our listings and a couple others have been re-added: C.S.S. Albemarle, C.S.S. Arkansas, C.S.S. Pioneer, C.S.S. Palmetto State, C.S.S. Tennessee, David Bushnell’s “Turtle”.

Check out these photos of a nicely done model of C.S.S. Palmetto State, a 27″ long, 1/96-scale model featuring interior detail made with resin and metal fittings.

This is just one of many Cottage Industry Model kits available now at Ages of Sail.

Coming Soon! The New Ages of Sail Showroom & Model Craft Tool Shop

March 30, 2016April 30, 2016 / agesofsail / 1 Comment

Ages of Sail is expanding yet again!

With an increase in the number of product lines we’re carrying, out storage needs got absolutely ridiculous and products had to be warehoused in two separate locations. Luckily, a neighboring space became available earlier this year and Ages of Sail has been busily re-arranging, remodeling and preparing a new physical store right next door to our old location, which is now our warehousing and shipping department.

Things are a bit of a mess as we are still in the process of setting up the new store. But, here are some images of isle after isle ship model kits, tools, fittings, books, accessories, oh and MORE ship model kits.

Our new space isn’t official open for business yet. But stay tuned for our grand opening announcement. Once we’re all set up, we hope you’ll be able to visit us. But, even if you can’t, we’re still here to serve you online and over the phone with all these great new products we’re adding. So, check us out!

UPDATE: We’re now carrying high end tools from PROXXON, new kits, steam engines and accessories from Saito Manufacturing, the full line of multimedia (resin) kits from Cottage Industries, Billing Boats fittings, more books, more products, more, more, and MORE! Look for them online soon!

Two RC Steam Kits from Saito Manufacturing Added at Ages of Sail

March 27, 2016 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

Two more items have been added to the lineup of RC steam kits from Japan’s Saito Manufacturing, the Neptune Tug Boat and the Samson II Deep Salvage Tug. These are big models, with the Neptune each measuring nealy 4′ long and the Samson II measure close to 5′ long.

Both model kits are 1/40-scale and feature fiberglass hull, wooden structural parts, brass, plastic and cast metal fittings. Boiler/Burner combinations and engines are sold separately.

The tug boat Neptune in operation.

The Deep Salvage Tug Sampson II kit.

Saito’s powerful T2GR Engine is recommended for powering the Samson II.

Check out all the Saito products at Ages of Sail!

New Kits from Amati Model

March 27, 2016 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

Ages of Sail just received its most recent shipment of fittings and kits from Amati Model of Italy. In this shipment, we received 3 new kits, just released. Two kits are part of a new line of beginner kits called “1st Step”.

1st Step kits are designed for the first time ship modeler, whether young or old. The kits require no special tools to build and work out to be just about 11″ long. There are two kits in this series, the Elizabethan Galleon and the Pirate Ship. Start someone off on the road to ship modeling with one of these kits, or build it as a quick weekend project.

The Elizabethan Galleon from Amati’s new 1st Step line.

The Pirate Ship from Amati’s new 1st Step line.

The third new kits from Amati is not specifically designed for beginners, but is one that is relatively simple in design, a Spanish Carrack or Coca. This is an exciting addition to the Amati product line as it represents one of the few model kits of a 15th century ship.

Amati’s new Coca, Spanish Carrack ship model kit.

The Coca kit features laser cut frames and keel, double planking, sail cloth, fittings, and 16-page full-color building instructions. The completed 1:60-scale model measures just about 16″ long and high.

Check out these new Amati kits at Ages of Sail.

New at Ages of Sail – Krick Model Kits

February 18, 2016March 27, 2016 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

Krick is a German manufacturer of model boat kits with a line of static kits and R/C kits, including a U-Boat kit that actually dives. Ages of Sail just received a large shipment of assorted kits and accessories that are now posted on our website.

We’re currently in the process of updating our Krick listings, but check out these new kits from Germany:

Alert, U.S. Revenue cutter in large, 1/24 scale!

Karl and Marie (Karl und Marie), classic German fishing trawler

Gulnara, English built paddlewheel steamer used by Sardinian Navy

Each of the above display model kits has an optional set of pre-sewn sails available. Check them out along with the many other Krick products as they are added to our listings at Ages of Sail!

Mariefred Kit Gets German Magazine Award

February 18, 2016 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

We have few details, but it was reported to us that a German magazine presented what I believe is a magazine reader’s award for for best display model for Nordic Class Boat’s Mariefred kit to… Krick.

Krick is a German kit manufacturer that sells the Nordic Class Boats kits in Germany. Why Krick received the award and not Nordic Class Boats is not known.

Still… congratulations to all involved! It is a great kit as has been illustrated by our own customers, including Bob Burnside, whose Mariefred model photos we posted recently.

In addition to the Mariefred, we also carry all of manufacturer’s other kits including:

The Bohuslän – a steamer similar to the Mariefred
CB90H – Used by the US Navy as the Riverine Command Boat
Svea – Nordic fishing trawler
Svea R/C – Large scale R/C version of the Nordic fishing trawler
Solö Ruff – Classic Swedish-built day cruiser “Baltic Sea Chaser”
Schooner Vega – Swedish Tall Ship, built as a freighter in 1909.

