HMS Victory model of choice for many worldwide

HMS Victory Most Popular Model

I started building the Airfix Victory a few years ago but an accident destroyed the model. I'd say the Revell Victory is more finely detailed. Airfix is a little bigger if that's an issue. Another thing I don't like about Revell Victory is cannon carriages on the gun deck are molded right into the deck, so a close look will reveal a detail problem. I might actually shade the lower portion of the carriages so they look like they are above the deck.

On the other hand, they'll be barely visible on the finished model. (In order to see them you'll have to look through the gaps between the ship's boats.)

This kind of detail is only noticed by me. Even my wife wouldn�t realize it so shading may be overkill.

Despite these few problems I'm still happy with my Revell Victory so far.

Most modelers seem to have forgotten about this kit, but it's actually quite a good one for its size and age. The Victory, of course, is an enormously popular modeling subject.

For myself, individually, I commit my life to Him who made me, and may his blessing light upon my endeavors for serving my Country faithfully. To Him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Admiral Horatio Nelson aboard the HMS Victory at the battle of Trafalgar

Over on the Drydock Models website we recently had a discussion about the various kits that are available; there are at least a dozen. In my personal opinion four of them are worth consideration as the basis for serious scale models.

I've been giving the color scheme a little thought while I am waiting for the replacement kit. My first thought was about the copper cladding. I am planning on painting the lower portion with copper enamel, then painting over that with a patina green with lighter and darker shades. The idea is to blend the two somewhat.

I had originally planned to use spray cans to paint the upper portion of the HMS Victory�s hull but my results with spray cans, specially when I have to mask it from black stripes, has been less than spectacular.

I will resort to hand painting the stripes between painter�s masking tape.