The Best Ship Model Kits (Occre vs Artesania vs Billing Boats)

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares three model ship kits from Opra, Artesana Latina, and Billings Boats. Opra is praised for its variety of quality timbers and well-designed parts, making it the top choice for serious model builders. Artesana Latina, while offering detailed small parts, suffers from inconsistent planking quality. Billings Boats, on the other hand, is criticized for being too plastic-heavy, with poor laser cutting and low-quality timber. The presenter prefers the Opra kit but plans to build all three models to further compare the build processes and results in future videos.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video compares three model kits from different manufacturers: Oprah, Artesania Latina, and Billings Boats.
• 😀 The comparison focuses on the contents of each kit, particularly the materials and parts included.
• 😀 The Oprah kit features a variety of timbers, including walnut, lime wood, and thin planking, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
• 😀 The Artesania Latina kit has a thinner, less consistent timber compared to the Oprah kit, but the instructions are accessible via CD or online.
• 😀 The Billings Boats kit has a disappointing quality, with a heavy reliance on plastic parts, which makes it less ideal for learning traditional ship modeling.
• 😀 The Oprah kit has better-quality timber, with more variation in wood types, and the finish is smoother compared to other kits.
• 😀 The Artesania Latina kit has thin planks and some inconsistencies in width and thickness, making it more challenging for accurate planking.
• 😀 The Billings Boats kit's instructions are clear but the overall quality is subpar, particularly because it uses too much plastic, making it less authentic for advanced modelers.
• 😀 The Oprah kit is recommended as the best choice due to its variety of wood, better-quality small parts, and smoother timber.
• 😀 The Artesania Latina kit is the second-best option, with detailed small parts and a nice finish, though the timber quality is not as high as Oprah's.
• 😀 The Billings Boats kit is not recommended for anyone serious about model shipbuilding, as it lacks the craftsmanship expected in traditional wooden kits.
• 😀 The video ends with a promise to build all three models and provide further comparison videos and full build guides for viewers interested in following along.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is a comparison of three different ship model kits from three manufacturers: Oprah, Artisania Latina, and Billings Boats. The review covers the contents of each kit, including materials, quality, and the building process.

Which model kit does the reviewer prefer the most and why?

The reviewer prefers the Oprah kit the most due to the higher quality and variety of timber, better detail in the smaller parts, and overall construction. They find the instructions clear and easy to follow as well.

What are some notable features of the Oprah kit?

The Oprah kit features a combination of walnut and lime wood, a two-layer planking system, and a variety of detailed small parts like brass fittings. The instructions are easy to follow with clear diagrams and painting guides.

How does the Artisania Latina kit differ from the Oprah kit?

The Artisania Latina kit uses lime wood like the Oprah kit but with thinner planks, requiring more careful handling. It has a better selection of metal parts (like brass) and provides instructions via a CD or online, which may be less convenient for some modelers.

What is the primary criticism of the Billings Boats kit?

The primary criticism of the Billings Boats kit is its heavy reliance on plastic components, despite being marketed as a 'wooden' kit. The reviewer feels the kit is overly simplified and lacks educational value for modelers looking to learn about ship modeling.

What is mentioned about the quality of planking in the Artisania Latina kit?

The reviewer points out that the planks in the Artisania Latina kit are not consistent in size and finish. The planks have jagged edges and the thickness and width measurements are inconsistent, which may cause difficulties during the build.

How do the instructions for the Billings Boats kit compare to the other kits?

The Billings Boats kit provides relatively clear instructions, but the kit's overall simplicity means there's not much to learn from the building process. This makes it less engaging compared to the more complex and informative instructions of the Oprah and Artisania Latina kits.

What was the reviewer’s opinion on the small parts in each kit?

The reviewer finds the small parts in the Oprah and Artisania Latina kits to be of high quality, especially the metal components like brass. However, the small parts in the Billings Boats kit are seen as lacking variety and detail, with some components, like the cotton, being of lower quality.

What did the reviewer mean by the 'inconsistent sizes' of planks in the Oprah and Artisania Latina kits?

The reviewer noted that while both the Oprah and Artisania Latina kits offer varying plank widths and thicknesses, these inconsistencies can complicate the building process. Planks that are too wide or thin may require more sanding and careful fitting to achieve a consistent look.

What is the reviewer’s main recommendation for those interested in ship modeling?

The reviewer recommends the Oprah and Artisania Latina kits for those looking for a rewarding and educational ship modeling experience. They caution against purchasing the Billings Boats kit, as it is seen as too simplistic and not suitable for serious modelers.