I'm Al in Canada. Joined back in Oct,. Been drifting around on MSW even before I moored myself to MSW's dock.
Thought It's about time I come ashore and introduce myself. Happy New Year.
I was bitten by the wood model ship hobby in 1978 I think the hobby was a natural transition for me
because since my youth I've had this fascination with the early ships of sail and the history. When I first set eyes on the
wood model Cutty Sark I had to jump on board. However, even though unaware of all the pitfalls and "cautionary tales" a neophyte can
fall into, and no tools I forged ahead. I bought the necessary books and minimum of tools. Things were unfurling nicely until I went away
for two days and upon my return the cat had chewed the bulkheads and deck to sawdust. Away to the deep six she went. The cat stayed
and lived happily. I don't know, maybe she thought a mouse had got aboard. She got the benefit of the doubt anyway.
Next attempt 20 years later in 1998 with AL's Charles W Morgan. Again, the pitfalls. Didn't have the skill or knowledge and didn't understand
the instruction for the most part. Just too much for me. However I had a computer and joined a ship modeling site and found Micro Mark. The
awesome members on the ship modeling site helped me so much. My skills, knowledge and confidence improved. I got the hull completed and
deck. However, life's responsibilities kept pulling me against the wind. Eventually the Morgan laid on her side against the rocks for 10-years, and sunk.
A sad demise for a ship of her historical significance that I still regret. I even had bought a full set of plans of her from Mystic Seaport that somehow
have been lost through my travels or tucked away in some forgotten crevice.
These past attempts were a great learning experience. There were never any failures, just many steps toward what will be eventual success, and the
knowing that I would someday return to this hobby that still fills my sails with a fair breeze. Now at 70-years, retired I'm deciding what ship(s) to build.
No final decisions yet, but I will keep in mind the " Cautionary Tales For Beginners " and keep my endeavors on an even keel.
"May you all have fair winds and following seas".
