Good morning everyone!!!
I am happy to have found such a well done website and with so many competent members!
I built my only wooden ship model 25 years ago (the Blueshadow ).
I would like to build something again now.
So I am certainly a newbe, but not too much, I have manual dexterity, patience, determination.
So I ask for advice.
I would like an adequate model to start again, but not really a starter-kit, something that already poses me some challenge, that will not keep me at the table for years.
Looking around I'm leaning toward: ( in ascending order of difficulty, I think)
1- Santa Maria 1/64, it seems really an entry level, undecided between two brands:
Artesania Latina https://artesanialatina.net/en/gift-ideas/62400-gift-pack-1-65-santa-maria-caravel-model-figurines-paints-and-tools.html
This all-inclusive kit would make my life easier, instructions seems to be detailed. (Is it so?)
Amati https://store.amatimodel.com/it/modelli-amati-classic/prodotto-scatola-montaggio-santa-maria-b1409.html
Is this perhaps a more professional kit?
2- HMS Snake 1/64 Caldercraft https://premiershipmodels.co.uk/product/hms-snake-ship-model-kit-caldercraft-9002/
Pobably it would be the absolute best option, in various stores and forums it is stated as suitable even for novices, of a complexity that poses a good challenge right from the start and I think it would be a good school. Only flaw, does not seem to be for sale in any store in Italy or Europe at an acceptable price, and , mhhh, a model 250€ worth to use for practicing?
3- HMS Endeavour Artesania Latina https://artesanialatina.net/en/gift-ideas/62421-gift-pack-1-65-hms-endeavour-ship-model-figures-paints-and-led-lightning.html
I am afraid this one is too complicated and time spending, maybe it could be the second model.
What I am looking for, above all, is easy to read, detailed and accurate instructions.
Historical accuracy doesn't interest me that much for now, I just want to practice with one/two models.
So ... what do you think?
Adrian