Artesania Latina

Absolute crap – Bought the Endeavour in the 90's and the quality was 2nd to none. Theu were made in Spain. Bought another one recently and the manufacturing has gone to China and the quality is unbelievably cheap. I Threw a $450 model in the bin. Do not buy.

Quality diminishing – Artesania Latina has long been recognized as one of the leading brands in wooden model kits - ships, aircraft etc, and the tools and other accessories associated therewith. The first model I built (about 30 years ago) was the HMS Endeavour and I recall the kit being comprehensive with all the required materials and plans. The finished model still sits proudly in the cabinet in my lounge room.

I have built numerous Artesania Latina models since then and I have noticed a steady decline in the quality of the kits. My most recently completed model was the Cutty Sark and the kit was very lacking in many areas, namely: specific timbers not included, insufficient brass wire, insufficient thread, missing brass parts, plans that don’t match the instructions that don’t match the photos; and the list goes on. I had to purchase all the missing items from online hobby stores which of course added extra expense to the $550.00 I had already spent.

I’m now working on the Mare Nostrum and I opened the box and discovered no hull planking has been supplied. So again, more money to complete the model.

Trying to contact Artesania Latina is a useless exercise.

The company is Spanish but I understand the kits are now made in China. Just sayin’.