Paul Gardner Posted October 13, 2019 Share #1 Posted October 13, 2019 Although I've built a couple solid hull models, I came across an unopened Model Shipways Fair American for $50 and couldn't pass it up. However, after looking at the instruction book, I must admit to a bit of trepidation. I've never built a plank on model before and wonder if this will be a suitable first build for me, or if I've taken too big a bite for my first time. Any comments? Also, I'd like to to give a shout out to any and all model ship builders in the Tacoma area. I've read many posts on this site, and it seems like there are plenty of folks that are willing to give advice. That's an encouragement. JeffT and ccoyle 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce d Posted October 13, 2019 Share #2 Posted October 13, 2019 Paul, welcome to MSW. It is a great place to learn how to navigate through the maze and I expect you will get honest answers from members who know the kit in question. Can I suggest you study build logs and see if the problems begin to look less intimidating? Especially interesting at the moment is this: Rest assured, you will not find a problem that someone hasn't already solved. Bruce Quote 🌻 STAY SAFE A model shipwright and an amateur historian are heads & tails of the same coin current builds: HMS Berwick 1775, 1/192 scratchbuild; a Slade 74 in the Navy Board style Mediator sloop, 1/48 - an 18th century transport scratchbuild French longboat - CAF - 1/48, on hold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Gardner Posted October 13, 2019 Author Share #3 Posted October 13, 2019 Thank you for your reply. I've been reading the logs, and can see where I will have to really buckle down and learn the skill. This instruction half hull looks like a place to start, so thank you for the notice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandpaPhil Posted October 13, 2019 Share #4 Posted October 13, 2019 Welcome! 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...
Jim Lad Posted October 13, 2019 Share #5 Posted October 13, 2019 Hello Paul, and a warm welcome to MSW from 'Down Under'. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlevine Posted October 13, 2019 Share #6 Posted October 13, 2019 Paul, welcome to MSW. This project is designed in such a way that a true novice should not have much problem. The only power tool I used was a Dremel, and even that is not necessary. The following was stolen from Kurt's announcement in the Nautical Research Guild announcement section. We can now take orders for the Half Hull Planking Kit The kit is not yet listed at the NRG Store, and when it is, we will update this, but we can now take orders through the NRG Office. Call the office directly or send an email. See the NRG web site for the phone and email. (Not listed here to thwart robots/spammers) The price is $65.00 for non-NRG members. NRG members get the member’s 20% discount price of $52.00. Prices are plus shipping. US shipping is $15.00. Canada shipping is $20.00. Other non-US shipping is $26.00. Expected shipping is the week of 10-22-19. And if you are lucky, Mary will convince you to join the Guild as well! Quote Toni Chairman Nautical Research Guild Member Nautical Research and Model Society Member Midwest Model Shipwrights Current Builds: NRG Rigging Project Completed Builds: Longboat - 1:48 scale HMS Atalanta-1775 - 1:48 scale Half Hull Planking Project Capstan Project Swallow 1779 - 1:48 scale Echo Cross Section Gallery: Hannah - 1:36 scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTHokiEE Posted October 13, 2019 Share #7 Posted October 13, 2019 Welcome! Whatever kit you choose I hope you have a blast with it. Small correction to the above, US shipping is only $10 for the Half Hull Planking Kit. Quote Current Build: HM Sloop Echo 1781 (First Scratch Build) Previous Builds: HM Cutter Alert, Sharpie Schooner, Chesapeake Bay Flattie, Half-Hull (NRG) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontiachedmark Posted October 14, 2019 Share #8 Posted October 14, 2019 (edited) Gidday Paul and another warm welcome from the Land Downunder. I heartily support Bruce in post #2 re searching the build logs. I find the logs very informative and there are some very innovative solutions provided. As to your question about biting off too much, you are the best judge of your abilities and skill level. I also agree with the comments re the Half Hull as there is merit in learning planking before embarking on a kit. You will find the members here possess a wealth of knowledge and support is freely given. If I may I would like to proffer a couple of pieces of friendly advice, Read and re-read the instructions. Study the plans and study them again. Dry fit as much as possible, leave the glue unopened until you are sure of how things go together. Search the build logs here. Above all - Enjoy yourself, this is not meant to be a chore. I wish you all the best in your endeavours and I am looking forward to your progress. Mark. Edited October 14, 2019 by pontiachedmark Missing letter bruce d and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Gardner Posted October 14, 2019 Author Share #9 Posted October 14, 2019 Thank you. Thanks to all replies and the words of encouragement. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted October 14, 2019 Share #10 Posted October 14, 2019 Welcome to MSW, Paul. I suggest taking Toni's advice and getting the hull planking kit. You'll learn a lot and pretty quickly since it's not a full hull. There's a link to the project in her signature. pontiachedmark 1 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...
JeffT Posted October 14, 2019 Share #11 Posted October 14, 2019 Hello Paul. Welcome to MSW. mtaylor 1 Quote Jeff In progress: Medway Longboat 1742 - Syren Ship Model Company -1/2" scale USS Constitution - Model Shipways - Scale 1:76 HMS Granado - CAF Model - 1:48 HMS Sphinx - Vanguard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duanelaker Posted October 14, 2019 Share #12 Posted October 14, 2019 Welcome! I too have a fair American kit, I’m hoping you start a log 😊. Best of luck! mtaylor 1 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...
Paul Gardner Posted October 14, 2019 Author Share #13 Posted October 14, 2019 Have you started yours yet? I'm still debating. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kikatinalong Posted October 14, 2019 Share #14 Posted October 14, 2019 Paul, welcome to MSW. For $50 what do u really have to lose apart from some of your free time. i bit off way more than I could chew a few months ago when I started my Carrack, but I'm really enjoying the build, especially all the techniques and skills I need to learn along the way, sure I've made a few errors, but nothing I can't fix. measure twice cut once is good , but I've learnt it's now study 5 times, ask a few questions and do once on anything your not sure about. Take it on, and most of all, enjoy yourself. cheers Peter mtaylor, bruce d and pontiachedmark 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.