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mtaylor

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Posts posted by mtaylor

  1. 1 hour ago, TBlack said:

    Mark,

    Not a race, right! But it is a question of quality and trying to measure up. Besides, according to NRG standards, this model shouldn't be built (being fictional), so I wonder if my membership will be revoked!

     

     

    If you get booted, there will bunches more for building kits that are fiction.  LOL.

     

    3 minutes ago, TBlack said:

    I can't use Speedwell as an example for ladder placement. Not enough room, so the center area will have to suffice for a ladder and a companionway.

     

    ladders.jpg.4aa09c353e424cbe40ea6039038e6596.jpg

    So that means I only have to make one ladder, but I'll have to make two railings.

    Tom

    I'd opt for a double wide ladder in the center.   I like the idea of the putting the ladder there.  Will there be doorways on either side of the ladder?

  2. There is something to be said for "starting small".   I've seen some jump right in with say a Victory and succeed and others.... walk away after a short period of time.   We have tons of build logs that I would call "dead".  The builder gave up.   I would say, start a model that you want or at least buy and put it on the shelf for "later".   Only the builder can determine if it's over their head.  There is a learning curve and it can be steep depending on what skills and willingness to to learn you have.

     

    For me, my first purchase was a Billings Vasa.  Opened the box, took one look and put it away.  Started small with a smaller kit, two masts, no guns.   Pushed myself and finished it.  Then started the Vasa and next was a heavy kit bash.  Back then there wasn't a WWW (there were listservs, at the time using dial-up, but I digress)  so basically I was on my own.  

     

    The reason for starting small is simple... learn as you build. Develop good habits.  Learn things like cutting and bending and shaping wood.  That way you're not buying tools and making investments that if you find out that model shipbuilding isn't for you would have been a waste of money.

     

    Above all, find and understand your limits and then build from there.  It's journey, not quick walk in the part.  A very rewarding and fun journey though..

     

    We really can't answer to everyone's needs and levels as we don't know them.   Joining a club with other builders is a great thing but if you're in area where there are no clubs....  it can kind of like wandering the desert unless you've found a place like MSW. So read other build logs, not just your own.  Learn from what others have done and how they do it.  Enjoy the friendships that are made along the way.  

     

        

     

     

     

     

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