Introducing myself and already seeking advice

[kdm]

Hi all,

 

My name is Keith, and I've decided to get into model ship building. My grandfather was a modeler, and I grew up fascinated with his models (particularly a beautiful little xebex); I've also long been a fan of the Aubrey/Maturin novels. I'm a graduate student in the midst of a dissertation, so a hobby that lets me work with my hands and get off the computer/away from my research for a bit is a needed distraction.

 

To ease myself into model building, I started with a couple of plastic models. I completed the Revell PT-109 in a weekend and am currently working on Revell of Germany's North Sea fishing trawler. These have been useful to convince me that it is a pastime I enjoy and have time for (on occasion, at least). I am, however, chomping at the bit to work with wood.

 

I see that many people use the Model Shipways Phantom as an entry point, and for a couple of weeks I was planning to do the same. But after reading through a few build logs, it looks like the Phantom always requires lots of sanding and often requires a dremel. I'd rather avoid both of these for now. I live in an apartment that doesn't have space for a dedicated workshop area, so I don't have a good set up for producing lots of wood dust. Likewise, I'm trying to keep my initial investment somewhat reasonable, so I'd rather not purchase a dremel yet.

 

So, I've been considering the Model Shipways 18th Century Longboat (http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product.asp?ITEMNO=MS1457), which is a plank-on-frame. It seems like it would be a good intro to planking (which is what I aspire to) and rigging, and it's pretty cheap. Before committing, though, I wanted to see what you all think. Would the longboat be a terrible beginning model? Am I going about this wrong? Or is it a reasonable intro build?

 

Thanks for any thoughts. I look forward to being a part of the MSW community.

[Jack12477]

I did the Longboat a while back. It's a very good kit, bit challenging at times, but not overly challenging for a beginner. In addition the kit contains a Practicum written by Chuck Passaro (admin here on MSW) which is an excellent manual on how to build it. There are also an number of build logs here on MSW to use as reference. So I would say YES, go for it.  Start a build log here and ask questions. There are plenty of people who can help you.

 

Welcome aboard.

[Heronguy]

Greetings Keith!

 

I watched another 1st time builder over the pat couple of months.  He built the Batelina by MariStella.  There are a couple of build logs  (Pierre Tessier and Don Robinson) for two.  Batelina is a possible 1st build for you - It is a beautiful kit,  can be build in a month or two elapsed time, has support (build logs) on this site, pretty inexpensive kit ($75) and don't appear to require much in the way of special tools.   It will introduce you to planking but in a friendlier hull design.  No rigging though (which would be an advantage for me right now!!!)

 

Whatever you choose I'm betting you'll enjoy it!

 

Doug

[ccoyle]

Apartment dwellers on limited budgets who want to avoid sanding are excellent candidates for paper modelling. (And yes, tall ships can be modeled in paper: see here and here.)

[Jim Lad]

Hello Keith, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[Anja]

Welcome aboard Keith,

 

It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or an advanced builder, this a great place to learn and share tips and techniques.

When you have made your choice and when you're ready, feel free to start a buildlog.

If needed, you'll find plenty of advise, help and encouragement from everyone.

 

I wish you smooth sailing and happy modelling.

 

Regards,

Anja

[EJ_L]

Welcome to MSW Keith! Good to have you with us. I know you are looking at keeping both sand dust and costs down so you can always hand sand things. Working with wood will mean that you will have sanding and sawdust unfortunately. I would recommend getting a small vacuum to help keep the dust under control. If you get one with a long enough hose you can always rig it, (use tape to hold it to the table) so that it acts as a dust collector when sanding.

 

If you think this may be something you really want to get into, I would recommend spending the money on a Dremmel. No need to buy the expensive sets with hundreds of bits, just get the basic drill with a couple of sanding drums to start off.

 

If money is tight even for that, there is nothing wrong with hand sanding. The paper is cheap and you can easily make sanding blocks out of scrap wood or buy cheap ones if you prefer that. Honestly, even with al the power tools I have, the majority of my sanding on a model ship is still done by hand either with a block or free form.

