Airfix Swedish Warship VASA ...Modified/ Rex Stewart

[@stenhenricsson6575]

What a masterpiece you have created sir🥇🥇🥇it seems that you have a knowledge about sailing ships and Especially the ship Wasa, far beyond even expert level👏👏👏👏

[@RexStewartoriginals]

@stenhenricsson6575 your comment is most welcoming and appreciated. Period ships is my specialty as you can see from my other videos. I was always attracted to them since youth and was fortunate to be summoned to partake in the design of the 1989 HALF MOON. Dutch ships (and those of the European nations) have always intrigued me -as you will see in my other videos...especially with my latest build of the SAINT LOUIS. Again, thank you! By the way, I never keep these works, but rather sell them for others to enjoy. Those who have them always inform me of their continued findings of detail both on the model and in the rigging. I raise my glass to them.

[@basfinnis]

That looks superb. Beautiful finish. I just saw this on Ebay and was interested then saw what you did to the kit 😉

[@RexStewartoriginals]

@basfinnis, I hope you get the kit. It's a beautiful model -along with the vintage line of ships Airfix produced... I challenged myself (years ago) to enhance them because of the potential detail they carried. They are no longer with me as collectors immediately purchased them. So now, I finished SAINT LOUIS and will placing it here within 48 hours. Most likely that, too, will be sold. Get the VASA, it's a fine kit; there are multiples out there.

[@JoseSanchez-ht1kc]

Es usted un grandioso artista! Ese kit terminado por usted ya no tiene precio!!!!

[@RexStewartoriginals]

@JoseSanchez-ht1kc, thank you sir!

[@claeswikberg8958]

Well DAMN, ive seen the airfix kit and its not the most fun kit, you really took it to a whole other dimension! and yes, the wasa was red, but i like her better in the blue and gold, (much like our flag) 10/10

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Duly agree...Thank you!!

[@aleccap5946]

There are model builders. Then there are model masters. And this awesome build is done by a master

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks @alec cap...I'm humbled. I hope you visit the other video that show it under full sail.

[@thomasbalivet1057]

Very beautiful model, congratulations.

[@grantmoulton9204]

What amazing detail work. You make a model without great detail appear as if it were the real ship.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Grant, your comment is much appreciated. I strive to do this so to encourage others not to speculate, but to push to the next level. I raise my glass to the kit designers of that period. They were the forerunners that encouraged us. You are part of the mainstream viewers that give testimony to them. Thanks for viewing!

[@AnthropoidOne]

This is the best version Ive seen of the Vasa. I like this older paint scheme from Landstrom much better than the modern red and multicolored one. The patience you have and time you must have spent are mind blowing.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I appreciate the comment and observation concerning Landstrom. His research of the ship was more in sync with true documentation than the later contemporaries. He was ahead of his time, which is why many serious modelmakers embraced him, including myself. The vibrant colors weren't on these ships until a decade later because Sweden didn't have the financial resources to make the colors of the changed schematics, let alone finish the ship as scheduled. Landstrom's contemporaries of the 1990s shot down his findings; but, I truly believed what he wrote about missing documents concerning the controversy of disgruntled workers not being paid -and the wife who couldn't honor them after the unexpected death of her husband. Also, in my research I haven't seen any European ship with red topsides in any paintings of the period. That was Landstrom's argument and certainly I concurred...Thanks for viewing!

[@UNUSUALUSERNAME220]

Bravo Maestro! This is no model, it's a work of art! And those hands! If I could see, what those hands have seen! Hands of a brick layer, with a feather touch! It's beautiful! Truly beautiful! I have become obsessed with this ship! This is the best representation of the Vasa I've seen! It is comparable to the model at the museum! Truly wonderful work!

[@RexStewartoriginals]

No words, sir...Your compliments are much appreciated. Thanks!

[@ricardoali100]

Spectacular work! Worthy of a museum. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lul4098]

Great video! Thanks!

[@Yves95128]

Beautiful work 👍🏻, I built many kits over the years but I'm new to sail ships. I just watched a documentary about the Wasa raising adventure, fascinating. Thank you for sharing your expertise, very inspiring👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. Good continuation 👋🏻

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I appreciate the response; thanks!

