Airfix Classic SAINT LOUIS Part One ...Rex Stewart

[@janvanrenesse2118]

A real beauty. Should be placed in a museum. Congratulations on this excellent work!

[@nissafors]

100% impressive and a joy to look at. I remember this kit from my childhood, but never built it myself though, but I always thought it looked like a very nice model. Greetings from Sweden.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

My inspiration came when obtaining Bjorn Landstrom's book '"The Ship" during my youth and finally seeing it as a kit at the local hobby store. I never pursued it until my early 20s; and finally brought it to this level today with all the research materials I acquired. Waiting for the opportunity to finish it.

[@nissafors]

@@RexStewartoriginals Yes, I have that book also, its a great book with amazing illustrations.

[@brianfoley4328]

Well done Sir, well done indeed.

[@tomlindsay4629]

I have the Lindberg re-edition of the old Life-Like/Pyro kit. It has a few nice details but it also has insurmountable shape issues with the hull. Your work leaves me stultified again, sir. Absolutely breathtaking. She looks so much more convincing at scale not wearing that predominantly white paint scheme you see so often.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Your comment is appreciated. And yes, the white topside is a debatable issue; but given the fact that ships of this size didn't have them -based on paintings and illustrations of that period, I must lean toward history verses speculation. Two fore-running witnesses helped in my decision -the illustration that Bjorn Landstrom later changed in his second rendition of the ship and the BBC Musketeer Series where King Louis looks on at his newly commissioned ship, re: no white topsides. So that being said, I'm in good company. I hope to get it finished sometime next year, but am working on a fundraiser to complete a biblical piece -first. So far I'm getting momentum with it. I realize more builders want to see SAINT LOUIS in full sail; and so do I...But the "Mark At Calvary" is an assignment I can't take lightly.

[@tomlindsay4629]

@@RexStewartoriginals, soundly reasoned, and beautifully realized. She finally looks like a flagship. Your Mark project sounds fascinating; break a leg!

[@m6087]

Votre travail, vos recherches, tout cela est admirable.

[@laisvunasssdakas377]

Amazing job. Looking forward to part two.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Your comment and viewing is much appreciated... Part two, as you can see from the last image, will cover rigging. Thanks for viewing.

[@laisvunasssdakas377]

@@RexStewartoriginals Very often I see how making rigging and sails spoils the image of the model. However, the rigging you created to Vasa and Prince, captivated me. Those models you built are amazing

[@neilhughes9310]

Rex - thank you for taking the time to put these examples of your work out to a worldwide audience. Your work is incredibly inspiring and, as you mention, so too were the Airfix designers who managed to make kits suitable for a mass market often from very limited reference material. Such a pity Airfix only retain few of these in their catalogue and shame on them for focusing on almost exclusively military subjects now. But I suppose that is where the money is. Isn't that Bjorn Lanstrom and his work you show? Did you ever build any of the Heller ships? They have had quite a range over the years. Some beautiful work from their artisans too. Thanks again for this and your other videos.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Neil, appreciate the comment and glad to get some of you on board to address your kits. That's the purpose of my videos, in part. And I duly agree about the military items. Years ago there was a balance that covered all subject matter, but because of 'wars' the latter ( sailing ship models)has nearly diminished. These have become collectibles; and for those like myself who rebuild and/or modify them, they're acquired by collectors. As for the author of SAINT LOUIS illustration; yes, that's Landstrom. Many of us in our young years admired his books; all which I studied to get more involved with detail. The Airfix products are worth the effort to build as you can clearly see from the supporting videos. Those models are a thing of beauty. Finally, yes; I do have a few Heller kits that were freely given to me , re: the large VICTORY and the SOLEIL ROYAL. If time allow I will address them. Again, thanks for your response.

[@JohnnieE1961]

Hi Rex. Thr st Louis brings back memories. I was modelling the kit in my youth but never progressed beyond the hull. I don't know why, I think it was going well (by my standards - not yours). A couple of questions (if you don't mind). 1. Is this a fresh out of the box build, as s lot of work seems to have been done the hull at the start of the video? 2. Do you use 3d printed parts for some of those tiny details? Yours respectfully, John.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks for your comment; much appreciated. As for the model work; yes, it was fresh out of the box. And no, I never use 3D printed parts. All my details are scratch built from wood with paper accents where needed. The paper is treated to prevent rotting.

[@JohnnieE1961]

@@RexStewartoriginals thanks for replying so soon. I'm kind of reassured that you model all those details yourself. It seems like many modellers now buy details from the 3D printers and photo etchers. I don't reckon I could justify spending on these items. Especially as I'm just modelling for pleasure. Also, it does look like cutting corners/cheating. I'll take a look at part ii of st Louis now. Re. Your modelling of HMS Victory - I don't know if it's possible, but have you considered modelling her in her original guide with open stern galleries etc. one day? I know it would be challenging, but it would be something to see.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

@@JohnnieE1961 I never thought about it... I'll look into it over the winter months. I appreciate the tip.

[@JohnnieE1961]

Hi @@RexStewartoriginals - Happy New Year. Apologies for not replying sooner but I was a bit embarrassed in that I may have given you a “bad” steer. I read somewhere that HMS Victory’s lines were different after the rebuild. However, comparing body plans for as-built (Nelsons Ships, P. Goodwin) and rebuilt (Anatomy of Nelsons Ships, C. N. Longridge) they look identical. The Outboard Profiles (from the same sources) are also similar except at the galleries, an additional gun port and the fore end of the gun deck and a slightly different beak. So perhaps I wasn’t so wrong, but you’ll know best. Strangely , it was in the Goodwin book where I read about changes to the lines. Also, I can’t be certain about the Longridge plans as they are from a very old source. Well I hope that’s my a covered. I really shouldn’t be interfering with your modelling and I’ll make a resolution not to post any more comments that can be perceived as “tips”. Once again, all the best for 2024 and happy modelling. I’ll be following with interest.