Check them all out at Ages of Sail!

Mariefred by Nordic Class Boats – Ship Modeler Bob Burnside Shares His Photos

January 19, 2016 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

We just heard from one of our customers, Bob Burnside, that he recently completed his build of the s/s Mariefred, a 1/32-scale model of a Swedish coastal steamer.

According to the manufacturer’s website “s/s Mariefred is the steamship that is owned by Gripsholms-Mariefreds Ångfartygs AB and has been serving the route Stockholm – Enhörna – Mariefred since 1903. It is probably the ship that has been serving the same route for the longest consecutive years and still doing it with it’s original steamengine. The ship is an important part of shipping history in the lake Mälaren and it is in service every summer.”

Bob went an extra step and added interior LED lighting. You can visit his build log on The NRG’s Model Ship World.

In the last photo, while it is a daylight shot, if you look closely, you can see the LEDs Bob installed in the model’s interior. Compare this with the middle photo and you’ll definitely see the light!

This beautifully built model is just over 3′ long. If you’re interested in building one yourself, you can find it on Ages of Sail, the U.S. Distributor for kits from Nordic Class Boats. Ω

A Good Beginning Ship Model Kit – Amati’s America’s Cup Kits

December 31, 2015 / agesofsail / 1 Comment

“What’s a good kit for a beginning ship modeler?”

That’s a question that gets asked a lot here. The answer can depend on a number of things, such as the builder’s experience with other model kits, plastic or wood. Some people come to ship modeling with a woodworking background, some are youngsters who want to try it out or have a parent/grandparent wanting to start them off. Others are recently retired and have always wanted to build a ship model.

Whatever your situation, here is one recommendation that will probably work for many. Amati Model makes a series of 1/80-scale America’s Cup boat kits. These are the J-boats, the classic racers from the early 20th century that were fast but also elegant.

Shamrock V, 1930 Challenger

Rainbow, 1934 Defender

Amati makes several different types of America’s Cup kits, but their 1/80-scale kits in particular are ideal for the beginning ship modeler. The models are about 18” long and around 27” tall when completed and will look very nice, displayed on any bookcase or mantle.

There are actually two different lines of America’s Cup kits in 1/80-scale. There are the pre-carved hull kits and then there are the planked-on-bulkhead kits with tools included.

The two different lines of kits are virtually the same except for the hulls and the inclusion of some simple tools in the plank-on-bulkhead kits.

In both cases, the kits require the builder to plank the decks using thin veneer strips included in the kit. This is a little more of a challenge that some kits because the planks follow the curve of the hull instead of laying in straight lines, parallel with the centerline of the boat.

The deck details should be the fun part of the build, making the skylights and hatches, adding the steering wheel, the brass safety railing along the edge of the deck, winches, etc. The parts are all provided as laser-cut wood, photo-etched brass, or other metal parts. There is just enough detail here to be challenging and fun, and this is when the boat starts to come to life.

These racers had pretty simple rigging compared to the old square-rigged ships, giving the builder an opportunity to get the taste of working with some rigging without getting overwhelmed. Sails are included in the kit and require no sewing, just a little need and thread work to lace them to the lace them into place.

The large mast and boom present a basic challenge that is actually quite different from most sailing ships. This is because of the more modern nature of these boats. But, that will make for a nice simple challenge.

Pre-carved hull of the Enterprise. This one is actually from the older resin hull kits that Amati used to produce, but the wood hulls look exactly the same.

Going back to the hull itself, the two lines of kits give you a very nice option here. The pre-carved hulls are almost ready to go, right out of the box, and are the quickest and easiest way to have a completed model.

The plank-on-bulkhead hulls offer a bit more challenge since you have to build up the hull frame and then plank over it, but the shape of these hulls are far easier to plank that the apple-bowed hulls of the 18th Century. So, unless you’re looking for quickest finish, this is a great way to go. The extra challenge will start you on the path, better preparing you for your next ship modeling challenge.

Hull construction of the Rainbow. Image is right from the detailed kit instructions. You may notice the Italian text. Don’t worry, an English language booklet translates all the instructions clearly.

In either case, you’re going to need to finish the hull with a nice paint job, or possibly, in the case of the planked model, by giving it a clear coat to show off your fancy woodwork.

In the end, you’ll have something you’ll be proud to display in your home, in fairly short order. The relatively low price, ease of construction, and finished beauty should make this a great first kit for you or someone you know. Even an experienced ship modeler will enjoy one of these.

Buying a Kit
Ages of Sail has the full selection of these kits. Buy just the kit, or as part of a combo set that includes glues and a recommended book on ship modeling.

