hello everyone!

[Gr8teful Rick]

I'm Rick K from SoCal. I've enjoyed certain craft hobbies over the years, including in my recent retirement. This world of model ships is beautiful, looks like a lot of fun, and the tradecraft is right up my interest alley. So far, I've done a fair bit of research, including especially this website, and I've selected OcCre's Polaris as my first kit. I've even found another member here who has just started to build his Polaris and I plan to talk with him as we work our builds. I plan to ask plenty of questions, and expect to make those mistakes you all talk about! I've also accumulated a "stash" (to be disclosed later) in my enthusiasm for starting this hobby. I'm taking the advice not to buy too many tools too soon, but to buy them as I need them, and I'm lucky to live in an area where hobby shops and home depots are plentiful. I will need to get the hang of how to post messages and communicate on the various forums, but I've already seen how welcoming and helpful you are to the newcomer and I'm very glad to be here. The kits are on their way (my Christmas gift) and I can hardly wait to start building and posting!

 

But it's been 40+ years since I last built a model kit (cars, WW2 warships, plastic and metal). I still have a collection of 16 Pyro 1/32 classic cars kits waiting to be started, as well as a half-finished Gabriel 1/18 metal/plastic Duesenberg dual cowl phaeton and an as-yet-unstarted Monogram 1/24 Duesy boattail speedster. None show any real wear and tear or warping even after years of improper storage, although the phaeton will need some stripping and re-painting. Well, maybe I'll get to them after trying my hand at the ships. I've already looked through the car posts in the non-ship builds forum. You all are an eclectic bunch!

[Jim Lad]

Hello Rick, and a warm welcome to the forum from across the Pacific,

 

John

[ccoyle]

Welcome! I always advise SoCal folks to check out the Ship Modelers Association. They meet in Fullerton, if that's near you. There's nothing quite like meeting your fellow modelers alive and in person to socialize, look at models, and swap tips and advice.

[Gr8teful Rick]

Thanks, Chris. I've bookmarked their website. They look like they're real pro's! Kind of intimidating for a newbie. But Fullerton is not far from me at all, and I will try to check out a meeting after the pandemic is over. They're probably a great group of people just like MSW.

[JeffT]

Hello and welcome to MSW 

[Edwardkenway]

[Louie da fly]

Welcome to MSW, Rick!

 

When you start your first kit, I'd highly recommend you start a build log - it's a really good way to get feedback, as well as help and advice. The instructions are here: 

 

 

The people here are very friendly and helpful - and don't get too intimidated by being a newbie. The experience level on MSW varies from total duffer to demi-god of modelling. I've been here for over five years and I'm still gobsmacked and overawed by the skill demonstrated by some of our members. The important thing ids to have a go, don't be afraid of mistakes (they're inevitable) but learn from them. And even the demi-gods make them - just much more interesting mistakes than we mere mortals do.

 

And have fun with it, and ask lots of questions! 

[Ryland Craze]

Welcome to Model Ship World Rick.  YouTube has many videos on building the OcCre Polaris which may be of some help.  I hope you start a build log on your model so that we may follow your progress.

[mtaylor]

[Baker]

[Mike from Aus]

Hi Rick, welcome from Canberra, Australia. You have found the right place to start, this is a great forum to learn and share with friends you will make from all corners of the world.

[Paul Jarman]

Hello Rick,

Welcome to MSW.

Paul

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!