GTMike Posted May 30, 2018 Share #1 Posted May 30, 2018 (edited) Hello everyone! I would like to begin by thanking the administrators of this amazing site for accepting my request to join. I am completely new to what I hope will be a long time hobby (starting at age 53 so I hate to say lifetime, lol). I have built many RC cars, boats and planes as well as garden railroading, but have always been in awe of wooden ship models but I have always been too intimidated to actually tackle one until now... Life is passing by too quickly to have regrets. I have been researching and doing lots of reading to try and better understand what I am about to get into. I do plan to start with what I hope is an advanced beginner kit, Bluejacket's Friendship Sloop in either 1" or 1/2" scale). I know there are more inexpensive kits out there but I guess what keeps drawing me back to Bluejacket is that they are based in the US and hopefully east to contact for support along the way. I am currently in the process of converting my train building area into an organized and well equipped shipyard. I am open to other suggestions as far as a first kit is concerned. There does not seem to be a general consensus as to weather solid hull construction or plank on bulkhead construction is best to start with. I like the idea of doing a plank on bulkhead and have been studying the Simple Hull Planking for Beginners and the Primer on Planking posted on this site. I would also like to know what books you would recommend that I acquire for good resources as well. My two biggest fears are that I take on more than I can handle and the fact that I have NO ship terminology knowledge, I feel intimidated when I read some of the tutorials and I do not know what they are referencing... Bearding line, Rabbet line, Fairing the hull, Garboard plank, etc. Please let me know if I am heading in the right direction with the Friendship Sloop and my thinking that a larger scale model with simple rigging will be easier to manage than a small scale model, my dexterity and eyesight is not what it used to be. I will end this long winded post by saying how utterly impressed I have been reading through the forum as to how nice and accommodating everyone is with new modelers on this site, I assure you that is the exception and not the norm for some of the other sites I have been associated with in the large scale railroading community. Edited May 30, 2018 by GTMike geoff, alde and Peter Bloemendaal 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lad Posted May 30, 2018 Share #2 Posted May 30, 2018 Hello Mike, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. John geoff 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted May 30, 2018 Share #3 Posted May 30, 2018 (edited) Hi Mike, Welcome to MSW. A lot of your questions will be answered once you have a model in your hands. The best way to get answers and help is open a build log. Fairing the hull means to sand/shape it such that there are not dips, bumps, etc. All curves are smooth and follow the lines drawing. Garboard plank is the plank at the keel.... Rabbit line is a line that the garboard will fit into in the keel. A good, inexpensive reference book (there are errors in it but it give a good overview) is zuMondfeld's "Historic Ship Models". Fairly inexpensive depending where you look online. Edited May 30, 2018 by mtaylor Fright and geoff 2 Quote Mark "The shipwright is slow, but the wood is patient." - me Current Build: Past Builds: La Belle Poule 1765 - French Frigate from ANCRE plans - ON HOLD Triton Cross-Section NRG Hallf Hull Planking Kit HMS Sphinx 1775 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Non-Ship Model: On hold, maybe forever: CH-53 Sikorsky - 1:48 - Revell - Completed Licorne - 1755 from Hahn Plans (Scratch) Version 2.0 (Abandoned) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTMike Posted May 30, 2018 Author Share #4 Posted May 30, 2018 Thanks Mark, I really look forward to starting the model and will definitely start a building log when I do. geoff and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fright Posted May 30, 2018 Share #5 Posted May 30, 2018 Welcome GTMIKE - It's good to see another 'Georgian' in here LOL I'm located in the Atlanta Metro area and started modeling when I arrived here in 2011. I'm fairly new to be giving any advice, but I looked up your kit and it looks like it could be a nice start. Minimal rigging and you get experience in planking a bulkhead rather than a frame. I am finishing up on my 1st wooden kit which came with a solid hull but involved a little more rigging. As far as ship terminology, I would look up a name or term on google for an answer, but the advantage of sites like this one is, there is always someone to help point a way or answer one's questions. Which ever model you decide to build as your first kit, enjoy what you are doing and take your time. Good adventures lie ahead for you I'm sure. Cheers! geoff and mtaylor 2 Quote Robert O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTMike Posted May 31, 2018 Author Share #6 Posted May 31, 2018 Robert, Thank you for the welcome, I moved from Atlanta last year down to Macon. I am a native of Atlanta and getting used to a slower pace of life down here. I am excited about starting the build and getting lots of help along the journey. Thanks, Mike