[@nissafors]

This is a kit i remember building as a child, but your model is absolutely outstanding

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Many remember this kit; thanks for the compliment. Much appreciated. I only pursued it to show that plastic kits can have the same excellence as wood ones, or better. I produce both, including scratchbuilt. However, it disturbed me about the constant complaining from builders about wood verses plastic. Through these modifications one can bring the same (or better quality) to them by experimentation and material research. I've proven it with all my plastic assignments so others can now have a measuring rod for which to enhance their kits. And since I've achieved this, it's now time to release them.

[@nissafors]

@@RexStewartoriginals I have built VASA also as a wooden model some years ago... It took me three years but Im very satisfied with the result... A massive model - 110 cm in lenght and almost 90 cm in height.

[@artsmodeldockyard8718]

@@RexStewartoriginals I totally agree with you regards to the fact that Plastic kits can have the same excellence as wooden ones if the modeller can do his research, even more so if information exists on that particular ship, then improvise that to the ship in detail. I have just done this with Heller's 1/200 Royal Louis

[@michaelvalenzuela2528]

Wow, more then a bit of scratch building for this!!! very nice.

[@richardlott579]

As always an amazing job Rex!!!

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks! Currently working on the Half Moon for a company in New York. I don't know when I'll get to post it here, but the build sequence should be interesting to view since it's a solid hull procedure. She will be shown as she originally appeared when built here at Albany, New York in 1989. the model, itself, is for a company in New York City.

[@piotrb8964]

Beautiful work!

[@corkcamden9878]

Just a superb treatment of the styrene. Very nice technique and the best I've seen yet. Best wishes and good health from the hills of Virginia! Va. Cork

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Cork, many thanks for the comment. Much appreciated, sir!

[@richardjohnholdenra3492]

Airfix wasa? I made that decades ago, still have it, no pe parts thatntime. Looks good

[@littleshopofsongs3481]

Very well done Sir. What a relaxing Video with beautiful music. I tried the same Airfix-Kit as a Kid, about 45 years ago. But never finished it. Thank you for making my childhood dream come true in the most perfect manner. Best regards from Germany

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I'm humbled and appreciate your reply. Many of us appreciated this company (and their fine line of ships, plans, figures, etc.)...Because of Airfix (both Europe and American based) the opportunity gave us all to imagine the 'what ifs' relative to taking these kits to the next level. I'm glad I was able to accomplish this through modification. Even in their natural build(s) these were fine models that embraced both child and adult -both during those times. Today, these seem to be more appreciated by the older groups, especially now that they're collectibles (in boxes). However, for me, I believe these can be appreciated (out of the box). My beginning build of the Airfix SAINT LOUIS will be posted here sometime next month. Thanks for viewing!

[@raymondblanchard2213]

Breathtaking! Excellent modifications!. Mine is still in the box, and I haven't decided how much to modify for added realism, but I have decided to at least make my own sails and ratlines. I am really impressed by the actual addition of full cannon on the lower decks. Simply awesome work, thank you so much for sharing!

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Glad you liked the modification, Raymond. That's the good part about models; you get the opportunity to make it your own -without the criticism. No one size fits all and I get a rush when I hear or read positivity such as this. When you do get it out of the box, don't rush it...and don't be concerned about your level of approach. I learned this many years ago. I made modelmaking an adventure and then ventured into the medium with a purpose. In otherwords "sailing my own ship." I'm sure you and others can do this, too! Happy building, my friend!

[@keithkennedy-tyson8578]

Another fantastic piece of research and modeling. Congratulations

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Again, thanks Keith...I try to keep it real.

[@PiperStart]

This is marvellous work, well-detailed.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

...and well researched. Thanks for viewing.

[@thermalascension]

Excellent work. 👍

[@Dasboat728]

Perfect work!Awesome!Congrats!👍👌👏

[@neilhughes9310]

Marvellous stuff and very inspirational. A few years ago Revell (Germany) brought out a kit of Wasa, based on the actual vessel and the 1/10 museum model. It features some of the corrections you have scratch built and is an excellent kit and no doubt a highly accurate rendition of 'more informed' thinking and research, but amazingly some of the moulding detail (eg the statues) on the much older Aifix kit is sharper. I believe the Wasa remains in their catalogue to this day. Thank you so much for presenting this and The Prince to the wider public.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thank you @Neil Hughes.

