German Heavy Cruiser Prinz Eugen Arrives – Special Pricing through May 31st, 2022

May 17, 2022May 17, 2022 / agesofsail / 1 Comment

OcCre’s newly released 1/200 scale model kit of the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen has just arrived at Ages of Sail! Regularly priced at $450, we’re celebrating the new kit with a special sale price of just $399. That’s a $50 savings from our regular price.

Prinz Eugen was a heavy cruiser built for the German Kriegsmarine. Launched in 1938, the ship entered service shortly after the outbreak of World War II. The Prinz Eugen was one of five Admiral-Hipper class heavy cruisers, armed with a main battery of eight 8″ guns, mounted in four twin turrets. The ship’s secondary battery consisted of twelve 105mm guns, twelve 37mm guns, eight 20mm guns, and a pair of triple torpedo tubes.

Soon after she entered service, the ship was sent to join the newly completed battleship Bismarck in the Baltic as part of Operation Bheinübung, to break out into the Atlantic to destroy Allied shipping. During the operation the two ships encountered British battlecruisers at what became known as the Battle of the Denmark Strait. It was during this battle that the ships sank the battlecruiser Hood. After the engagement, the Prinz Eugen managed to break away to conduct attacks on Allied shipping.

Eventually, the ship was assigned to Operation Cerberus to support german operations in Norway, and later to operations in the Baltic, where she served until the end of the war.

OcCre’s new Prinz Eugen kit is massive. At 1/200 scale, the completed model measures just over 42″ long.

This is a wooden hulled ship model kit that is built up with a framework of bulkheads and wooden strips. It is an advanced-level kit. Components include laser-cut wooden parts, highly detailed cast parts, and lots of photo etched brass.

We received a good supply of these kits, but the special pricing of $399 is only good through the end of May, so act quickly if you want to take advantage of this offer.

Get more details about this incredible kit or buy it now at Ages of Sail here: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/prinz-eugen-(occre,-1:200).html

Ages of Sail

A Kolderstok Statenjacht Build

April 29, 2022 / agesofsail / 2 Comments

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

On the Horizon: The Fluytship from Kolderstok

April 19, 2022 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

Kolderstok has been working on a new kit to add to their lineup of wooden kits of Dutch ships and ship types, the Fluytship or Flute Ship. We have a couple shipments in the pipeline from Kolderstok, to include the new kit. So, watch for it!

From Kolderstok’s kit description:

“The flute ship can be seen as the means of transport of the 17th century.While the origin of the name flute cannot be established with any certainty, its characteristic shape – a convex, pear-shaped hull with a strongly concave top and narrow decks – can plausibly be assumed to be the result of a succession of small developments that started at the end of the 16th century.

At this model the method of construction is different from other models. An oak frame is placed on an MDF base, after which the customised basswood planking is attached to the oak frame. The planking is applied from the keel upwards. After removing the MDF base, a completely hollow hull remains.

The model is in scale 1 to 72 and consists of laser-cut frames, fully cut basswood planking and various laser-cut accessories. The ornaments are fully 3D designed and printed with a very high accuracy. The building instructions are based on photos, and the rigging is based on drawings. The model includes two small boats and a set of sails (self-build, stitching required). The model comes with a basic oak stand.”

The scale of this new kit, 1/72, gives it a length of about 24″ and a height of about 21.5″, and scale compatible with both Kolderstok’s Batavia and the Zeven Provencien kits. It is considered an advanced kit with a difficult rating of 4 on a scale of 1 to 4.

We don’t have a final price on this kit yet, but we will have it when the new kit arrives. Watch for it at Ages of Sail or check out our full selection of Kolderstok kits here. Ω

Two New Fishing Boat Kits from Vanguard Models – In Stock Now

March 29, 2022 / agesofsail / 1 Comment

Lately, it seems that Vanguard Models has been releasing new kits faster than we can stock them. The two newest kits to be released are a pair of 19th century fishing boats, the Nisha, a Brixham “Mumble Bee”, and the Erycina, a Plymouth Trawler.

Erycina

Nisha

The Nisha, 1907 – The ‘Mumble Bee’ was cutter rigged, full bowed and broad beamed. They were strongly built and many survived to a good old age. Because of their fine lines, a few of these vessels were converted to yachts in their later life. Those fishing off the Welsh coast out of Tenby, working the fishing grounds in Mumbles Bay, acquired the collective term ‘Mumble-Bees’. In part, this was coined because of the large numbers of them ‘buzzing’ around the Mumbles like bees around a hive, and also arose by them adopting some of the features of the established Mumbles boats. Nisha had an overall length of 59 feet 3 inches, moulded beam of of 14 feet. She had a deep drag aft with a draft of 7 foot 10 inches but only 4 feet forward. Her fine lines translate into a very pleasing hull shape, making a very attractive display model.

