Romique Posted April 3, 2020 Share #1 Posted April 3, 2020 (edited) Hi everyone! My name is Romulus, i'm 31 years old and i live in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. My main profession? I'm a professional ballet dancer at the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca for 13 years. I study balet since i was 10 so that makes over 20 years of my life dedicated to this wonderful art. Besides that, i have developed a passion for hobbies, and i'm constantly chasing new challenges. One of my main hobbies is aquascaping, i've been doing it for three years now and i'm getting pretty good at it. Other hobbies that i have are photography, bushcraft, cooking and many more but these are my main ones. We're living hard times now with this horrible pandemic and we have to do everything in our powers to get over it and back to our normal lives. Since there is a major national emergency situation in my country, people are only allowed to do their necessary grocery shopping near their homes and take care of other people in need. Basically we're forced to stay locked in our homes most of the time until everything comes back to normal. My job is on hold until the whole coronavirus thing goes away because the Opera house auditorium holds 1.000 people and the current restriction is for maximum 8 persons indoors. I won't be resuming work anytime soon. Anyway, this is the time i got this new passion: model ship building. And i'm pretty serious about it. It all started from a conversation with my girlfriend's parents... we were talking about what kind of indoor activities can we do since this is going to be a looong isolation. And then her father told me that he knows a guy that's been working on this wooden model ship for a couple of years now and still hasn't finished. That literally lit a spark in my mind and i've told him that i will try to build one myself. Two obvious reasons made me do it... 1. i'm a passionate hobbyist and 2. i always accept a challenge if it captures my interest. And the challenge was that he told me not to do it because it's hard 😆. Challenge accepted! So then i did my research and i've looked up on the internet for retailers of model ship kits in my country (there are a few). My eye was attracted by the Lady Nelson, the Mayflower and the Santa Maria, all by Amati / Victory Models, there was also a ship called the Buccaneer by Occre, and a few other ships manufactured by Constructo. These are the only (quality) manufacturers that retailers sell in Romania. And then i thought i should search the internet again for opinions on which of these three makers was of better quality and other aspects that might influence the building phase and i found modelshipworld.com. Man is this a gold mine! After spending almost 100 hours reading through the topics and build logs and articles in the database i have decided to go with Lady Nelson because it was my favorite of the ones mentioned and there were many build logs available so i could get some inspiration and info. I called the retailer and sadly, it was out of stock (haven't updated their site), so was the Mayflower, but they still had one kit of the Santa Maria. Couldn't find a build log for the Buccaneer by Occre and the ships made by Constructo seemed of a poorer quality compared to Amati, so i've decided to buy the kit form Amati - Santa Maria. The guy from the shop also said it's a good beginner's kit. Gathered some tools that i had laying around and bought some more online and had the kit delivered a few days ago. All set up and ready to go! I'm pretty enthusiastic about it and i know i will face many troubles during the construction, but i have fate in this forum's members that they will help me get over everything that comes in my way until i finish it. Yep! I won't give up, i'll take my time, do some more research and hope not to bug you with stupid questions. So far i've read every article in the database, some of them twice, and tens of build logs on different ship models. I'm confident that i will be doing things right and won't disappoint anyone. I will start a build log and will constantly post pictures of the progress and hopefully i will end it with a beautiful display of my hard work. Long story short, here's what i have so far... more tools on the way Edited April 3, 2020 by Romique EricWilliamMarshall, GrandpaPhil, thibaultron and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Seiler Posted April 3, 2020 Share #2 Posted April 3, 2020 Romique, mtaylor and JeffT 3 Quote Chuck Seiler San Diego Ship Modelers Guild Nautical Research Guild Current Build:: Colonial Schooner SULTANA (scratch from Model Expo Plans), Hanseatic Cog Wutender Hund, Pinas Cross Section Completed: Missouri Riverboat FAR WEST (1876) Scratch, 1776 Gunboat PHILADELPHIA (Scratch), John Smith Shallop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lad Posted April 3, 2020 Share #3 Posted April 3, 2020 Hello Romulus, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. John mtaylor, Romique and JeffT 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