[@brianfoley4328]

Great work...amazing and impressive attention to detail. Superb scratch building, the painting is outstanding. Skillful modelers often say "it's just a matter of patience, taking your time and executing", well ...and then there's brilliant artisans who have a special gift. I know the model well and understand the scale effects that went into this build which makes it all the more impressive...and the rigging...just mind boggling

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I raise my glass to you, Brian...Thanks. The model was just delivered yesterday to Houston, Texas.

[@garyjordan4735]

Stunning work. Best wishes from England.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Much appreciated @Gary Jordan. As a professional, I do enjoy taking on the 17th century ships. Much is left to the imagination regarding them and there's always something to learn. I have been fortunate to acquire data that gives me a better perspective on both design and rigging -something many overlook. The tackle systems make all difference in a build, whether scratch or kit. It (tackle systems) take these models to another level -and that's the satisfaction I get when I endeavor these. Finally, the process is to let them go so that I can experience the next adventure...Best wishes to you from America.

[@alteroldesloer1709]

Eine phantastische Arbeit und wie bereits geschrieben wurde, gefällt mir die Lackierung sehr gut. Die Takelage mit den vielen Blöcken, sind wunderschöne Details, die dem Modell eine zusätzliche Authentizität verleihen, wunderschön!

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I am most humbled...Thank you!

[@vonarchjofo7921]

This is a wonderful model ship.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@philRminiatures]

Truly fantastic so many details!👍

[@Beatles5]

Amazing job!!! Great result. /Stockholm

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks!!

[@Jeff-cv4qn]

Just one word,,,,,,,AWESOME!

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks! The new owner is very happy with it. I'm now researching the Airfix SAINT LOUIS and hope to have it with the same level of quality as VASA. It will be a 'miracle model because the plastic hull has warped considerably...which is to be expected.

[@Jeff-cv4qn]

@@RexStewartoriginals Good luck ,I look forward to seeing that take shape.

[@eeeddd1424]

great video!!! if u need pics from the wasa,just see....I living in stockholm :)great work,and u bring to the maximum from a plast kit !!! :)

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thank you, sir...I have enough photos and references. However, I'm working on a current Airfix build of Saint Louis and could possibly utilize some of your Wasa images with that build if you care to share them? Of course I will give you the photo credits, in kind.

[@stevenblack7928]

Great work

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I appreciate the response. Thanks! I'm looking at it as I type -realizing I must sell it to make room for the next Airfix build which will be SAINT LOUIS c.1626. The kit is a non-listed edition of 1980 that was manufactured in Japan. The quality of the plastic is very good, so the modification to it will be noteworthy.

[@stevenblack7928]

@@RexStewartoriginals Looking forward to it

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

I like the ship in blue color. Because our flag is blue and Carolus Rex had blue jacket. But according to the Vasa museum the back of the ship was mainly red.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I appreciate your comment and your first response is the correct one. As a historian of note, I prefer the 'blue' based on the extensive research of the author, not the museum.

[@jangelbrich7056]

Just wonderful!

[@raymondblanchard2213]

I just researched my kit and found that it is an original Arafix 1971 #906 original release! 😍when the company retooled to mold it. I got it n ebay last year for just $22.50. I'm really excited to start, but the painting looks to be the most involved detailing ever!

[@emelie6549]

Stunning!

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thank you!

[@carloswahrlich6446]

Hello from Brasil Magnificent job. Iam working no a arifix vasa. Can I ask you about de sails? What kind a material did you used?

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Hello @carloswahrlich6446. Your comment is much appreciated. I'm glad to know you're undertaking the Airfix VASA. I hope you enjoy the build as I have for those kits I've recently endeavored. I'm now evaluating the Airfix HMS VICTORY to add to those already finished. Concerning the sails, the material used is treated bond paper. I find that most builders use various tissue(s); but I find the paper technique make the work more realistic and believable -given the fact that it highlights the rigging blocks and lines. As for technique, unfortunately that's safeguarded due to my reputation for producing original pieces. Enjoy your build, Carlos and Merry Christmas.

