Welcome to my build of the HMS FLY, I would class myself as a beginner/intermediate builder and this site is here in the hope it will be of some help to other aspiring model builders. The HMS FLY was recommended to me as an ideal build for someone who is relatively new to period ship building. I have found the kit to be of a very high standard and the instructions and plans to be very helpfully. However I would recommend that you purchase a couple of books to help you. I have found the "Period Ship Kit Builder's Manual" (Paperback) by Keith Julier RRP £14.95(ISBN:1-85486-228-6) and "The New Period Ship Handbook" (Paperback) also by Keith Julier RRP £14.95(ISBN:1-85486-233-2) Very helpfully. The second of which will be invaluable if building H.M.S. Victory, Agamemmon, Mars, Endeavour, Lady Nelson as these are covered in more detail in this book, but techniques are transferable to any build though.

When it comes to rigging I've found that "The Art of Rigging" (Paperback) by George Biddlecombe RRP £5.50 (ISBN:0-486-26343-6) a very good source for the many names that are given to rigging tackle and blocks etc.of which I had no idea about at the time of this build. Also the "Art of the Sailor: Knotting, Splicing and Ropework" (Paperback) by Hervey Garrett Smith RRP £9.99 (ISBN:0-486-26440-8)was of great help with basic knots used throughout this stage of the build.

I have tried to categorise each section of the build to help with clarity but as with any project there will be some overlap with each section. I would suggest that as you build your ship you treat each stage as a separate project that way you will attain a high quality finished model. Don't forget that as things are drying you can start painting the etched parts/ glazing the windows/making ladders and other little projects. I found that this has helped me have a consistent build and i've felt that things have moved on instead of getting frustrated while waiting to complete a task. Please refer to the "Useful Tools" link at the top of the page for my suggestions on equipment. Once you have your cutters/pliers/grips etc they should last for many years. Just don't let your partner know how much you spent!

The Kit	Plan

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First things first, check the box (I know but we all assume its there!) if any parts are missing contact Euromodels & Amati they are a very good company and will be more than willing to help you. Once the parts are out number them now it will save you loads of time and stress later. Make sure you have all your glues, paints, tools, sand papers and plasters (you'll probably need them at some point). This project could do with a separate room in your house but if your like me the dinning room table was the choice. There will be plenty of dust so a good vacuum hoover will be essential. I would also recommend a white sheet on the floor when working with the very small pieces, I dropped several and had the whole family looking for them!

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