kriss1

Nice work there SkiBee! I got this kit last week, this scale is pretty nice, simple and very relaxing. There are some errors in the booklet so make sure you check the pieces to be fitted after reading the entire step. Size of the slot for the back-stays (2" scale cut in booklet vs 1" scale photo etch piece) and the cut at the end of the dowel for the boat-holder-uppers (switched around). Also noticed the front transom piece was far from symmetrical. Would love to see scale plans in this kit, like the sheet you get for the 18th century longboat kit. A proper version of the side view that is pictured in the booklet would be very helpful.

Yes, on my first two models I tried this. I did not like this method, it may have been my lack of skills, the wood type/thickness or not enough soak. If I had to use that method again I think i would cut the strips in to shorter pieces. You could also remove the strip after it has dried on the hull - don't glue or fix permanently when wet, it should retain it's shape, and then soak the other end.

Another beginner chiming in! I've been using the cheap Amati plank bender (like Sea Hoss), it works very well. Make sure the iron is hot, then just dip the strips in water for a second (I've found no need to soak the strips for any period of time). I edge bend the strips with the iron and some clamps before using the wooden-form to curve them, found that to give better results. I tried using the manual bending tool before buying the electric one, but found that to be too annoying, frustrating and slow to be of any use.

Teddy, I'm but a young one (32), I'm struggling with the same fear as you are describing - fear of failing - for me it permeates through everything I do, which is quite depressing at times (driving in new places / in the city, talking to new people, trying new things (except food)). However what I have found through experience is that the fear goes away after I muster the courage to actually try - and lo and behold I'm quite good at some of the things I try! I'm learning to fail, through trying - and it's great and failing is not easy. Please just pick up any of the kits you have and give it a shot (maybe not Morgan though) - you will not regret it! Looking at your earlier models, you have the skill and patience to make a beautiful model ship! As for beginning models - I picked up this hobby last January (2018) with no previous experience, no woodworking skills or other related skills (I'm a software developer), and have built 5 models to date, 2 more under construction (Amati HMS Fly and a very old VHT/Billing kit of Mercantic). I think i picked decent models to start with, and in my opinion a first model should be double planked (if any wood will be showing) or single planked on frame/bulkhead if the whole hull is painted. And not a model where the second layer is 0.3 mm veneer (like my first; AL Endeavour's Longboat - it really does not give much confidence or room for mistakes, plus AL's suggested way of planking in the instructions just look awful). I would think long and hard about starting on a solid hull model as the first model - my only guess as to why these are often marketed/sold as beginner models must be that 'look - half of it is done already'! AL's Swift (new version) is nice and easy starter, simple deck, simple rig, simple hull shape, single planked and all painted so you can hide all the mistakes it's just like a plastic model - you get what's on the tin. Same goes for AL's Mare Nostrum (newer version). Model Shipways 18 Century Longboat was a quick and relaxing build but a bit more involved, however it turns into a very very pretty little boat and I'd suggest it for someone with previous experience modelling/handcrafting anything (single planked though so care must be taken during fairing and planking). If i figure out how to share a picture I might show what Chucks compendium can do to help beginners along! I do hope you try Teddy, sitting here in Norway rooting for you - good luck!

Hi there, I'm Kristoffer from western part of Norway - currently living in Oslo. Always had an interest in large ships, got to be amazed by the Tall Ship Races in 2001 when they visited Ålesund. I blame my father and both grandfathers for giving me this interest in watery crafts, as they were (and are) all men of the sea - I diverted from this path myself as i found "computers" to be my forte (unfortunately). Built plastic models as a kid, but nothing has survived, always wanted to try my hand at a wood kit but never did - until mid January when I bought AL's Endeavour's Longboat. Found this site during the build of this small craft, unfortunately a bit late for some of it - the hull has a bit odd shape, planking is not perfect (or even good in some areas), the rigging is a bit off (I will blame the instructions, and the wonky sails included in the kit), ran out of thread and the rudder is too large (didn't notice before i had fitted the hinges). But it looks good enough for me (from a distance) as a first, so I'm not redoing it - learned heaps and loved it. AL's new Swift and Mare Nostrum (I wanted to try painting) is on my shelf ready to be built - looking at your build logs and learning before doing, thank you for all the information you've put up here! Here she is, my first, oh and the anchor is currently broken. Still needs her colours, and some tidying up.