The Erycina, 1882 – Originally built as a cutter designed by H.V. Prigg and built by W.H. Shilston, Coxside, Sutton Harbour in 1882. She was converted to a ketch rig in 1894. Due to her pedigree, Erycina has unusually beautiful lines, described as a ‘Crack Ketch’, and handled more like a racing yacht than a fishing vessel. Erycina fished along the South West UK coast for over 50 years, an incredibly long career for such a vessel. Her overall length was 71 feet, with a length between perpendiculars of 63 feet. The moulded bredth of 17 foot 2 inches was rather more fine than that of the average trawler, but she was built for speed, and of- ten raced at regattas with with the crack Brixham Smack, Ibex. In 22 races at Plymouth regattas, Erycina won 15 first, 4 second and 2 third prizes.

Both kits are in 1/64 scale that incorporate the latest design techniques, but are both suitable for the total beginner, as well as the seasoned modeler who may want to take a very scale accurate and detailed kit and add their own additional detailing.

Both feature laser cut and engraved parts in MDF and pear wood, laser cut pear wood ladders and companionway, laser etched and cut maple decks with treenail detail, photo etched brass detailing, and more.

Check out the specifics of each kit or order yours on our Ages of Sail shop here:

Nisha – Brixham ‘Mumble Bee’

Erycina – Portsmouth Trawler

Available Now at Ages of Sail

OcCre’s HMS Terror Build in High Speed

March 29, 2022 / agesofsail / 1 Comment

The latest video work from TOM’S Modelling in Motion brings us a 4-1/2 minute build of the Arctic expedition ship HMS Terror, one of two ships that disappeared while searching for the Northwest Passage in 1845, the other being HMS Erebus. The video takes us rapidly through the model, seemingly building itself, while educating us about the story of the ship and crew.

One thing that’s interesting about Tom’s build is his use of some specially designed 3D printed figures which are prominently displayed at the start of the video. Apparently, these figures are available as a file download for your 3D printer for a very reasonable price. Of course, you’ll need your own 3D printer or service to create them.

Tom’s figures are available as 3D printer files, which you can purchase, download, and print to your own 3D printer or using a service of your choice.

We don’t sell these ourselves, and we are not responsible for the quality or use of the file or figures. But, you might be interested in using them yourselves. Again, we have no knowledge about how to use the downloaded files, so please don’t ask us! Here’s the link that Tom shared on his Youtube description: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/admiral-captain-and-sailors-for-hms-terror

But, the model is of course the HMS Terror kit from OcCre of Spain. And, if you’re inspired to build your own model of this fascinating ship, we do carry this very popular kit.

Start by checking out the kit on the Ages of Sail online shop here: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/occre/occre-ship-model-kits/hms-terror-occre-oc12004.html

Find this, and more, at Ages of Sail

HSPMS In-Person Meetings Restart

March 21, 2022 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

It’s great to see that the ship model groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area are opening up again to in-person meetings.

This coming Saturday, March 26, the San Francisco based group, the Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights, are having their return meeting at the Maritime Museum building.

We’ve shared their post here – read for more details…

Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights

There’s good news for the Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights. With things opening up again in San Francisco, we’re going to start our in-person meetings again!

The bad news is that the gangway on the Eureka has been pulled due to tidal conditions, plus it will be relocated for repair later this year, so we won’t be meeting aboard the Eureka any time soon. Instead we will be meeting at the Bathhouse building, otherwise known as the Maritime Museum building, with our first meeting scheduled for Saturday, March 26th.

Meeting from 2018

The building doesn’t officially open until 10am, but there will be someone to let us in early. Our Commodore, Paul Reck, says we’ll meet up in front of the building between 9am and 9:30am, and we’ll call someone to let us in.

This will be the first in-person meeting we’ve had in over a year. Hopefully, people…

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Artesania Latina’s Soleil Royal Now in Stock!

March 9, 2022 / agesofsail / 2 Comments

The 17th century French ship-of-the-line Le Soliel Royal was build as as a 104 gun warship name for the “Sun King”, King Louis XIV, and served as the flagship of Admiral Tourville. The “three decker” was built in 1669 and was one of the most powerful ships of her day. She was also among the most sumptuously decorated warships with wooden carvings paying tribute to the French monarch.

