Good morning from Iowa, USA.

[ClapTrap]

Hey all, I have an old decorative galleon (I think it is "inspired" by a galleon, proportions seem a like wonky) that my parents are handing down to me for my first house. It's in pretty rough shape and I have very little modeling experience outside of the occasional 1/35 car kits.

From my perspective, this looks like one heck of a project; the sails are brittle and covered in grime, the paint is wearing thin, and a few of the masts appear to just hang there. If I could restore it to just half of its former glory I may become addicted. My questions are: What exactly is this thing? Is it feasible to restore it myself? And if so where should I start?

Thanks in advance, I've always loved motorboats and sailing and I feel myself slipping into a new obsession.

[ccoyle]

Hello, ClapTrap.

 

Well, the place to start is actually here, but since you've already framed the question, we'll have a go at it. Your ship is what we call a decor model, and you're right -- it only bears the vaguest resemblance to an actual galleon. As a model, it has essentially zero value, but as an heirloom it might at least have some sentimental value. Restoring it would entail removing the excess grime and reattaching the loose masting and rigging. Since the rig doesn't follow any actual practice, the best way to figure out what goes where is to examine the bits that are still attached -- the loose bits were probably attached in much the same way. And since it's not really a model but rather an artistic impression of a galleon, you can't do too much harm to it if you don't get the rigging done exactly the same as when the item was new.

 

If you do, in fact, end up slipping into a new obsession, have a look around the forum at what first-time builders are working on. This is a great and potentially very rewarding hobby if you get off to the right start.

 

Cheers!

[marktiedens]

 

Mark

[Nirvana]

ClapTrap,

First a warm welcome to MSW. 

See this galleon as a "cold case", you are the investigator. It will take time, but you will find the joy of restoring an heirloom to put on the mantel (if you have one).

And yes, there's a danger to this..... addiction!

Addiction to ship modeling.

I wish you all the best and set up a log, I will follow you along.

[JeffT]

Hello and welcome to MSW 

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[Ryland Craze]

Welcome to Model Ship World ClapTrap.  That is definitely an old decorative piece of art.  It looks like a fun project to clean this up.  Good luck on this and have a look at the many build logs on this site.  There are many newly released kits designed for modelers getting into this hobby. Maybe we will see you with one.  Just start a build log so that we may follow your progress.

[mtaylor]

We do have topics for "Restoration" in the scratch area.  There is one going on for an old galleon.  The easiest way to find them, is go to the Scratch Area and in the search function (upper right hand side) use the keyword "Restoration".  Before hitting the search, re-click on the word and change the settings to "this forum" and "content titles only".

[Jim Lad]

Hello and a warm welcome to MSW.  I wish you all the best with the restoration of your "galleon".

 

John

[Charles Green]

Clap Trap:

 

Welcome!  I have nothing to add.  Follow the advise of the others and make yourself happy.

 

I'm in Idaho now but I grew up in Sioux City.  Believe it or not, I miss the flat land.

[Nirvana]

10 minutes ago, Charles Green said:

I'm in Idaho now but I grew up in Sioux City.  Believe it or not, I miss the flat land.

Where in Idaho?

[Baker]

 

And enjoy the restoration of this model.

Maybe you discover a new hobby, building model boats.

[Charles Green]

Nirvana:

 

 I'm in Boise.

[Louie da fly]

As someone already addicted (and currently doing a restoration of a ship I made when I was a teenager) , every time I see one of these I think to myself "A bit of cleaning, some repair - that could look pretty damn good". I find restoring a model very rewarding -changing it from something dirty and damaged to something worthwhile.

 

Start a buildlog and show us what you're doing - it'll give other members the opportunity to give help,advice and guidance on your journey of restoration.

 

If after you've finished you find yourself addicted - well you're not alone  

[MEDDO]

Welcome! Looks like a nice little project there. Definitely as Mark says above, look into the “restoration“ build logs here on the site as they do have a lot of great information