grsjax

Just had a chance to look over a Disar kit today for the first time.  I was expecting the instructions to be unusable based on comments seen on Model Ship World.  I was surprised to see that, at least for this kit (Marieville Steamer), the instructions were not great but better than I have seen for some other kits.  They are inline with what I remember of kits from 20 years back.   I think we are getting to used to kits with instructions that are very good and are disappointment with Disar instructions in that they are not as good as instructions from manufactures like Model Shipways and Vanguard.  They do need to work on their translations (obvious that the instructions were not written by an English speaker) and do more to ensure that the instructions are clear and complete.  But still they are usable when combined with the many photographs.

Just had a chance to look over a Disar kit today for the first time.  I was expecting the instructions to be unusable based on comments seen on Model Ship World.  I was surprised to see that, at least for this kit (Marieville Steamer), the instructions were not great but better than I have seen for some other kits.  They are inline with what I remember of kits from 20 years back.   I think we are getting to used to kits with instructions that are very good and are disappointment with Disar instructions in that they are not as good as instructions from manufactures like Model Shipways and Vanguard.  They do need to work on their translations (obvious that the instructions were not written by an English speaker) and do more to ensure that the instructions are clear and complete.  But still they are usable when combined with the many photographs.

Just had a chance to look over a Disar kit today for the first time.  I was expecting the instructions to be unusable based on comments seen on Model Ship World.  I was surprised to see that, at least for this kit (Marieville Steamer), the instructions were not great but better than I have seen for some other kits.  They are inline with what I remember of kits from 20 years back.   I think we are getting to used to kits with instructions that are very good and are disappointment with Disar instructions in that they are not as good as instructions from manufactures like Model Shipways and Vanguard.  They do need to work on their translations (obvious that the instructions were not written by an English speaker) and do more to ensure that the instructions are clear and complete.  But still they are usable when combined with the many photographs.

Just had a chance to look over a Disar kit today for the first time.  I was expecting the instructions to be unusable based on comments seen on Model Ship World.  I was surprised to see that, at least for this kit (Marieville Steamer), the instructions were not great but better than I have seen for some other kits.  They are inline with what I remember of kits from 20 years back.   I think we are getting to used to kits with instructions that are very good and are disappointment with Disar instructions in that they are not as good as instructions from manufactures like Model Shipways and Vanguard.  They do need to work on their translations (obvious that the instructions were not written by an English speaker) and do more to ensure that the instructions are clear and complete.  But still they are usable when combined with the many photographs.

Just had a chance to look over a Disar kit today for the first time.  I was expecting the instructions to be unusable based on comments seen on Model Ship World.  I was surprised to see that, at least for this kit (Marieville Steamer), the instructions were not great but better than I have seen for some other kits.  They are inline with what I remember of kits from 20 years back.   I think we are getting to used to kits with instructions that are very good and are disappointment with Disar instructions in that they are not as good as instructions from manufactures like Model Shipways and Vanguard.  They do need to work on their translations (obvious that the instructions were not written by an English speaker) and do more to ensure that the instructions are clear and complete.  But still they are usable when combined with the many photographs.

Here is a build log for this kit. 
 

Hi Noel.
 
My little saw was based around a hand held motor which has a small drill chuck attached.
From there I based the rest on the basic Unimat table saw using available materials and a simple workshop pillar drill.
Can't remember where the blade came from (ebay) mounted on an arbor made from a bolt and locknut + LOD washers.
The rest is self evident.
Not exactly a precision tool, but once the fence is set, consistent cuts are easy.
I would only cut wood on it.
Its base must be securely clamped to a table/bench or whatever.
 
I also own that book, it's a useful addition to ones library and can be found at modest cost.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/16/post-civil-war-boat-found-st-augustine-street/71203063007/

Then, perhaps you should read that thread about how to get started in this hobby again.  
 
The Model Shipways beginner's series produces some very nice models which don't take forever to build. If they are built with care, they are great accent pieces to display.  If you can't imagine the joy and satisfaction of building a small boat, then maybe what you are really enthusiastic about is just having a nice big model ship to display, in which case you should buy one already built. Collecting built models is a satisfying part of the hobby for some, as well. The secret to building good models is to "Do the common thing uncommonly well over and over again." Trying to do an uncommon thing before you master the common one will throw a wet blanket on your enthusiasm quicker than anything else. 
 
The enthusiasm you are drumming up for building any of the kits you've mentioned is easy to do... before you start. Last chance: Listen to what the guys who've gone before you are saying. "Over and out."

