Middyman Posted October 12, 2019 Share #1 Posted October 12, 2019 Hello, Thought I'd drop a note and introduce myself. My name is Matt and I am a long time plastic modeler but have always had an interest in the Age of Sail. I am a sailor in real-life and have sailed for years on the Chesapeake Bay. That said, I am coming back to this hobby after a long hiatus. My problem is I have dreams and I am a kit hoarder. I've lovingly kept several wood ship kits in storage and I've decided to bring them back out and start working them down. My ultimate dream is to complete four specific kits to near-museum quality over time. These four are: Artesania Bluenose II, Mamoli Hunter Armed Cutter, Mamoli Blue Shadow Big and HMS Vanguard (Amati or Model Shipways). I don't own Vanguard yet but I do own the others. My biggest challenge is where to start! I hate solid hull kits and I have enough prior modeling experience that I'm comfortable with plank-on-bulkhead kits. I tried an Artesania Swift as a teenager but didn't know how to bend planks properly. So that got tossed years ago. But I do have an unbuilt Swift in the pile. Looking for guidance on which would be my most likely first success. I have a Model Shipways Katy of Norfolk (the older PoB kit, not the current solid hull kit) that is framed up but not planked that I've had in storage and leaning on starting back there. Downside is a lot of the bulkhead timberheads are broken off. Manual shows an alternate bulkhead that I can build up from the deck so all is not lost. If nothing else it would be a good hull to potential practice skills on. Or should I start somewhere else? Here's what I have in the pile... Artesania Swift 1805 Pilot Boat Artesania Bluenose II Corel Scotland Cutter Mamoli Black Prince Privateer 1775 Mamoli Blue Shadow Brig Mamoli USS Constitution Mamoli Hunter Armed Cutter Mantua Le Superbe Model Shipways Katy of Norfolk Pilot Boat Model Shipways Syren Brig Model Shipways 1:24 Armed Longboat I'm not foolish enough to break out the USS Constitution or Le Superbe (which I plan to build as HMS Implacable) yet. I plan to acquire one of the HMS Vanguard kits so I am looking for recommendations on which one to get. I'm sure there are many kits that have pluses and minus. Been reading a lot of build logs and getting a feel for troublesome kits. Which is why I opted not to obtain a Constructo Enterprise even though I do like it because it seems very...quirky. I consider the 74 third rate to be one of the most beautiful ships to ever grace the sea. So that would be my pinnacle attempt. My Everest, as it were. My Blue Shadow kit is special to me because it is one of the last remaining memories of a good friend and I want to complete it in his honor and memory. I've carried it with me for over 30 years but I do not want to mess that kit up. So others are meant as the learning tools. I will be happy to post a build log of my efforts. I'm looking forward to getting back into it finally. Matt Tom E, GrandpaPhil and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James H Posted October 12, 2019 Share #2 Posted October 12, 2019 Welcome to MSW! That's quite a stash! Ok, out of those, I think you should tackle Artesania's Swift 1805. That looks more than doable for a modeller who has at least experience in another medium (plastic). It's a simple model and the rig is straightforward. You're a way off Vanguard yet. You really do need to get a few simpler but progressive projects under your belt first, but when you do opt for Vanguard, I highly recommend the Amati. We have a review here: Please crack open that Artesania kit and let our members help you through it. What tools do you have? A good start is at least a sanding block, Amati plank nipper, fine saw, nail pusher etc. We have a superb topic for you to read here: Here's another very useful topic: The moot point here is that we are here to help. MSW is the largest model ship forum in the world and the experience we have here is amazing, with members that will guide you along the way. Never feel that any question is stupid. We all start somewhere and what we want is for you to get to that holy grail you seek and accumulate the experience to get there, plus the enjoyment in doing so. mtaylor 1 Quote SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! On the bench: HMS Indefatigable - 1794 (production prototype), Vanguard Models - 1:64. On Hold: HMS Winchelsea Double Capstan - Syren Ship Models - 1:48 Finished US Baltimore Armed Privateer Schooner Grecian 1812 (prototype) - Vanguard Models - 1:64 'Zulu' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 Fifie' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Flirt 1782, Vanguard Models - 1:64. Duchess of Kingston c.1780 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Sphinx 1775, Vanguard Models - 1:64 ERYCINA - Plymouth Ketch-Rigged Trawler 1882, Vanguard Models - 1:64. 