Hi.
I'm working on my first model, the Billing Boats Bluenose #576 (the 1:65 version). It is actually going surprisingly well as I work my way through the body of the boat (decking, planking, furniture and fittings, etc.). The work isn't perfect, but, for a first effort, I am pleasantly surprised. I'm really enjoying the work of it. It is very satisfying.
I am starting to get a little bogged down with the masts, rigging, and sails. Billing seems to take a minimalist approach to their drawings and instructions. I'm struggling to discern what I am supposed to do from the meager drawings. The what is minimal, and the how is non existent. (I'm not sure how typical this is.) I've done some reading, and I'm getting a better sense of where I'm going, but still I wish I had some good, systematic, model specific instructions to work from.
I'm hoping that I can begin to ask some specific questions and learn a few things in this site.
So far, I've loved this experience. I get stuck; I figure it out. I make a mistake; I fix it... It is lovely and contemplative and slow.
I will read some more and then put out a few questions.
I do have one immediate question, however. I'm looking for a few good books, something systematic with enough theory. In a perfect world it would read like a modern college science textbook--structured with lots of good, clear photos. I'm dubious that such a thing exists. Despite my presence here, I am much more of a book person than I am a computer person. I'm not good at digging around on the internet for info. So far I have Ship Modeling Simplified, by Frank Mastini, Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern, by Milton Roth, and Rigging Period Fore-and-Aft Craft, by Lennarth Peterson. (There were a few others as well that I returned.) These are all okay, but none of them are ideal.
Thanks.
Joanie
https://www.billingboatsusa.com/product/576-bluenose/
https://bluenose.novascotia.ca/virtual-tour