mtaylor, geoff and Fright 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alde Posted May 31, 2018 Share #7 Posted May 31, 2018 Mike, Welcome to the forum. It is a great bunch of folks. You will end up making some good friends even if you never meet face to face. I know I have. A build log is the best way to learn. You'll get great advice and learn the terminology as you go. Once you have the kit in hand and you study the plans many of your questions will be answered. You might consider a first ship being something there are several build logs for. The Model Shipways Armed Virginia Sloop is very popular with a bunch of great build logs that will guide you through your build along with asking questions in your own log. I'm sure the Friendship Sloop would be a good choice too. They are great looking vessels for sure. Just have fun and ask for help when needed. mtaylor, geoff and Fright 3 Quote The heart is happiest when the head and the hands work together. Al Current Builds: HMS Halifax 1/48 POF Lumberyard Kit Model Shipways Glad Tidings Acoustic Guitar Build FINISHED Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTMike Posted May 31, 2018 Author Share #8 Posted May 31, 2018 Thank you Al, I will look at the build logs for the Armed Virginia Sloop tonight. The reason that I asked about possible first builds before I purchased is exactly for this reason, so that I could have as many resources as possible. Thanks again, Mike mtaylor and geoff 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shihawk Posted May 31, 2018 Share #9 Posted May 31, 2018 Welcome Mike , I well remember wondering what the heck a rabber line was and did i really need one anyway . My advice would be do research as u go along , get started the build , start a build log ,and as the questions arise just ask . best way to learn is by doing !!! Have fun ,Boyd geoff 1 Quote HMS Victory by Shihawk. Billing 1-75 wood finish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff Posted May 31, 2018 Share #10 Posted May 31, 2018 Welcome to MSW Mike, all the best with your new model,! Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baker Posted May 31, 2018 Share #11 Posted May 31, 2018 Greetings, And geoff 1 Quote Regards, Patrick Finished : Soleil Royal Heller 1/100 Wasa Billing Boats Bounty Revell 1/110 plastic (semi scratch) Pelican / Golden Hind 1/45 scratch Current build : Mary Rose 1/50 scratch große-jacht / Yacht D'Oro 1/50 Corel Gallery : Revell Bounty Pelican/Golden hind 1/45 scratch Shore leave, non ship models build logs : ADGZ M35 funkwagen 1/72 Einhets Pkw. Kfz.2 and 4 1/72 Autoblinda AB40 1/72 122mm A-19 & 152mm ML-20 & 12.8cm Pak.44 {K8 1/2} 1/72 10.5cm Howitzer 16 on Mark. VI(e) Centurion Mk.1 conversion M29 Weasel 1/72 SAM6 1/72 T26 Finland T26 TN 1/72 Autoprotetto S37 1/72 Opel Blitz buses 1/72 Boxer and MAN trucks 1/72 Hetzer38(t) Starr 1/72 Cleaning the 1/72 military collection Si vis pacem, para bellum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thistle17 Posted May 31, 2018 Share #12 Posted May 31, 2018 (edited) Welcome Mike! Do not be intimidated by this august body of modeler's feats. Let it be an inspiration and motivation to you. The forum is friendly and supportive all you have to do is ask. There are many reference books out there but your background in modeling will give you a good startng point. The friendship sloop is a beautiful model and if you can get your hands on an out of print Time/Life book called The Classic Boat it will reward you with some fantastic pictures of a restored Jarvis Newman, Friendship called Dictator. I modeled a half hull of this vessel based on the coverage in the book. Joe Edited May 31, 2018 by Thistle17 geoff 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spars Posted May 31, 2018 Share #13 Posted May 31, 2018 Hello! What you write shows you have many of the skills all ship modelers develop. Working with wood has many joys in itself and Georgia has woods! Check out ship model kit vendors. Many have literature available on almost every aspect of ship building and detailing. My first kit came from Model Expo from Florida because they will replace damaged in construction parts free! They rate their kits based on skill level. Do not neglect to use youtube and other sites for online videos of builders. Anyway, welcome. geoff 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBlueJacket Posted June 4, 2018 Share #14 Posted June 4, 2018 Hi MIke, For people that buy our kits, we offer a toll-free help line, it's in the paperwork with the kit. Staffed by Charlie Cook, he gets rave reviews from all that talk to him. Also, you can call our shop anytime and talk with one of several modelers who can also help you. I have built the Large Friendship myself and can offer help. Nic GTMike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markjay Posted June 5, 2018 Share #15 Posted June 5, 2018 GTMike 1 Quote Mark Phoenix, AZ Current builds; Previous builds, in rough order of execution; Shipjack, Peterbrough Canoe, Flying Fish, Half Moon, Britannia racing sloop, Whale boat, Bluenose, Picket boat, Viking longboat, Atlantic, Fair American, Mary Taylor, half hull Enterprise, Hacchoro, HMS Fly, Khufu Solar Boat. On the shelf; Royal Barge, Jefferson Davis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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