[@kingfirestorm4047]

This its a beautiful model dame you are a artist this kit its perfect for making a replica of the flying Dutchman what you think? 😍

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I appreciate the comment. Thanks. However, I can't see having a notable ship as VASA being converted into the FLYING DUTCHMAN...simply because of the design factor.

[@richardlott8349]

Love your work Rex, but haven't seen much of it lately. I hope that you are doing well.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks, Richard. I'm doing work -and selling as quickly as I'm doing which is why my images are limited. But, I'm posting on other networks and am in the process of liquidating work(s) that are taking up space. That being said, I'm doing fine.

[@martinoconnor4314]

Fantastic model. I tried on numerous occasions to actually build an Airfix ship kit from start to finish as a child. I eventually managed to complete one in my teenage years and it was Vasa, it was straight out of the box and I got a real sense of achievement, I wonder how you must have felt after finishing this beauty.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I felt the same way during my childhood...As I matured I somehow knew (with the details Airfix provided) that a better version could be built from those kits -which years later started my journey with "The Trilogy". Once I had the right information, research, and materials (which took about 40 years to acquire), the prospect having it realized manifested. I'm now working on the French warship SAINT LOUIS and that promises to be some kind of model when finished. I can relate to your "real sense of achievement". If I could, I would hold on to these pieces, but I realize it would be selfish to do so when they belong in other places of choice. I can 'always' build them now that I know the process. As a matter of fact I hope to build these in wood if and when the time allow. Thanks for commenting!

[@mikaelryden1147]

Great Job! What color you use for the hull? Mikael Sweden

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks Mikael...The color is not a color found anywhere, as such. Most of my colors, as with my goldleaf applications are custom. Pretty much like an artist' signature to the work.

[@gillesbueno1153]

Some explanations about construction and changes while assembling the model ?…

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I'm noticing some builders rejecting (without reading the facts)....That's okay, because I'm the forerunner of truth, not pride. You want explanations, you can find it here classicshipmodelminiatures.blogspot.com/2019/11/vasa-swedish-warship-in-modification.html

[@gillesbueno1153]

@@RexStewartoriginals check ! Thanks for answering me. Writing from the outskirts of Paris France. Beautiful result your model.regards.

[@jamesfrost7465]

Nice! I have this model and cant wait to start it. The Vasa is such a beautiful ship. The items hanging beneath the head, it looks like a couple of mops? Is that what those are? That is the head where the sailors relieved themselfs so having a couple of mops at that location make sence. Is that what they are? Thank you.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

@jamesfrost7465, I appreciate the viewing and comment...congratulating you on having VASA. And yes, for that period one can say she was, indeed, a beautiful vessel. Furthermore, the world was fortunate to view what an early 17th century ship looked like in comparison to the Van de Velde paintings. Both are treasures. Regarding the swabs; yes, these were hanging mops affixed to the bow and used for cleaning sea life and seaweed from the anchors before they were stowed. Nothing more. The same system were arranged on the fore channel as well.

[@jamesfrost7465]

@@RexStewartoriginals Aye, thank you. I've never seen 'mops/swabs' like that on a sailing ship. Nice to learn something new about a ship. Thank you again.

[@dixiefallas7799]

Ace!🇬🇧

[@mustafavesek7373]

Firstly congratulations,i have this airfix model 1984 version and i haven’t got any information about painting and in Turkey i can only buy revells paint so which colors should i use from revell ? Especially yours ship has an amazing brown on hull.Thanks

[@RexStewartoriginals]

I appreciate and welcome your observation. Thanks. As for Revell paints, I never use them. Testors brand is the best for Airfix models. However, my colors have always been the flat version. Also, I custom make my colors from this brand and have various highlights integrate with the basic color. If you can get hold of Testors Model Master paints, these can also be worth having. The models you view on my page are all done with this brand and covers nicely on both plastic and wood.

[@mustafavesek7373]

Thank you very much.