 

Both of the models you are looking at are great starters. There are many logs for both and they will give you a good fundamental of the basics.

 

Good luck to you on your maiden voyage into this great hobby! I look forward to seeing what you decide to start with and sharing this adventure with you!

[mtaylor]

Hi Keith,

 

[Nirvana]

Keith,

A warm to   

I can vouch for the Longboat,

It will have it's challenges but the instructions of Chucks are real good and there are quite a few of us that has built the model.

For the price, you can't go wrong.

[geoff]

welcome to MSW Keith. All the best, Geoff

[kdm]

Thanks, everyone, for the responses. The Batelina is an attractive boat, Doug. I'll keep my eye on it, even if I go with the longboat for my first model. Chris, I had no idea paper models could be so spectacular. Clare Hess's HMS Alert is a beautiful build.

 

I'm still thinking I'll go with the longboat for my first build--the combination of price, practicum/build logs, and that no one responding saying to avoid it, make it an attractive choice.

[Nirvana]

Keith,

You will have support along the way as for the longboat.

[jedd]

Hi Keith and welcome!

 

I was a total beginner also last fall and decided to start learning with something small and simple so I purchased the longboat. It took me 2 months to complete and I learned a lot! The small size presented a challenge but you get a good introduction to a lot of the basic techniques in wooden ship modeling. You don't need a Dremmel for this model and there is minimal sanding required. I only wish I had found this site before completing it. I used only the instructions that come with the model and would have benefited from the build logs here. Just take your time, read way ahead in the instructions and get a good understanding of how everything comes together before doing any glueing. You will enjoy the build! Good luck.

[TomShipModel]

Welcome Keith,

 

MSW is a great place to start in our hobby where you will find tips and techniques, and a good deal of support.  Great to have you here.

 

Tom

[Keith Black]

 Keith, welcome to MSW. There are a lot of us here on MSW. Glad to have you aboard. 

[SkiBee]

Keith

Welcome, it's a lot of fun and there is a wealth of information and experience to draw from the folks here on MSW.  A few recommendations to help you get started:

> If you are interested in a model to build, look at some of the build logs for that ship here on MSW.

> I'm in the middle of building the NY Phantom now, personally I would not recommend that you start with it.

> I've built a number of plastic models in my life, some skills do translate to wood models, but there are a lot of new skills with wood.

> I started to build the Long Boat, but halfway through I switched to the Model Shipways Lowell Grand Banks Dory to learn something about planking. Then I built the Norwegian Pram by MS to gain more basic skills and rigging. And finally built the Long Boat which was a lot of fun and a good challenge of my new skills.

> Before I started the Phantom, I built the Lobster Smack by MS.  All three; Grand Banks Dory, Norwegian Pram and the Lobster Smack are a great series to start with. Each build upon the skills learned in the previous one.

> The key is to read some of the logs before you start a model, start it and start your own build log.  You will get a LOT of GREAT help from others via your log.

Have fun!

[RossR]

You might want to check out the Polaris from Occre.   Or if you want something a little more challenging the HMS Beagle from Occre.   Occre has a great series of YouTube videos for building the Beagle.   It was my fist build and turned out pretty good. 

[Toolmaker]

I think 5 or 6 years is a touch late. Or did I miss something 😂

[Keith Black]

LOL........it's never too late for a warm welcome. I totally missed the 5 year gap. Only two post, the last one May of 2021. I'm thinking this one got away. 

[New England Captain]

Welcome to MSW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tomasz B]

Very welcome aboard. 

I build my model in living room (luckily my wife accept it😁) a little of dust 🤣

I have dremell and to be honest not using very often i rather use set of files and chisels much quieter so this tools is not a must imho its faster than files(sometimes to fast 🤣) but you can start without it. 

Paper models recommended is a very good start without too many tools ,i build one too.

[East Ender]

Welcome Keith! Enjoy the site. Good folks and a wealth of information.