'Nisha' - The Brixham 'Mumble-Bee' - Vanguard Models 1:64 'Saucy Jack' fishing boat - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Ranger 'Barking Fish Carrier' - 1864 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Indeterminate: Tender Avos - Master Korabel - 1:72. H.M.S. Victory (production prototype) - Amati - 1:64. HMS Granado 1742 (cross section) - CAFModel - 1:48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dziadeczek Posted October 12, 2019 Share #3 Posted October 12, 2019 (edited) IMHO start with one of the simpler kits, BUT THE ONE YOU LIKE. Follow the kit's instructions, otherwise, modify and kitbash what you think you can tackle, with your skills and/or your workshop. Don't rush and enjoy the building process! You are going to have hard time however, to end up with one of your kits as a museum quality model. Not the same quality of materials and details in those kits... Thomas Edited October 12, 2019 by Dziadeczek mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoyle Posted October 12, 2019 Share #4 Posted October 12, 2019 I built the Katy of Norfolk kit as my first PoB model 20 years ago. I recall that there were a number of potential pitfalls in the instructions,the biggest being that the description of the planking was for a single-planked hull, but the kit supplies materials for double planking. I made it through with the help of some experienced modelers in a local club. If you are aware of the potential problems going in, then it is a doable model, very similar to Swift. Model Shipways kits generally include fewer pre-cut parts than their European counterparts. mtaylor 1 Quote Chris Coyle Greer, South Carolina When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk. - Tuco Current builds: Brigantine Phoenix, Hawker Hurricane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontiachedmark Posted October 13, 2019 Share #5 Posted October 13, 2019 Gidday Matt and a warm welcome from the Land Downunder. Firstly I must say I admire your ambitions, 2 hours ago, Middyman said: My ultimate dream is to complete four specific kits to near-museum quality over time. The quality of the kit materials are a long way off museum quality. The choice of model is based a lot on your confidence and skill level. Personally I would opt for a kit with basic rigging and double plank on bulkhead. I also look for something that pleases my eye. Above all else you must enjoy what you are doing. This is not meant to be a chore. You will find a lot of support and encouragement here. The members possess an incredible wealth of knowledge and most freely share. These are my thoughts only and I am not trying to dissuade you in your ambition. I wish you all the best in your endeavours. Mark. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregory Posted October 13, 2019 Share #6 Posted October 13, 2019 (edited) 5 hours ago, Middyman said: Mamoli Hunter Armed Cutter, Mamoli Blue Shadow Just my $.02 .. I have both of these kits, and while I think they both make nice decorator pieces, they have serious technical issues.. I won't elaborate unless you would like for me to.. Edited October 13, 2019 by Gregory mtaylor and pontiachedmark 2 Quote Luck is just another word for good preparation. —MICHAEL ROSE Current builds: Rattlesnake (Scratch From MS Plans On Hold: HMS Resolution ( AKA Ferrett ) In the Gallery: Yacht Mary, Gretel, French Cannon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandpaPhil Posted October 13, 2019 Share #7 Posted October 13, 2019 Welcome! mtaylor 1 Quote Building: 1:64 HMS Revenge (Victory Models plans) 1:64 Cat Esther (17th Century Dutch Merchant Ships) On the building slip: 1:72 French Ironclad Magenta (original shipyard plans) On hold: 1:98 Mantua HMS Victory (kit bash), 1:96 Shipyard HMS Mercury Favorite finished builds: 1:60 Sampang Good Fortune (Amati plans), 1:200 Orel Ironclad Solferino, 1:72 Schooner Hannah (Hahn plans), 1:72 Privateer Prince de Neufchatel (Chapelle plans), Model Shipways Sultana, Heller La Reale, Encore USS Olympia Goal: Become better than I was yesterday "The hardest part is deciding to try." - me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted October 13, 2019 Share #8 Posted October 13, 2019 Welcome to MSW, Matt. I agree with what's been said. Start simple with a model you want to build. 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...
