SkerryAmp

Welcome Enderwiggen!! I have only been doing this for about a year now, one ship under my belt, 3 on the table and 1 set aside like a bad memory. I come from a background of plastic/resin kits, which I did for many many years on several levels. As it turns out I have been thinking about this very topic lately, even debated opening up a thread for discussion on it. Here are my 2 cents. When you are in the plastic world, skill level means a lot! Snap Tites are easier than preformed glue togethers easier than built up glue togethers easier than casting and molding parts and scratch building. However, it is odd, but I don't see that correlation in the wooden ship world, at least not that granular. From what I can see kits are easier than scratchbuilding from plans, and that is about as far as it goes. Within the kits there are mentions of skill levels etc but from what I can see they seem to be more in relation to how much has to be done and not with what has to be done. Each kit I have looked at or seen built here have the same tasks. Cutting, shaping, measuring, finishing of wood. Solid hulls (which I was told was entry level) require shaping and sanding of the hull, finishing, measuring etc. I started a planked ship and actually found planking to be easier than solid however more time consuming. I guess what I am going on about (and I can be longwinded sometimes I apologize) is that I am starting to feel it is more that wooden ships are advanced modeling - period. They are totally unlike plastic, there is always some level of scratch building involved and you are working the model more than assembling. I think what seperates kit from kit is the amount of work involved. Some will take longer than others due to more parts, more lines etc but they are all "advanced" as far as the skills you will need/learn and the time. So with that, I think it is more about the subject matter and less about the kit itself. (Granted some kits are better when it comes to instructions and quality of materials). This is a simpification of what to me is an larger and quite interesting topic, and I could be completely off base, but this is just how it "feels" I guess to me. Regardless of what you take on, make sure the subject is interesting to you and enjoy it!!! -Adam

WONDERFUL job Popeye - really looks fantastic!!! Congratulations! Let's sail! -Adam

It all depends on what it is you are after as far as the final product. Ultimately you are the one who has to look at it all day so do it as you like and as you see fit -Adam

Okay, so ran into one of the parts of the hobby I DON'T care for: the redo!! Of course this was because of me and my lack of paying attention. Had half the main deck planked and realized my "pattern" was horrid!!! So, have to rip up all those little pesky deck planks, clean up the deck and re-drop them with more care paid to the pattern. But, is worth it - I guess -Adam

Don't sell yourself short, that is exactly what I am thinking looking at your Mayflower then looking at my own!! Danny, love following along with this. I remember doing plastic models and watching the pro's work cars, armor and air to this kind of level. Now am finding you doing the same with ships! Amazing and as I am sure I have said, inspiring. Thanks!!! -Adam

Anja, the color looks great (I just figured I would add to the votes!) Really enjoying all of these great builds going on!! -Adam

There definately is something calming about working with wood (most of the time that is). Enjoy the day off Sjors - of course with a day off I would imagine there should be a fair amount of new pictures.. hmmm.. huh huh hmmm? -Adam

Excellent Robbyn, this one keeps popping up on my "that's cool" radar so will be fun to follow along with your build!! I will grab a seat a few rows back from Augie,Anja and Sjors. Not because I don't want front row, but from back here I can throw JuJu-Be's (the black ones) at them during down time Good Luck (not that you need it I have seen your other work) and Enjoy!! -Adam

Compromises? You call those compromises? egads man.... Augie my friend, all I see is outstanding work and inspiration for noobies like myself. I aspire to have "compromises" like you have -Adam

Really sharp paint job, and with a brush !! Very impressed !! Looks really good, will be referencing quite a bit when I get back to working on mine shortly. -Adam

My wife actually picked up this kit for me last year, she thinks this ship building thing is cool and wanted to support it. It is indeed a fictitious ship but I will be building it into a fictitious brigantine named after my wife (heck, she got it - I will christin it after her ). I have 2 ships going at the moment, but she has been asking when I plan to get to that one so I may just start up a third and get hers done. I will do a build log of it as I go. -Adam

Love the plans for the bounty!! They look great! I have my eye on a wall piece that is at our local consignment store. A decorative piece of the Ranger with some sample rigging knots and other seafairing related knick knacks. I may have to grab it, been resisting it. How are you likeing POF?? -Adam

Wayne, I completely understand and share the irrational fear of planking. I have tried to solve it by just diving in on the Mayflower and trying to knock it out. Nope - still have it!!! Maybe we should start a planking therapy group! -Adam

Well, Sjors, the ship looks fantastic. -Adam

The half moon looks great!!! And an upcoming scratch build!! Egads - just the thought of scratchbuilding a boat gives me shivers; kudos to you for dabbling in the darkside!! -Adam

Hi Mario, I echo the sentiments that this looks like it will be quite interesting to follow! I know the toils of a demanding job so hope yours eases up a bit if for nothing else than piece of mind -Adam

Richard, wonderful job on your Bennett!! I really like how your dredges came out, time consuming but well worth the results!!! -Adam

Thanks all! I was pleased with how it came out - wasn't sure, but am happy with the results. Am working the rest of the deck currently and should have another update soon. Once I get the decks all laid in I will definitely be oiling and sealing to make it pop a bit. The mix was nice, looks even better in person so not only did I jot down the ratio but also made up a "batch" that should last a while As for having fun? A B S O F R I G G I N L U T E L Y Love this stuff! Will love it more when I get a bit more skill under my belt but in time, oh yes - in time -Adam

Better be careful there Popeye, after catching up may be adding rope coils to that popeye signal as well!!

Loving it! So much to go through and use as inspiration (and so much to go through and learn from). I have tried a few rope coils but they always come out looking like rope piles (would definitely get keelhauled for them that is for sure). Dunno how ya do it - but keep on keeping on my friend; the adventure is fantastic!! -Adam

Popeye my friend, another build and another exciting saga to watch for sure. Especially since it seems to be moving right along. However, I must say, being one who has 2 builds on the table and an incredible urge to and daily struggle NOT to start another one - you are not setting a good example. I am trying to stay good and focused but you are showing the benefits to not doing so . -Adam

Hi Scott, Coming along nicely on that Phantom. You are going to have one very nice looking vessel when all said and done. I used the Phantom to cut my teeth on the hobby myself and now am hooked! As for your POB/POF question. POB is plank on bulkhead. Those models you use an inner skeleton made up of the bulkheads which give you the shape of your ship. The planks are laid on the bulkhead with the deck laid atop the skeleton. The ship is built up around the skeleton with it hidden once finished. POF is plank of frame. Similar in that you build a skeleton to lay the planks on, however when the planks are done where you either pop the skeleton (frame) out (but not always) or build up and around. -Adam

Wow Wayne, that is very cool. I used to sell that line at the hobby store I managed back in the late 80s/early 90s. Brings back memories! - they were very popular back then. Ian - that one is from 84 (I grabbed the pic he had and looked at the larger version so I cheated )

Danny that is some absolutely amazing work. All I can say is wow, and thanks for sharing this. Really spectacular. -Adam

You know, just knowing that is a possibility adds to the comfort level. I will give them a shot (can't say I cannot do them without even trying ) but oh, trust me - if it goes how I think it will, I will send out the popeye signal!!! That there America really does look spectacular!! We going to have an official launch party?