I recently purchased but have received yet, a kit by Mantua of the Sovereign of the Seas. While I have built other advanced kits over the years, none from Mantua. If anyone has feedback on this company, and on the kit in particular, I would like to hear fom you.

Vince,

First, welcome to MSW we look forward to seeing your work.

As for Mantua kits I have not actually heard of them. Hopefully some of other other builders have.

Thanks. I am looking forward to getting to know other builders..

Probably because they're wooden ship models. Think Billings Models. Mantua is a competitor.

Well, I'm assuming Mantua hasn't released plastic kits now as well - since they also do RC cars...

My own experience of the Mantua kits is that the kits themselves are beautiful, especially the laser cut parts, which makes life very easy. The biggest issue I had was (perhaps still is?) the poor Italian-English translation of the instructions. Then again, that was before the days of online translators so perhaps it's now a mute point.

The only outlet in the Uk is in Dedworth in Berks Uk

Thanks for the reply. I just completed an HMS Victory kit from Mamoli and the translation to English was a nightmare. I think all of the European kit makers must have the same issues. This time I think I will use an on-line translation program to help.

Hi, I have built their Amerigo Vespucci, Vasa, Victory and have the Sovereign, Soleil Royale and two or three others in my stash. Overall they are excellent kits only let down by their translation of the instructions. As stated above, a bit of internet decifering will help. One day, the manufacturers of these kits will realize that it is better to have an English as first language speaker translate the instructions to English than the other way around. Anyway, the diagrams and exploded views speak a thousand words.

Yes, I agree. Broken English does not do well in giving precise instructions. I have already downloaded Google's free translator and it translates perfectly from their Italian instructions into real English with correct grammar.