Hi all well I've done all the flure de lys on one side (think I've gone cross eyed doing them)

I was wondering what product you're using for your gold leaf. I was contemplating different techniques for the gold portions of a Soleil Royale, and your finish here looks quite good. Are your figures/statues also finished with gold leaf? I was wondering how that worked with a three-dimensional object versus the relief work along the hull and stern.

It comes from weights of Lymm (in the uk)I am sure there are stockist who sell gold leaf in the US but afraid I don't know who they are the figures are done in gold leaf also and it is surprisingly easy to guild you paint the item with size leave at least 20 mins (if you try and guild too soon the gold won't stick, so if it's not sticking leave it a little longer) you will get cracks on deep areas you don't need to re size just cut a small piece of gold leaf(I use scissors ) and with tweezers place over the crack and press down with soft cloth, when brushed off (with a soft brush(I use squirrel hair))any cracks still showing just repeat and brush off. You will need to coat everything with shellac when done as if you handle it much you will wear thecgold leaf off.
Any panels I would guild the whole panel then paint the base colour over the gold, as I've not found a successful way of removing the little whispy bits left around the edges.your soliel build would look amazing, I was going to get the soliel and do this but the rigging put me off for now, I will see how the rigging goes with this.

Thanks, I'll have to investigate that.

Yes, rigging these beasts is intimidating. I find as I get older I'm more likely to just give it a go rather than be concerned about perfection. Must be the pressure of knowing that "time is running out'!

Hi all here is tonight's bit

Outstanding!!

Completely blown away by this build. It is a fascinating vessel, and a real masterclass as well.

Thank you for sharing.

Si

Hi all well I'm afraid this is as far as I can go till the parts come so hopefully they will be here soon.
I cant glue the two boxes on yet as I would not be able to get the other cannons in so this is it for now.

Great build so far Ken,

Really hope you track down the missing parts, would be a real shame if you cannot complete this build.

cheers, Si

I absolutely agree with Si here - great work and I hope you can finish it!! It would be a shame for that wonderful model if you don't get your missing sprues, Ken!

Cheers,
Jan

Emailed Heller and have been told the parts were shipped on the 23rd so hopefully not long to wait. Still won't get much done as off on hols in a fortnight.

Good to hear Knm

looking forward to the progresswhen you get back.

Si

woo hoo the sprues have arrived (that was quick, quicker than the actual model arrived they was only dispatched on the 23rd)

Good news, looking forward to seeing more progress.

Si

Hi all well I'm back on this one again.

Looking good Ken,

The gun battery looks impressive, must have been tricky working the guns so close together.

Great build, following with interest.

Si

hi all here is tonights update

well here is yet another update on this one, yawn.

Hi all well I've done all the fluer de lys on the other side I recon that must be about 30,000 of them (or at least that's what it seems like).
One thing of would suggest with this kit, for any others intending to build it is either do not glue the angels on the rear of the ship or at least omit the trumpets till the model is finished as I've knocked them off numerous times and have now put them I a bag for safe keeping till I've finished the kit when I will finally glue them on (assuming I remember)

Looking great Ken,

The fleur de lys were worth the effort, they really do stand out.

Cheers


Si

That is really very impressive work. With all the gold and the bold colors, the kit already looks very regal.

Hi all another update.

Sorry, I had to play a little catch up on this one Ken!! Fine bit of progress!! She's looking really good there!! Keep it coming!

looking good Ken,

Really impressive build, thanks for sharing.

Si

Hi all here is where I am at on this now, wont get much more done as on hols soon, Yippee

Hey Kpnuts, Keep that thing away from your Titanic build. That is one funky looking boat. Talk about pimping your ride...

Very interesting build you posted.

Cheers