Monday, September 30, 2013

HMS Unicorn Build Log - Quick Review

HMS Unicorn of Corel - Kit Review

I've purchased the HMS Unicorn of Corel some months ago right after the completion of my Race Horse. I'm quite satisfy with the overall quality, and I think it's good to provide a simple review to anyone who is also interested in this kit. ;)

Pictures speak more than a thousand words!!! Check them out:

So, this is how it looks like in the box. :)
As you can see at the bottom of the box, there's a 'SM II'.. which mean this is already the 2nd version of the kit. So there are some mixing instruction of both versions.

HMS Unicorn Kit in Box

Unboxing...
Everything

What I can say about the instruction plans of Corel is just... meh... :(
The fonts of instruction plans (guiding steps) are too small (top in the picture) which is really tiring to read; while for the picture instructions are OK. If you have done model ship once or twice, then the information provided will be right enough. 

Anyway, for the masts and spars section... again, the pictures are too compact :( All are drawn in one page. You can imagine :D

Instruction Booklets

Wood quality is excellent!!! Even the plywood! At least compare to Sergal, that's a big different. :) Filler balsa blocks (bow and stern), ship display cardle are provided too!! :)) I'm very happy with that.

Keel and Deck

Many kinds of woods are used in this kit... walnut, maple, lime, mahogany, ebony, tanganyika, etc... Well and equally cut!! :) Same goes to dowels.

Wood Stips

Metals quality like figure head and anchors are good too.

Figure Head

Some poor fittings...
Despite the excellent wood quality, some wood fittings are badly done.. especially the capstan. Same goes to the gratings and small blocks. Anyway, deadeye and larger blocks are fine.

Capstan

I really love the cannons and carriages provided by Corel. :) The cannons are even blackened!! And the trunks are well shaped. 

Cannons and Carriages

Nothing much can do about the stern gallery... I mean there's no way a manufacturer can provide its customers very detail cast metals. Gonna remake them. Anyway, they can be good references on remaking :)

Stern Gallery

There are still many fittings that I haven't post here.. if you're interested in this kit and wish to have a closer look on them, let me know! 

Hope this helps!!! :)


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

HMS Race Horse Gallery

HMS Race Horse Gallery

Finally, the display case that I've ordered a month ago arrived yesterday! And it really makes the ship a lot different inside the case! So, I decided to make one gallery post for her!!

Starboard

Port

Bow

Perspective Port View

Perspective Starboard View

Deck View

Forecastle Starboard

Forecastle Port

Main Deck

Main Deck 2nd Mortar

Quarter Deck

Outboard Deadeyes

Inboard Deadeyes

Poop Lantern

Mast Lantern

Deck Lantern

Masts and Yards Riggings

Futtock Section Riggings

Riggings Above Deck

Bowsprit Riggings

Ship Lighting

Ship in Display Case

In Living Room


Thanks for viewing!! :)