Artesania has recreated this ship in incredible detail with this big 1/72 scale wooden ship model kit that is replete with decorative fittings, particularly at the bow and stern. The kit features hundreds of laser-cut plywood and solid wood parts, cast and photo-etched metal fittings, as well as a full set of pre-sewn sails. To finish the model, the kit also comes with wooden base and metal nameplate, plus a set of 12 cast metal figures of the ship’s crew, ready to paint and assemble.

The completed model measures just about 36″ long, 34″ high, and just under 12″ across.

We also stock Artesania Latina’s optional lighting kit, which you can use to add extra life to your model.

As with all Artesania Latina kits now, all instructions are provided in digital format on computer DVD . The step-by-step instructions consist of nearly 400 pages, with thousands of images and text to help get you through this incredible kit, designed for the Expert ship modeler.

Don’t have a DVD drive? Not a problem, you can download the instructions directly or you can preview them here.

To get started on your own Artesania Latina Soleil Royal build, visit our kit listing at Ages of Sail here. Ω

Amati Gunboat “Arrow” Build – In the Beginning, Part 2

February 23, 2022 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

Another update here on this build of Amati’s Arrow Gunboat kit, an American galley gunboat from the era of the War of 1812. This update fills in the earlier stages of construction of this model, which is nearing completion.

Of course, this is an available kit, here at Ages of Sail, ideal for a ship modeler with a little bit of experience looking for a smaller wooden ship model kit of a uncommon subject. If you’re interested in building this kit, you can find it here: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/am1422-amati-arrow.html

Ship Modeler

As I continue progress with the Amati “Arrow” American Gunboat kit, I wanted to wrap up my look at the earlier stages of this kit, which began as described in the earlier post Amati Gunboat “Arrow” Builde – In the Beginning. After the part where I left off last, the footrests for the rowing stations were added, and these openings in the deck were lined.

I found the provided wood had a nice natural look to them, so I avoided any painting of the model. I edged the planking in pencil, and I simulated the treenails in the deck by simply drilling holes for them. I found that the wood dust filled in the holes and made for a very natural look, especially after the application of a little danish wood oil.

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Realistic Blocks Now Available at Ages of Sail

January 31, 2022 / agesofsail / 1 Comment

The blocks included in ship model kits haven’t changed a whole lot over the ages. That’s because they’re small wooden details that weren’t easy to produce in a fashion that looked much like real blocks used on ships. There are things you can do to make blocks look better, like spinning them in a special tumbler, which can improve the shape. For most of us, that’s probably fine.

In recent years, newer methods have been incorporated in the mass production of wooden blocks for ship models, and we are proud to announce that we’re now carrying high quality pear wood blocks produced by Master Korabel!

How do these blocks compare to the standard kits blocks? You can see this for yourself. Below are some single sheave blocks. Can you tell which ones are Master Korabel and which is not?

We carry all sizes from 2mm to 5mm of single-sheave and double-sheave blocks. They come in 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, and 5mm and are sold in packs of 10.

These blocks are pricer than standard kit blocks, and they’re not available in larger sizes. But, they are ideal for brigs, schooners, ketches, and such, as well as smaller scale models of larger ships. But, mainly, these provide an option to add a higher level of detail and realism to your models than was possible before.

Find these on our online shop here: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/new-master-korbel/realistic-blocks.html

Amati Gunboat “Arrow” Build – In the Beginning

January 29, 2022February 23, 2022 / agesofsail / Leave a comment

Amati Model’s American Gunboat Arrow, is a unique kit in that it represents an unusual style of American gunboat that was used at the time of the War of 1812. This lateen-rigged, Mediterranean style design was developed by naval architect Josiah Fox and it was one of many designs that were created and built to defend the American coasts, lakes, and rivers.

Due to the amount of detail, and unusual hull style, Amati’s kit is probably best identified as an intermediate kit, or at least an advanced beginner kit.

There are few kits available of American gunboats. But, if you want to try your hand at this build, you can find it at Ages of Sail here: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/am1422-amati-arrow.html

Ship Modeler

I’ve turned my attention back toward the completion of the Amati Gunboat “Arrow” kit and it’s coming along. I’m ready to deal with rigging and the sails as most of the hull and deck detail is done. This is a kit that I started quite some time ago, but other things pushed it on a back burner, and I mean way back, because I started it in 2014.

I’ll post an update soon. But, I’ve written a few posts now about building this Amati kit, and mostly of the middle stages of construction. For those who are interested in building the kit, since the construction of this kit is unlike most ship model kits I’ve encountered, I thought it might be good to post some photos from the early stages of construction.