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Showing results for tags 'new member introduction'.
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I developed an interest in building wooden boats in the mid-90s, after having (regretfully) sold my late grandfather's Chris Craft Sea Skiff, a 22-foot clinker-built boat he kept at his lake camp in the Adirondacks. Started out, thank goodness, with one of the old Midwest kits, the lobster smack, and went on from there. Thank goodness because it was ideal for a novice. The Midwest kits were relatively easy, and the instructions were phenomenal. I learned a lot. My first POB kit was the MS Katy of Norfolk (since then redesigned as solid hull). The result was regrettable but the ensuing Viking funeral was spectacular. Eventually I tried again with the AL Bluenose, which yielded satisfactory results although in hindsight one can see what should have been done differently. Favorite build was the Mamoli Puritan -- one of the loveliest boats ever. Among the chief challenges to that project was comprehending the imperfectly translated instructions. I've also done a Mayflower, Taurus tug, Swampscott dory and a couple of others. I also built a full-sized kayak from a Chesapeake Light Craft kit. Tons of fun. It seems my tastes run counter to the majority of builders in that I like small craft and working boats more than ships of war. Also, I invariably skip the second planking and paint my hulls. I don't want my models to look like varnished walnut furniture. I want them to look like real boats -- at least as much so as my limited skill can make them. I stalled on my current project, the Mamoli Britannia, a few years back because of medical issues. Since recovering, I've remained sidetracked with restoration projects on our 130-year-old house taking priority. I've done some desultory work on the Britannia over the last couple years but now hope to get back to it and finish up. It's also a beautiful boat. If I can get up a little momentum and can assure myself I will get it done, I'll start a build log. I've fussed around with a few plastic airplanes, and while plastic has its challenges and I respect those with the skill to work with the medium, I prefer ships and I prefer wood. And that's why I'm here.
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Hello all. Thanks for allowing me to hang around. I’m one of those people who despite having years of wood working experience, built plastic models since childhood and spent my entire professional career fabricating exhibits for museums and the like (banner image) am still vexed by wooden ship builds. I have always been interested in tall ships, and decades ago a well-meaning relative bought me Corel’s Flying Fish kit 1:50 but when I looked in the box, I didn’t see anything resembling a ship, it was a box of sticks and completely took the wind out of my sails as they say. After reading an article on model ship building, I purchased Model Shipways Kate Cory, 3/16” = 1’, having read that solid hull models are much easier for beginners…not me. I put both kits in a closet and left them there for years untouched. Recently I was thinking of an indoor hobby for summer as I live in Tucson, AZ. Completely humbled by my previous model ship experiences I bought Model Shipways Shipwright combo and am nearing completion of the Lowell Grand Banks Dory. I have already learned so much in the couple weeks I have been visiting MSW, the resources are invaluable and my enthusiasm for model building has returned. I look forward to enjoying and learning from your knowledge, frustrations, and successes. I have attached my current build, warts and all. See you out there!
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Greetings fellow modelers: I understand it is customary to introduce oneself to the community. I'm Bill Bushey, from Wichita KS. Retired Boatswain from the USN Military Sealift Command, 40 years at sea. Built plastic kit sailing ships by the dozen as a boy, then lost the hobby sailing. Retired now and jumping back in. Just purchased an original 1974 USS Constitution Revel 1/96. Going to do a custom build as follows. Bought aftermarket parts and equipment: HisModel blocks, deadeyes, rigging thread, oak decking, parrels, captstan, draft scales, gun tackle blocks, flags and cloth sails. Going to rig her with topsail and t'gallants, port tack with guns run out to port. All other sails furled, except courses. Them brailed. Also jib and spanker rigged. Looking to achieve a "spoiling for a fight" effect. From Model Monkey: galley stove, lower capstan and the 1808 cast 24 pounders, carriages and 32 pound carronades. Splurged for some 18 pounder barrels as well for proper bow chaser. I plan to post a photo and essay build log. Any fellow crafters out there that have worked with the HisModel and Model Monkey after market parts, all input and suggestion much appreciated. I have the workflow instructions from HisModel, but we all know there are tricks and tips that come only from experience. Permission to come aboard? Billy
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Hi everyone, thanks for letting me join. I'm not sure about posting, if this is where/how to do it. My name is Glenn, from Florida. I have not built any wooden model ships. Previously I built a 1/200th scale model of the the Japanese battleship Yamato. Looking forward to learning about wooden tall ship construction.
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New member with novice experience (is that a thing?) in wooden model ship building. I've built plenty of plastic kits in the past, but am working on my first wooden kit now. Rather transient in nature; currently in Italy. I'm looking forward to doing a lot of reading and learning on this forum. Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom and experience. Cheers!
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If you enjoy building ship models that are historically accurate as well as beautiful, then The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is just right for you.
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