It sounds like you have virtually no experience with wooden ships.   If that is the case, many folks here will attest to starting small and learning before tackling a more complex model.  It seems a major winner in that category is the three vessel series by David Antscherl available from Model Shipways.  https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-Shipways-Shipwright-3-Kit-Combo-Series_p_5465.html is one source, there may be others.  
 
You mention wanting a British ship but list Grecian which is American. 😀
 
Allan
   

From what you've shared about your ship modeling goals, I would very strongly urge you to read this entire thread which is a generic answer to your question.
This thread contains decades of wisdom gained from experience. Everybody in this forum wants to see newcomers succeed. Many who are not experienced ship modelers will say that they think the most important thing one needs to build a ship model is patience. Actually, I think humility is the more essential quality. The good people who sell ship model kits, God bless them, do have an interest in selling their product and giving their customers the impression that the customer can build a complex wooden ship model kit by simply following the instructions. Instilling the confidence to build any given kit is a prerequisite to selling their kits, so there is a tendency for the manufacturers to gloss over the steepness of the learning curve required to build a fully rigged model ship kit. Many are sold, but few are finished.  
 
I will also offer my personal opinion, which is shared by some, at least, that double-planked ship model kits are not easier to build and that double planked kits are outdated at this point in the development of kit technology. Again, in my opinion, for what it is worth, the double-planked kits still sold today are generally of lesser quality than the single-planked kits and I would not advise an inexperienced modeler to choose one for their first effort. It was once true that starting with a double-planked kit was advisable, but with today's laser cut planking in many kits and much better framing design, there's really no particular reason to double-plank anymore.
 
As I think most experienced modelers would advise, anyone who is not familiar with model ship kit building would do well to start by building the three Model Shipways Shipwright Three Kit Combo Series. See: Model Shipways Shipwright 3 Kit Combo Series-MS1474 (modelexpo-online.com) Building these three relatively inexpensive boat models, which are progressively more difficult, will provide through excellent instruction manuals, a solid foundation in the skills and techniques required to move on to more challenging kits. I don't want to scare you off, but building plastic model kits is nothing like building wooden ship model kits. They each require quite distinct skill sets.

More experiments making blocks and deadeyes with new mystery material.  No laser char.
 
I call the ebony deadeyes and blocks...."Febony"   as they are not real ebony but its impossible to tell really.   The blocks and deadeyes are made from the same material I experimented with making delicate scrolls.   Again....no laser char which is fantastic.
 
These are my same old multi layer mini kits.   I just used the new material to see how they would look.  Tested a medium brown as well.   No dying or staining needed.  They are the same color all the way through.  These are all 4mm deadeyes.
 



 
Chuck
 
 

New Gun port hinge mini kits will be available tomorrow.  They are laser cut from a special high density plastic.  These were made specifically for the Winchelsea but I am sure they will fit other models.   They are .040" wide and 21/32" long.  I have ordered some material that will also produce 1/16" wide hinges (slightly wider).  But that hasnt arrived yet.   Some prefer a wider strap.   Those can easily be shaped differently too being extra wide. I will show that after I get them.   But these are the narrower ones and perfect for the Winnie or even Cheerful.   There are 36 hinges per package.   They can be made shorter if needed as well.   
 

1.  What a hinge looks like straight off the sheet.
 
2. Round off the bottom with fine sandpaper.  Drill a small hole for the split ring if needed.  Use a #76 drill bit for a 28 gauge wire ring.
 
3.  What the gport hinge pin looks like straight off the sheet.
 
4.  Sand the actual pin slightly thinner and to a point.  This will be inserted and glued into the hull above the port.  Also  insert and glue a length of 28 gauge black wire into the laser cut hole and cut off the excess as shown.  Use CA glue as it is plastic.
 
5.  Join the hinge strap and hinge pin by slipping the wire pin into the hole of the strap.  This makes a working hinge.
 

Once glued onto the port lid, you can sand the straps even thinner.  Just gently sand the face of the port with fine sandpaper and taper the hinge straps even thinner if you like.
 
Apply weathering powder if you like that look.   Make some split rings (not shown) and add them on the hinges as is typical.  
 
The store will reopen tomorrow as I am mending from a really bad flu....cant do much so I am just hanging around the shop till I get over this.  I had to shut down the store because I am out of stock with other things and just cant make any more rope until I feel better.  But there are about a dozen packages of these in stock.
 

 
Chuck
 
 

Thanks Bob for the heads up about Midwest.  Contacted them and they sent me a PDF of the manual today.