Plastic builder makes the move!

[andrew2]

Greetings to all!

 

Decided it was time to move on up away from Trumpeter, Revel, Tamiya  and the like.  I built plastic ships for about 7 years. Mostly what I built was 1/350.....but there was also a 1/200 and a few 1/144 and 1/125's as well.  After a divorce and a house fire that resulted in all my works being destroyed, I have decided to re-start my hobby.   I am by no means a "great" modeler.   But I can use and airbrush to good effect and am proficient with Photo Etch and some scratch building.

 

Now the move into this form of building is a little intimidating, It would seem I am the proverbial "Babe in the Woods". 

So I have decided to start on what could be considered an entry level kit in this genre as my first build.   I am sure I can complete it to good effect.

 

What I have decided on is the Dumas  USS Whitehall Kit in 1/96 scale.

This has a Vacuum-formed 2 piece hull expanded pvc die cuts and laser cut balsa and birch plywood parts. I do not want to "go big or go home"  So I am keeping this simple.

Even so,   I will be working with New to me materials and mediums that I have NO experience with.   I do hope I can glean good wisdom, tips and general help here amongst you good Folk.

 

About 4 years back I built the USS Hazard Admirable-Class Navy Mine Sweeper 1/125 Lindberg kit,...much modified!  I had built that kit as a presentation to my wife's Grandfather that served aboard the Sister ship Am238 USS Garland , but the Gentleman passed away before I could complete the build.

 

Here is that kit in plastic I would like to replicate...

 

 

I am sure to have many questions as to "How To"   And appreciate any assistants you gentlemen could provide.

 

Would also like to say many Thanx for allowing a plastic guy to join up here!

 

Mark

 

[andrew2]

Sorry for the large pictures.....  :(

[MEDDO]

Welcome!  We love large pictures 😀 When you are ready you can start a build log and ask tons of questions.  Someone here can answer about every question you may have.

[Tigerdvr]

I like your minesweeper. It looks like a nice scale to work in. This is the place to expand your modeling horizons.

Enjoy, Harley

[mtaylor]

[Matt H]

Hello and welcome.

[JeffT]

Hello and welcome to Model Ship World 

[Baker]

Welcome to MSW.

[andrew2]

Thanx guys for the welcome!

[Jonny 007]

Hello!

 

I too used to build plastic ship models. A favourite of mine is the Revell HMCS Snowberry in 1/72 scale.

I converted mine to R/C so I could patrol the lake looking for uboats before sending out our Kyosho Seawind yachts out!

I also built several plastic sailing ships which are nice.

But I have always wanted to build wooden ship models. As a builder by trade I figured if I can build houses hopefully I should be able to build a boat! (That has yet to be proved BTW...)

[Jim J]

As everybody else has said - Welcome! Looking at the pics of your plastic ship you seem to have a good eye for detail and that goes a long way when embarking on any project. I too spent many years building plastic ship models and had a lot of fun doing it. It wasn't until my "later" years - after the kids had grown - that I started building in wood. There is a learning curve but it is not all that much different from other forms of modeling. Take your time, ask questions and never give-up.

[andrew2]

Thanx for the Warm and inspiring welcome Gentlemen!

[Johncal]

My opinion is that wooden ships require wooden models and metal ships can use plastic as a base  - WITH LOTS OF MODS. I think plastic is much better when mimicking metal. FYI, the Model Ship shop at the Anapolis Naval Museum routinely use plastic kits as the basis for their models and then Make resin and metal fabricated parts where necessary. It's all in the finishing techniques. I think the model you show here is excellent. The only difference on any of my models (except cars), is that I always weather and wear them for the extra detail and realism. 

 

 

[andrew2]

The kit arrived today and now I 'am waiting on "other" parts, tools and materials to get started with.

 

As soon As I start the build I will start a "Build Post" and provide updates as they happen.

 

I would like to say a big THANX for the hearty and warm welcome!

 

Mark

[pontiachedmark]

Gidday Andrew and a warm welcome from the Land  Downunder.

Please forgive my lateness in welcoming you aboard.

I believe the medium, i.e. Plastic, Card, Metal or Wood, is purely a matter of choice for the builder.

I have built in both Plastic and Wood. I have a preference for Wood as I find it at times frustrating but therapeutic and ultimately highly rewarding.

A couple of pieces of friendly advice,

Ask questions if and when you are unsure or don't know how to proceed.

Above all - Enjoy yourself.

I wish you all the best in your endeavours.

Mark.

[High Wycombe]

I am starting this very kit - the Lindberg Hazard.  Very interested in what you used to create the railings - was planning on using regular panel nails/pin-vise to drill the holes - but your railing poles are amazing - and suspect scratch built beauties.  And on that note, beautiful model - fabulous.  Many thanks for any recommendations/ideas.  Jim 

[Rach10199]

Hello andrew2! I, too, am a newcomer here. You will come to discover, as I have, the people here are insanely knowledgeable in this area of modeling and are super helpful.  I have had such a great experience thus far! Have fun above all else 😄

[mtaylor]

6 hours ago, High Wycombe said:

I am starting this very kit - the Lindberg Hazard.  Very interested in what you used to create the railings - was planning on using regular panel nails/pin-vise to drill the holes - but your railing poles are amazing - and suspect scratch built beauties.  And on that note, beautiful model - fabulous.  Many thanks for any recommendations/ideas.  Jim 

 

If you would, open your own introduction topic here and introduce yourself.    When your ready, open a build log for your model.

[AlfredD1]

Hello Andrew.  Do you still have minesweeper build?