To start this restoration it may help to see what I was presented with when I first purchased the model. I have to say that the pictures make it look a lot better than it actually is and many may be horrified at what I have done in the next few posts but its all necessary to finish up with a structurally sound model.

The deck is discoloured and cracked and will have to be planked to strengthen it and make it look the correct colour, the cabin structures are all veneered and are unfortunately suffering from delamination so will have to be re veneered.
On the plus side the wooden parts of the masts are all in excellent condition and will need little attention, however all the metal (brass) fittings are in need of restoration, at some point they have been plated (nickel) so they will all have to be cleaned and old plating removed and re plated. The rigging wires are all in varying states of twist and kink so again will have to be replaced.
So there's a lot of work to be done over the coming months

This is a sailing ketch called “Inga IV”. It is German kit of a sailing ketch which is now out of production. The model is approx 52″ in total height and 43″ from bow to stern. It has a traditional full length keel and almost sails itself when on the lake. All decks and superstructure are plywood with much of it being mahogany veneered and coated with many layers of varnish.”

I have just purchased an Inga IV which is in reasonable condition, however it looks as if its not been touched for a great number of years so I intend to repair and replace fittings and wood as required.
This is a picture from the web