Sir Kay

[P. H. StonesParticipant @p-h-stones25207]

I took on a kit from someone who had started to assemble this kit only to find much of the work had to be re-done. Although the instruction sheets and plan were supplied, I can see no reference to some measurements in the former and the latter is not to scale. I would like to know the height of the main mast and the taper from 9mm at the base please.

[P. H. StonesParticipant @p-h-stones25207]

1-48 scale Caldercraft Kit

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Hi, sorry to see that you haven’t had a reply. Can I ask the obvious, have you tried asking Caldercraft?
I have a magazine review of the kit from the 1980s that I can scan and
send you if it will be of interest. It doesn’t cover that point but there are some interesting remarks on scale fidelity with the kit.
Chas

[P. H. StonesParticipant @p-h-stones25207]

Thanks for your interest. I did send an e-mail query to Caldercraft but received no reply. It might be helpful to read the review if you will be kind enough to send it to [email protected] and thanks in advance for that.

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

No problem, I’ll scan it tommorow and send it on. Odd that Caldercraft didn’t respond. Reputations for service are hard to get and easy to lose.

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Hi again, I've emailed the article for you, sorry for the delay

[P. H. StonesParticipant @p-h-stones25207]

Chas, I've received the review for which I thank you. Although, as you say it might not answer my query, there is certain to be a wealth of helpful information to aid construction. I feel that Caldercraft should use a scale plan and provide more detail in the instruction booklet but do nevertheless hope to produce something worth sailing eventually.

I'm obliged for your assistance.

[P. H. StonesParticipant @p-h-stones25207]

I have studied the review and note that the author found some glaring faults with the kit / plan / instructions so it is no surprise that I also discovered what appear to be errors on the plan. I have again e-mailed Caldercraft adding these points to my original query and hope to receive a reply. Although some problems were caused by the original builder, these are exacerbated by a lack of detail and a full size plan. Although I know others use white metal parts too, I personally find them pretty dreadful, particularly the stanchions. I tried to replace some two ball 22mm stanchions supplied with the kit, with brass but haven't been able to trace any with holes large enough to take 0.90mm gauge wire for railings. If anyone knows of a good source I'd be pleased to know where it is. I'm sure that when completed the model is a very attractive one but I certainly would not recommend the kit to inexperienced builders.

[P. H. StonesParticipant @p-h-stones25207]

I have now heard from Mr J Wright of Caldercraft who has supplied me with the required mast measurements. He also tells me in answer to my further query concerning possible plan errors, that the six vents in question require 4mm collars whereas the plan shows them as having 6mm collars which are in fact to hand but not one of the correct size is included in the kit although I can purchase them for £3.60!!! Although the kit is pre-owned I am sure that was the case from new and think the matter should be rectified f.o.c. Very disappointing.

[Author]

Posts