Academy Cutty Sark Clipper Ship

Very nice kit, It deserves 4 to 4.5 stars, but it came without the calcs, so I am giving it a 3.Its hard to say if this kit is for beginners, as a begginer myself I would say, its not, but if you are a patient person, able to plan ahead, learn, test and persist, then yes, its for that kind of beginners. I had the revell 1:96 first, which I didn't finish, basically because of the paint, which I didn't know how to apply in a time in which youtube didnt exist.... Then I got the 1:220 and I learned a lot by doing it, thanks to many youtubers that posted tutorials. Painting is by far the most difficult part for me as a beginner, the tip I find the most useful is, if you use acrylics, dilute the paint with acrylic medium/base till you get milk like consistency and make many thin layers to avoid brush strokes.Update... found the calcs :)

This was the first model I put together and I was pleased with the final results. There are a few things that I feel need to be pointed out though:1. Make sure you paint the pieces before you put it together.2. you will need both modeling glue (plastic glue, you can get it at hobby or craft stores like Michaels) and super glue (use the gel stuff, it will save your sanity)3. Acrylic paints work just fine for the model, so I would use those as they don't look too shiny like enamels can.4. In terms of the steps, When it comes to the rigging do the black plastic pre-molded rigging first, then the step before that one, then the sails, then the rigging the sails to deck step. If you do it the other way you end up with glue all over the place and bits not stuck in quite right.5. Make sure you get a needle to put the sails on and GLUE THEM FIRST then do the threading.Overall it was a good starting ship, I'm not sure I would have small children do it because some of the rigging is difficult for an adult. It does end up looking pretty much like the picture but not very much like the box. Oh and the sails may look really yellow but once they are on they look better. Good luck!

I had ordered this particular ship model from another model kit maker a few months ago and ended up discarding the kit because it was very poor quality. This kit by Academy is just the opposite, detailed and well constructed, it looks like it will be a pleasure to build. Good value for the money.

I am not finished with model; but find it challenging and enjoyable.I am writing about K-Crew, the seller. It was shipped internationally via DHL and then US shipping handled by USPS. A problem developed in the hand of between the two agencies. Fortunately, with tracking at each, I was able to solve delivery problem with help of K-Crew. They were very helpful and delivery was done near the predicted 30 day window.All-in-all, I am very pleased.

Fast delivery unopened package looks as described I bought for my husband will update when he has finished it

Last time I purchase a damaged box item. Was missing parts and the box isnt damaged to the point they would have fallen out. Since the shrink wrap was removed no telling where they went.

Not for beginners.

This model has very details. Its not a toy when is finished and doesn't need paint. The instructions are very simple but whit a lot of details.You will need a xacto for cut pieces from frame and sand paper to get a good shape for them. You can use sailors from model, but I prefer to use them like a model with an old handkerchief. Prepare a diluted mixture of glue and water. Finally, put handkerchief over the sailor, with a brush put mixture over handkerchief and let dry.Cut with a scissor.Good modeling !!!

The kit was really packed well and protected in transit. The moldings are really good quality plastic. However regarding the painting instructions he paint *Humbrol (tan was the wrong colour number) for the deck. But that was rectified by myself. The sails had to be tied on...which was very tricky. You have a choice here either you can take an easy way out by merely tying two ends and a middle or tying as to the instruction knottings. I used a needle heated over a candle to make the holes where they were meant to be in the sails. If I had to do the kit all over again. I would lie the masts flat in tying the sails, rather than glueing the masts upright on the model and tying the sails on (very trick) as the masts tend to vibrate/wobble as you tie the sails on. The instructions say do the rigging then the plasticratlines (molded rope ladders). Her much better to afix the ratelines first as in Revel sailing ship models. Because with Academy instructions...once the rigging is completed it is the very devil to fix the ratelines on, because no room hardy to affix. I hope this helps. The model is no finshed. My wife thinks its lovely...my Grandchildren gave it a Wow. It is a nice model if you take you time with everything. I hope my experience in assembly will help others.

Was dissatisfied with the quality of the product no paints, no glue, sails are not material they are plastic and looks cheap for the price I paid.