Duanelaker Posted October 13, 2019 Share #9 Posted October 13, 2019 (edited) Welcome! I too am a kit hoarder lol...I’ve just started and I think I bought every kit model expo has put on sale over the last 6 months under 150$, so literally 15 plus kits (from solid hulls like the phantom, to Charles P. Morgan). I truly believe POF and POB are completely different animals then solid hull kits...I am still fresh to the wood boat world and also think plastic models are completely different many ways as well (better instructions, pieces designed to fit into each other, etc). I speak from little experience (I’ve only finished a Dory and a Bounty Jolly), but honestly if you build every kit in your set and don’t finish any of them, atleast you hopefully had fun and learned something. Museum quality is a wonderful goal, but I know I couldn’t do that in my first kits, if not ever. It’s a hobby...have fun! Edited October 13, 2019 by Duanelaker pontiachedmark and mtaylor 2 Quote David Builds in Progress: Phantom Pilot Boat - MS Completed Builds: Bounty Jolly Boat - AL Chesapeake Bay Crabbing Skiff - MW Grand Banks Dory - Bluejacket The Dinghy - MW Grand Banks Dory - MW 32 Pound Carronade - MS Skiff - MW Peterboro Canoe - MW On Hold: 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull - NRG Ponte Berlin - Corel Taurus Steam Towboat - MS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lad Posted October 13, 2019 Share #10 Posted October 13, 2019 Hello Matt, and a very warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. John mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhearl Posted October 13, 2019 Share #11 Posted October 13, 2019 Since you are so close to the Eastern Shore, you might be interested in attending a one-day model show in Oxford, MD that will be on Saturday, Nov. 9th. https://oxfordcc.org/model-boat-show/ There will be many very competent modelers there and you would probably enjoy talking with them. The show is free too! Cheers - John mtaylor 1 Quote http://modelboatyard.com Recently Completed: Chesapeake Bay Buyboat - F.D. Crockett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Middyman Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share #12 Posted October 17, 2019 Thanks everyone for the advice. Tools I have a fair number of. Standard modeling tools on my bench from years of modeling: X-Acto knives, needle files, hard and soft sanding blocks of various grits, sanding sticks, pin vise and hand drills, mitre box and razor saw, Dremel tool, bench vise, clamps, pins, paint and paintbrushes (acrylic and enamel), planking vise, Fair-a-Frame, electric plank benders, head lens, bench "extra hands" with magnifying glass. Only really lacking a small hobby drill press, saw and similar power tools. Definitely have all of the basic tools as recommended in "Ship Modeling Simplified" (among other books, have a stack of those too). Based on the votes I am breaking out the Swift kit and will read the build logs for other's experiences. I am going to work on the Katy in parallel since it is already started and I'll just run it at a slower pace. I just got Model Shipway's Syren brig on sale and I am resisting the urge to touch that. What a beautiful looking ship! I am definitely going to check out the Oxford model show since it is across the bridge. Many thanks John for that! I will start a build log of my efforts as I get them going. Right now I am making the tools to make the model. Assembling a bunch of planking clamps. There ought to be build logs for the tools too as these like the Fair-A-Frame are pretty involved in their assembly too. Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I am lining up my Fall/Winter project. Matt mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baker Posted October 17, 2019 Share #13 Posted October 17, 2019 mtaylor 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 Gallery : Revell Bounty Pelican/Golden hind 1/45 scratch To do : Prins Willem Corel, Le Tonnant Corel, Yacht d'Oro Corel, Thermopylae Sergal 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 Si vis pacem, para bellum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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