druxey Posted April 3, 2020 Share #4 Posted April 3, 2020 Welcome, Romulus! Modelmaking will help pass the time for all of us. Here in North America the performing arts are also shut down. It's very frustrating for all the artists preparing for the summer season. I can sympathize with your situation. You'll find lots of help when you need it here. JeffT, Romique and mtaylor 3 Quote Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlb Posted April 3, 2020 Share #5 Posted April 3, 2020 Romulus, Welcome, and it is interesting that you are a professional ballet dancer, and are interested in this hobby. I have three daughters who studied ballet for many years; one of whom still dances professionally. I don't think any of them would start a ship model! As druxey says, any help you may need is available here, and I hope you will continue after the "shut down" is over. Ron Romique, mtaylor and JeffT 3 Quote Building: US Brig Oneida (1809) HMS Euryalus (1803) Completed: John Alden Sloop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwardkenway Posted April 3, 2020 Share #6 Posted April 3, 2020 welcome to MSW JeffT, mtaylor and Romique 3 Quote Current builds; Henry Ramey Upcher 1:25 Providence whaleboat- 1:25 HMS Winchelsea 1764 1:48 Completed: HM Cutter Sherbourne- 1:64- finished Triton cross section scratch- 1:60 - finished Non ship: SBD-3 Dauntless 1:48 Hasegawa -FINISHED Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEDDO Posted April 3, 2020 Share #7 Posted April 3, 2020 Welcome to the site and welcome to this wonderful hobby. Romique, JeffT and mtaylor 3 Quote Michael Shipwrights of Ohio Current Build: ... Completed Builds: Queen Anne Barge - Syren, Pinnace - MS, Halifax 1768 - LSS, Murrelet - Pygmy, Swift 1805 - AL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryland Craze Posted April 4, 2020 Share #8 Posted April 4, 2020 Welcome to Model Ship World. It looks like you are off to a good start in this hobby. I look forward to seeing your progress on your ship model. Romique, mtaylor and JeffT 3 Quote Ryland Member - Hampton Roads Ship Model Society - Ship Model Society of New Jersey - Nautical Research Guild Current Build - Armed Virginia Sloop, 18th Century Longboat Completed Build - Medway Longboat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoyle Posted April 4, 2020 Share #9 Posted April 4, 2020 Welcome aboard! As an avid football fan, I have actually read the name of your city a few times, i.e. CFR Cluj, in the European continental competitions. I hope you enjoy your attempt at our hobby and wish you every success. Cheers! mtaylor, Romique and JeffT 3 Quote Chris Coyle Greer, South Carolina When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk. - Tuco Current builds: Brigantine Phoenix, Bf 109E-7/trop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted April 4, 2020 Share #10 Posted April 4, 2020 Welcome to MSW, Romulus. Romique and JeffT 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...
JeffT Posted April 4, 2020 Share #11 Posted April 4, 2020 welcome to MSW Romique 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...
allanyed Posted April 4, 2020 Share #12 Posted April 4, 2020 Welcome aboard Romulus, and thank you very much for sharing a little about yourself. Your profession got me to wondering what professions are covered across our membership of over 30,000. I imagine it is quite diverse and extremely interesting. Again Bine ati venit Allan Romique and mtaylor 2 Quote PLEASE take 30 SECONDS and sign up for the epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series. Click on http://trafalgar.tv There is no cost other than the 30 seconds of your time. THANK YOU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James H Posted April 4, 2020 Share #13 Posted April 4, 2020 Welcome to MSW, Romulus. You'll love the Santa Maria. That was one of the first models I built and you shouldn't find it too difficult. The Lady Nelson and the other Amati/Victory Models kits were designed by @chris watton so hopefully you'll be able to follow this up with one of those too, or one from his new range. Time to hunker down while this virus thing is raging. Hope you have plenty of toilet paper 🤣 mtaylor and Romique 2 Quote SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! On the bench: HMS Harpy - 1796 (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 HMS Indefatigable - 1794 (production prototype), 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...
Romique Posted April 4, 2020 Author Share #14 Posted April 4, 2020 (edited) Thanks everyone for the warm welcoming! @rlb Glad to hear that at least one of your daughters continued with ballet. Our kind is prone to extinction so every one of us counts. I bet you are very proud of her and i suggest to never give up on supporting what she does. Good luck in her career and good health! @Ryland Craze I will start my build log today and am waiting for some tips and guidance as i've already stumbled upon some slight problems with the kit. I'll post pictures and detailed information there. @ccoyle I'm not so much into football but i'm proud of this team's achievements. Glad to hear that the world knows about my city... By the way my city is growing fast and it's the first most popular city in Romania. Bucharest got outcompeted because Cluj is the first SMART city in the country. Our mayor constantly upgrades the city and increases life quality for its citizens. Nice place to visit if you plan a trip to Europe. Romania in fact is a marvel of nature so do think about putting it on your travel list. Glad to be part of this community and looking forward to making new friends. People here seem to be "infected" with kindness 😊 Edited April 4, 2020 by Romique Ryland Craze, ccoyle, MEDDO and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandpaPhil Posted April 4, 2020 Share #15 Posted April 4, 2020 Welcome! mtaylor 1 Quote Building: 1:64 HMS Revenge (Victory Models plans) 1:64 Cat Esther (17th Century Dutch Merchant Ships) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baker Posted April 6, 2020 Share #16 Posted April 6, 2020 Welcome to Msw and good luck with the Santa Maria 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 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...
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