Brian Glendenning

Dang. I have nothing helpful to add, but this is just so sad on multiple levels. Best wishes for a happy resolution - on everything.

I am 61 (retired at 60), and thought I would try some models. I have not made any models other than easy plastic ones >40 years ago, and honestly I am not 100% sure if I am interested in the hobby or if I would just like the final objects. In what I'm sure is a common story my wife and I went through a phase of reading a lot of British Navy age of sail warship fiction (Aubrey/Maturin, Hornblower etc.) and are interested in modeling in that era. We both did a lot of actual sailing when we were younger (small boats for me (Laser), family sized live-aboard for her), but now we live in New Mexico! (We also took an inspiring day trip to see the HMS Victory a few years ago). I am pretty patient (I was formerly involved in writing/managing software for large radio telescopes, those systems take 10+ years), and have some (possibly) relevant skills in furniture sized woodworking (I have a well equipped shop), and have recently become interested in digital fabrication (CAD (F360), laser cutter, handheld CNC router (Shaper), 3D printer). So far we have bought the Model Shipways dory and the new Artesania Latina 1:72 cross section. I realize that we will likely want to get another beginner(ish) model or two before working up to the cross section let alone anything full sized. If anyone has read this far I have a couple of questions: 1. Is it practical for two people to work together on one model (maybe concentrating on different aspects in different sessions), or in reality is it a solitary activity? 2. Where could I find plans for 3D modeling if I want to try that? Ideally not just copies of old drawings, but with an explanatory text for modern sensibilities (& newbies), but also where I wouldn't be infringing on anyones IP if I made my models (not the underlying documentation or drawings) publicly available? I'm looking forward to learning from you (not so sure about sharing what will probably be my very slow progress)!

After trying and failing to climb the Fusion 360 learning curve several times, I finally found cadclass.org. While they have a paid course which I assume is excellent, they also have a book which you can buy on Amazon or download the PDF for free. (I like the PDF better, but I bought the book as well for support once I realized how excellent it is). They also have a discord server for discussion (well broken up by "lesson/topic"), and a weekly podcast. Everyone learns differently, but this is what broke the logjam for me.