Heller Le Gladiateur Boat Model Building Kit

I was impressed with the appearance of the ship. However, I was so engrossed with the assembly process, I didn't realize the 4 cannon port lids on the stern were missing. By this time, It was too late to ask for the parts from Heller. Besides, these lids are located on the stern of the ship UNDER an overhang of the Officers' quarters and you really can't see that they are missing. I think that someone should contact Heller and have them tell their QUALITY CONTROL people to pay attention to the entire assembly process of ALL their products...especially the kits that are being sent OVERSEAS because I'm sure it will take a long time get ANY needed or replacement parts.

This is a very beautiful model. Yo do not need to be a full super-full expert, but this is not for beginners not even intermediates. You need a lot of experience in more basic models, because this one has a lot of small pieces, a lot of parts, and painting and rigging are very tricky. On the other hand, if you love to do these kind of models, this one is for you. The color, the adjustment of each part, the immense patience needed for dealing with the threads, the shrouds,... Is is very nice.For those who say the French instructions are not understandable, that the instructions are a mess that it is difficult to do, take into account that if you have made several sailing ships like this (only easier), you can follow the instructions even without translation. If you already have bought this model, and feel overwhelmed, put it aside, buy and build 2 or 3 easier models and then start again with this. It's my advice.

Very poor instructions; recommended colors were eithernot available locally or required the use of a conversiontable to find a close color match. Some of the rigging shownis not contained in the kit. Some of the parts are verysmall and you will need a good tweezers & magnifyingglass to paint and assemble.

like it a lot

Love it!