Considering my next project, i have recently discovered a Billings Boats HMS Bounty or BB492 for the equivalent of 330US dollars. It is a 1:50.
So my questions are:
Has anyone had any experience with this particular model? (my forum searches came up rather empty)
Is this a good quality model?
Is it good value for money?

How does it compare to AL's 1:48 Bounty?

I hope someone has some information on this kit. It is by far the cheapest for its complexity i have found yet (makes me wishful but also very suspicious)

JD

JD,
Don't know anything about that particular kit; however, are you familiar with the Billings kits in general? I understand that they are short on instructions. You must build mostly from the plans.
Alan

JD --

My experience with Billings is limited -- they continue to sell kits world wide and many people built them. Several advanced local builders have built thier kits with excellent results . I should stress the word "advanced" builder as Billings is not famous for thier instructions and leave details for the builder to "fill in" , so to speak . On the other hand I am not as fan of AL , so it's really up to you . At that price , you really cannot go wrong , even if you have to bash the kit . Have a look at the plans on the following site - at first glance , the plans seem easy enough . but look deeper and you begin to see the missing info/ instructions - you have to have the experience to read between the plans and figure out how to build in the areas where Billings has left out the " how to " part . Typical of most Euro kits .

http://www.billingboatsna.com/DownloadInstructions.aspx



HOLD FAST !

Jan David:
Looking at the Billings' Bounty, I'd say it was an "advanced kit". If you feel comfortable with dealing with a lot of "detail", and research the vessel, ("Anatomy Of The Ship" series of books has a "bounty" entry) you should do OK.

Remember; If in doubt, ask. Don't forge ahead without visualizing what the results will be.

You may want to try an "intermediate" model first, but that's your call

jemontgomery,
i share your concern,i actually want to do an intermediate model first. but the range available in the stores around here is limited to artesania latina only.
I was considering their SUPPLY. but it does look like to be more on the easy intermediate range. Just a few steps up from the swift. Is my assessment correct?
Can anyone suggest a higher up in the difficulty intermediate model?
Doesnt have to be Artesania Latina, i can order through the shops.

I hope my rambling can be understood.
JD

Jan David:
I did a quick "google" of AL Supply and found a few disappointed modelers. Apparently the quality of the wood is substandard with some parts of the frame twisted.

You might want to check and see if "Ocre" has a supply, or reasonable "intermediate" kit. Their quality is very good. There have been some posts here stating that the old AL crew moved out to Ocre when Al was bought out and that is why AL seems "substandard" now.

Any intermediate kit will suffice because you can always "bash" it and add or change anything you want. You can always add things to make it a more complete / complicated model.

Or, as I said, get the bounty and "take it slow and easy" and you will do OK.

I have now done a complete turn about. On the most likely list Caldercrafts HMS Snake is now at the top. It is described as an intermediate model and i believe it to be on the upper end of intermediate. Exactly what i am looking for. And it only costs about 350 US dollars.
I have only built one model from Artesania Latina so far (SWIFT). But i am not impressed by the sparse instructions and the supplied material.
JD

I just completed building the Billings Bounty and to tell the truth
I wish I had bought the AL version.

The quality of the wood thats supplied is questionable, particularly the hull planking strips. I ended up using better quality strips left over from another model.

The model details are not particularly good and there are absolutely no
instructions worth while with the model.

I would strongly recommend you pass on this kit.

Regards
Russ

Thank you for that warning.
I will now definitly not buy this model. Thanks a lot you possibly just saved me 300 Dollars.:-)

JD

Jan David:
Caldercraft has a very good reputation for quality. I think you would be happy with any of their products.