New Kid On The Block

[Balclutha75]

Greetings from Colorado, USA

I am a new member, a retired software nerd, who has always been fascinated by model ships. So at age 70 I’ve finally decided to try my hand at building one.

 

Having recently binged on “The Vikings” and “The Last Kingdom” I chose the Amati Drakkar as my first attempt. I've read some excellent builds logs here with a mixture of inspiration and intimidation.

 

But I’ll give it my best shot. I purchased a nice workbench from amazon and a few initial tools (although I'll no doubt need more), so I'm set up. With luck the kit will arrive this week from Ages of Sail. Currently FedEx has sent it on a long journey across the country.

 

My screen name is because of a 1974-75 job I had working for the San Francisco Maritime Museum as a rigger aboard the square-rigged ship Balclutha, then docked at Pier 39. We did lots of maintenance, including lowering the yards to the deck for restorative work.

 

I still have some of the tools I acquired or made including my serving board for wrapping tarred marline around standing rigging. I learned to splice wire rope, among other arcane tasks that I have since forgotten. Here's a photo, the rope rug is one I made from instructions in Ashley's book.

 

It was a great job with a fantastic crew, and lots of Guinness downed at the old Eagle Cafe across the street.

 

Most likely I’ll be asking some rank beginner questions here as I get into this, though most are probably already answered with a bit of searching.

Thanks.

[markjay]

👍

[ccoyle]

39 minutes ago, Balclutha75 said:

Here's a photo

Welcome aboard! Fascinating picture, too.

[bruce d]

Welcome from the UK, looking forward to seeing the Drakkar.

Bruce

[Nirvana]

, greetings from WA.

Here's a link to the museum in Norway regarding Viking ship.

[JeffT]

Hello and welcome to MSW 🙂

[Jim Lad]

Hello and a warm welcome to MSW from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[mtaylor]

Welcome to MSW.  I think your tools you showed will be a tad too large for a model.  

[Balclutha75]

Thanks much guys, very nice to be welcomed aboard.

 

54 minutes ago, mtaylor said:

I think your tools you showed will be a tad too large for a model

I was expecting solid, accurate, and honest advice here, and I'm gettin' it! 😆

 

10 hours ago, Nirvana said:

Here's a link to the museum in Norway regarding Viking ship.

Thanks for that link, I had a similar one to the museum, but yours is better. That 3D view was fun to play with. I also found a couple basic books on Viking ships that get nice reviews. I've ordered one and will probably get the second, both to learn about the history of these craft, and to get visuals to help in build decisions..

 

Excited about the new hobby! Thanks again.

- Nelson

[allanyed]

Welcome to MSW.   Yes, you will not want for help here, so never hesitate to ask any questions at all.

Allan

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[genocon]

Welcome from one newbie to another.

[KingDavid]

Welcome to MSW ... good luck with your first build, i am sure you are going to enjoy it!

[Balclutha75]

Thanks again guys. The package with my kit arrived today. The journey begins.