[@rayb57412]

Curious, you explained the paddles on the lifeboat but what are the brushes you detailed hanging down on the front??

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Those 'brushes' were actually swabs that were used to clean sea life and seaweed off anchors when stowed.

[@lutzderlurch7877]

AWESOME work. I only ask, what the brooms are for, and think the colourscheme is somewhat different from current understanding of Vasas colours.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thanks...The hanging pieces about the beakhead were swabs. These were used to clean the anchors of sea life before stowing them on the channels. As for the "current understanding of the VASA colors" you would have to visit my blog(s) which explain why I chose to remain with the royal blue color. The link is classicshipmodelminiatures.blogspot.com/2020/04/ship-model-vasa-details-rex-stewart.html .

[@lutzderlurch7877]

@@RexStewartoriginals Thank you for the link and kind answer. It's the first time I have seen or heard about swabs. Thank you.

[@alfonsolanzagorta5138]

Hello Mr. Stewart. I will like to have an starting gate like the Monmouth Park you made sometime ago. I will need it in O scale if possible. Where can I contact you in person to talk about this? Thank you and best regards

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Hello Alfonzo...Send me an email to [e-mail]. We can exchange information there and I will provide you my phone number. Thanks.

[@PirateWorld1]

I am curious, why did you make the HMS Prince in perfect authenticity and decide to stray from that while making the Vasa?

[@RexStewartoriginals]

To answer, I didn't stray from VASA's auththencity, but rather honed in on what Bjorn Landstrom discovered when the vessel was raised. Being the articulate researcher that I am, I have always exhausted truth verses fiction. This is what collectors like to have in their inventory...pure research. Mr. Landstrom was practically crucified for his writings which led me to study (word for word) exactly what he was saying and writing. With it came the 'politics' and rivalry toward him -and being a contemporary artist, I know the feeling all too well. Many collectors (and builders) duly agree with my version. Furthermore, I haven't seen 'any' 17th century warship of that period with red topsides, whether it be Dutch, French, British, or Spanish -as these were the principle naval powers of that time.

[@PirateWorld1]

@@RexStewartoriginals I fully believe you as you’ve demonstrated that you put in large amounts of research. Though it has been a while since I looked into the Vasa, I remembered the correct color scheme being red topsides and without a white waterline. Regardless, definitely one of the best anywhere on the internet.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

@@PirateWorld1 , hopefully you will get to view the second part of the build. I don't have a paid subscription and would welcome you to subscribe so that you can see other new updates to my channel. I'm sure you will find my maritime subjects quite interesting. Thanks for viewing these recent builds. It's my hope that other builders will take the time to research and not welcome everything that comes at them. I do, however, appreciate the work(s) of others, because it's through their work(s) that I'm able to discern what is necessary to be a contributor in this medium -especially on this network. Again, your observations are much appreciate ..Thanks!

[@PirateWorld1]

@@RexStewartoriginals I have already subscribed since I am a dear fan of British ships like the HMS Prince you built, and I am looking forward to the rest of your Vasa build.

[@СтаниславМаркар]

👍👍👍👍👍 👏👏👏👏👏

[@axel4971]

Building the wasa in plastic is not a fair thing towards those like me and many others who have built the vasa, perhaps taking years to build it in wood as ancient ships must be built

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Axel, for the record, have you viewed my other videos of models I scratch-built in wood/ both sail and steam? All those projects didn't take years; only months... so I do understand your logic. However, not all builders specialize in wood and rather enjoy plastic. So it is 'very fair' to present those builders with unbiased insight to the medium. Every builder has a preference and my mission in the maritime arts is clear...which is to encourage those who are discouraged by this medium to seek solutions that would make their projects worthwhile and enjoyable. I didn't engineer these kits, Airfix did. I just found a way, through modification, to bring out the 'best' in them -giving credit to the original authors. That sir, is fair.

[@4133EWvianen]

Airfix is not an easy fix

[@RexStewartoriginals]

No its not, as all will see with the second part of this series. However, with patience and the right materials, anything is possible.

[@thomasbalivet1057]

Very beautiful model, congratulations.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

Thank you!