This model is presented in a file with Batavia art prints, 6 die-cuts sheets (22x31cm) and an instructions booklet of 12 pages. Assembly steps are full described by drawings.
The scale of the model is 1/160. The paper is silky and its quality and printing are excellent. Drawings are precise and simple. Colors are attractive.
Parts are not completely pre-cutted: holes and slits are not cutted. So before cutting, you have to verify discrepancies between printing and pre-cutting.
Assembly of the hull is made without couples : keel is made with two glued parts. Upper bridges and rear castle are glued on this structure by 6 little supports. The rigidity of this structure seems sufficient, but after assembly I think that it will be more convenient to reinforce the keel only with carstock. Mine is not strongly straight...
After, the hull is assembled like a shell: you have to curve first the rear hull and to fix it with needles to the deck. It is a surprisingly building method but very efficient. This paper is very easy to curve to obtain a very nice shape.
And you need 27 needles to maintain all the hull!
With a minimum of glue, after this step you have a bulging hull like the actual ship Bavaria.
To be continued...
Updated April 16, 2000 - PG - Free hosted by Free.fr