New to ships in WA (USA)

[Clark Griswold]

I'm a long time modeler that has decided to move on to a new niche.  I'm coming to shipbuilding primarily as a R/C car/truck/boat guy but did a lot of plastic models and large train boards (HO) in my youth.  I love mechanical models, but the opportunities and venues to use them are ever shrinking, particularly boats.  I've also found that I enjoy the act of building more than putting them to use, save for the occasional shenanigans around the cul-de-sac and yard while taking a break from other garage projects.  The time to build a wooden model appeals to me more as well in that time is measured in weeks or months rather than hours with a typical R/C car.  My latest r/c boat builds have been plank on frame tugs (Shelly Foss, Jenny Lee) and a Chris Craft barrel-back runabout.  

 

My biggest apprehension with moving into ship building is rigging and sails.  With this in mind I have purchased the Amati Coca for my first ship build.  I've always wanted to build a true tall ship, but I want to start a little easier and build up to something like the HMS Victory over time.  I figure the Coca strikes a decent balance of the familiar hull building with the added challenge of a modest amount of rigging.  I have read the cautionary tale post.  Having survived three Dumas kits of dubious quality that resulted in passable models I'm encouraged by what I have found opening the Amati kit box.  For the first time in a while I am encouraged by not feeling the need to buy additional materials to replace or recreate broken and misshapen components as step one.

 

Between the 'rona and winter approaching I'm just about ready to take a long walk off the short plank into my build.  First step, cleaning up the shop for a fresh start...  Once the bench is cleared I'll start up a build log.

[Edwardkenway]

and

[Jim Lad]

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

 

John

[JeffT]

Welcome to MSW 

[mtaylor]

Welcome to MSW, Clark.   Good choice on a starter kit.  When you start it, do a log as it's great way to get help.

[Egilman]

Welcome to MSW from the PNW!!!!

[Chuck Seiler]

5 hours ago, Clark Griswold said:

I have purchased the Amati Coca for my first ship build

Heh heh heh heh (evil laughter and rubbing of hands).  Another potential medieval ship model builder.🤪

[lmagna]

Welcome from Just a little bit north in Everett.

[Louie da fly]

Welcome to MSW, Clark. You'll find there are several other MSW members have built or are building Amati's Coca - you can find them by typing Amati Coca in the search bar at the top. You might find that they'll help you with your own build. Problems you encounter in your build may already have been solved by these modellers. And there's a wealth of information and advice available from the friendly members here.

 

Make sure you start a build log - instructions on doing that are here.

 

 

As a mediaeval/renaissance freak myself, I'm looking forward to seeing your progress!

[Baker]

[Clark Griswold]

Thank you for the warm welcome.  It is quite an eye opener to see some of the stunning builds cataloged here.  I look forward to applying the wealth of knowledge and techniques here; admittedly I'm sure more than a few will be learned after I've created the problem needing resolution.

[Nirvana]

Clark, 

A warm and "smoky" .
Glad to see another Washingtonian becoming a member of our great group.
As you also see I live about 1h 45minutes away.

 

Happy modeling to you!

[Mike from Aus]

Welcome Clark from down under in Canberra, Australia. Finally warming up down here after a cold winter...but that has left lots of time for building...good luck.