Pre-Carved Hull Kits:
1700/50 Endeavour, 1934 Challenger
1700/51 Rainbow, 1934 Defender
1700/52 Enterprise, 1930 Defender
1700/53 Shamrock V, 1930 Challenger
1700/54 Ranger, 1937 Defender

Plank-on-Bulkhead Kits with Tools:
1700/10 Endeavour, 1934 Challenger
1700/11 Rainbow, 1934 Defender

Watch our blog for a detailed look at Amati’s 1/80-scale plank-on-bulkhead Rainbow, 1934 Defender kit, coming soon! Ω

Occre’s Buccaneer Caribbean kit – A Quick Look

December 3, 2015 / agesofsail / 1 Comment

For some reason, pirates and pirate ships are very popular subjects these days. Who hasn’t enjoyed watching the swashbuckling adventures of the old days of Errol Flynn, or watched Treasure Island or even the more recent Pirates of the Caribbean films. There’s a reason that Disneyland has had the popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride for so many decades. People just like the old swashbuckling villains.

Ship modelers like them too, so a number of manufacturers have come through, providing us with a range of pirate ships to choose from, and Ages of Sail has them all:

Occre Corsair

Amati Pirate Ship Adventure

Amati Pirate Junk

Occre Buccaneer Caribbean

In addition, there are kits of ships that were often associated with pirates, in particular, the Barbary Pirates of the Mediterranean Sea. These aren’t specifically pirate ships, but could easily be displayed as one:

Amati Sciabecco

Occre Cazadore

But there’s nothing like a classic pirate ship flying the Jolly Roger, and the Buccaneer Caribbean from Occre of Spain is just that. At Ages of Sail, we have a supply of these kits and we’re going to give you a little peek into what makes up the kit.

Occre’s Buccaneer is a relatively new kit. It is a 1/100-scale representation of a 16th century pirate ship. The completed kit measures 22″ long and just under 18″ high, so it should fit nicely on your bookcase or mantle.

The kit comes in a fairly compact box, only about 9″ by 18″ by about 2-1/2″ thick. It is solidly packed which helps keep the parts from shifting around and getting damaged in shipping. Cardboard flaps inside the box also help keep things from shifting around.

When you take everything out of the box, it’s hard to figure our how they got everything in there in the first place.

Wood strips come in three bundles and there appears to be a good supply of planking material.The laser cut parts look very cleanly cut. The sheets with the bulkheads are a very nice quality plywood and parts are tightly organized on them, leaving very little waste. The wooden parts that will be visible on the model are laser cut from nice darker colored sheet wood.

The rigging material is supplied on 10 spools in beige and dark brown. There is also a coil of dark heavy line which looks like it’s probably anchor cable.

Something seen in a lot of kits these days is photo etched brass. This is a nice way to provide very precisely designed parts made of thin brass. Generally, unless the parts are meant to represent decorative details, the brass parts need to be painted or chemically blackened using a metal toner.

You may notice in the above photo that there is a kink in the frame that’s holding the brass parts. This is only because the brass sheet was folded over in order to fit in the box. Clearly, this was done with care so that none of the parts themselves were bent. I unfolded the sheet for the photo.

The kit contains a number of small parts that come in a handy compartmentalized plastic box that helps keep the parts separated and safe from getting lost.

As you can see, there is a nice selection of small parts including deadeyes, blocks, grating strips, a one-piece cast metal ship’s boat, stern lantern, mast caps, belaying pines, eye pins, rings, nails, cannons and carriages and more.

The kit also includes a full set of pre-sewn sails, which will save you a bit of work when it comes to rigging the model.

And what is a pirate ship without a pirate flag!

And when it comes to plans and instructions to help you build your model, Occre doesn’t skimp at all. In addition to a full-color booklet, there are also numerous sheets of plans showing the parts layout, rigging detail, belaying locations and more.

Overall, this is a nice kit and a very good value at only $149. It’ll provide many hours of enjoyment for the builder and will look good on display once it’s finished.

Check out this and other kits of the Occre line including Ships, Trams, Trains and Accessories at Ages of Sail.

Dusek Ship Model Kit Listings Updated

September 18, 2015 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

Dusek is a relatively new ship model kit manufacturer from the Czech Republic. Ages of Sail has been carrying Dusek kits back when they had only 3 different kits to offer. Now, they have about 20 and we’ve just updated our listings to reflect the most recent shipment of kits we’ve received.

Dusek kits feature all major wood parts laser cut. Plastic detail parts make for ease of construction and for realistic details. Other fittings are wood and metal, and the pages of illustrated instructions take the guesswork out of wooden ship model building.

Dusek also produces a handful of small architectural models including a medieval Swedish church, a Norse stave church and a even a church built in Bodega, CA by Spanish and Portugese immigrants in 1859. That last one even made an appearance in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “The Birds”.

“Gol” Norwegian stave church wooden model kit from Dusek

And if you’re looking for a nice variety of Viking ship model kits in 1/35 and 1/72 scales, make sure to check out the Dusek offerings, which include 6 different Viking ship kits.

As part of our updated listings, we’ve even included links so you can download the kit instructions in case you lose yours or want them in order to help you decide which one you want to buy.