SUBaron Posted February 22, 2022 Share #1 Posted February 22, 2022 (edited) Hi MSW community - what a great resource! Like many folks, I used to build plastic models when I was young. Unlike many, I then ended up blowing most of them up with M-80s. Many years later I have a daughter who loves Legos, and as we've built more and more advanced Lego kits (recently finished a Star Wars X-Wing), I found myself looking for more of a challenge. It also happened to be a good time for new indoor hobby with my COVID driven full time telework (took up the violin last year). I initially decided to jump into the deep end of the pool with Model Shipways' USS Constitution (MS2040). After previewing the 80+ pages of instruction (after I had already ordered the model), I changed my strategy and decided that an appetizer was probably needed before tackling Old Ironsides. I chose the Aretsania Latina, 1805 Swift. I started mid December, and just completed planking both the hull and deck. MSW has been an indispensable resource, and I plan to add my own ship log in the hopes that I can help someone else, if for even a minute detail they can't quite get. Fortunately, Constitution is on back-order, because this little Swift is taking longer than anticipated. Between work, family, sports, other hobbies, life.., progress has been a bit slow. Both modeling and the violin present interesting challenges, and have some surprising similarities, such as patience and attention to detail. I'm very happy to have come across this resource at the beginning of my build. Too bad MSW doesn't have a violin forum 🙂 Cheers! Edited February 22, 2022 by SUBaron Added Swift Dave_E, Ryland Craze, scrubbyj427 and 10 others 13 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_E Posted February 23, 2022 Share #2 Posted February 23, 2022 Hi SUB, welcome aboard! Good decision! Lots of learning and help to be had from this forum, good choice! Start a build log, I think that's how you'll get the most help. 👍 mtaylor, SUBaron, Keith Black and 1 other 4 Quote Dave Current builds: Rattlesnake Completed builds: Lady Nelson On the shelf: NRG Half Hull Project, Various metal, plastic and paper models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robp1025 Posted February 23, 2022 Share #3 Posted February 23, 2022 Hey welcome to the club!! I'm from Philly area as well!! Maybe if I get to one of the meetings we can meet up Tomasz B, Keith Black, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanyed Posted February 23, 2022 Share #4 Posted February 23, 2022 Mr. Baron You are not the only one to have sent their fleet to the bottom with M80s. Cherry bombs did a good job as well.😀 Welcome aboard Allan Tomasz B, SUBaron, hollowneck and 2 others 3 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...
mtaylor Posted February 23, 2022 Share #5 Posted February 23, 2022 Welcome to MSW. You did the right thing by going "smaller" for a first build. Do consider opening a log as it's a great way to stay motivated and also get help and meet others. As for the M80's, I think many of us did that as kids. Ryland Craze, SUBaron, hollowneck and 2 others 5 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...
Keith Black Posted February 23, 2022 Share #6 Posted February 23, 2022 Baron, welcome to MSW. I look forward to seeing your work on the Swift. hollowneck, SUBaron, Ryland Craze and 2 others 5 Quote Current Builds: 1870's Sternwheeler, Lula Wood Hull Screw Frigate USS Tennessee Decorative Carrack Warship Restoration, the Amelia Completed: 1880s Floating Steam Donkey Pile Driver Early Swift 1805 Model Restoration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoyle Posted February 23, 2022 Share #7 Posted February 23, 2022 Welcome! As a kid, I regarded my finished plastic models as something akin to sacred objects, but I did have friends in the "blow 'em up" crowd. The Swift kit has gotten many a modeler past the first-build hurdle. After completing her, I'd strongly encourage you to do an intermediate-level kit before taking on the Connie. Happily, these days there are many very well designed kits of schooners, brigs, and smaller three-masted sloops of that era available in kit form. Cheers! mtaylor, hollowneck, Tomasz B and 3 others 6 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...
markjay Posted February 23, 2022 Share #8 Posted February 23, 2022 Ryland Craze, Tomasz B, Keith Black and 2 others 5 Quote Mark Phoenix, AZ Current builds; Previous builds, in rough order of execution; Shipjack, Peterbrough Canoe, Flying Fish, Half Moon, Britannia racing sloop, Whale boat, Bluenose, Picket boat, Viking longboat, Atlantic, Fair American, Mary Taylor, half hull Enterprise, Hacchoro, HMS Fly, Khufu Solar Boat. On the shelf; Royal Barge, Jefferson Davis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted February 23, 2022 Author Share #9 Posted February 23, 2022 13 hours ago, Dave_E said: Hi SUB, welcome aboard! Good decision! Lots of learning and help to be had from this forum, good choice! Start a build log, I think that's how you'll get the most help. 👍 Thanks Dave - I plan to but have limited time to model, so I find that logging gets shelved. mtaylor and Tomasz B 2 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldsalt1950 Posted February 23, 2022 Share #10 Posted February 23, 2022 Welcome SUBaron, smart move on your part. Swift is a good warm up, and a fun project. Old Ironsides will be a challenge. Looking forward to reading your building log. SUBaron, Keith Black, mtaylor and 3 others 6 Quote Current Build: Fair American - Model Shipways Awaiting Parts - Rattlesnake On the Shelf - English Pinnace 18Th Century Longboat I stand firmly against piracy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted February 23, 2022 Share #11 Posted February 23, 2022 Hi Baron, Welcome to MSW, you've taken up a very rewarding hobby with good people! Maybe you'll consider checking out the Philadelphia Ship Model Society, we meet on the first Thursday of the month at the Independent Seaport Museum at 7p. Our next meeting is on 3/3. There will be individuals there who would be happy to assist and discuss your goals! www.philadelphiashipmodelsociety.com Maybe we'll see you there! Joshua SUBaron, allanyed, mtaylor and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted February 24, 2022 Author Share #12 Posted February 24, 2022 Wow! That sounds like fun. Thanks for the information. Keith Black, mtaylor and Robp1025 3 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwardkenway Posted February 24, 2022 Share #13 Posted February 24, 2022 and welcome to MSW Keith Black, SUBaron, hollowneck and 2 others 5 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...
Cuda1949 Posted February 25, 2022 Share #14 Posted February 25, 2022 Welcome aboard from a former Philly Citizen now relocated to West Fenwick Island DE Tomasz B, hollowneck, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Quote Al Current Build The President by Sergal Completed Build Cutty Sark 1:75 SIB Hannah Opium Smuggler SIB Pride of Baltimore II On Deck Pride of Baltimore II Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 4, 2022 Author Share #15 Posted March 4, 2022 Fyi - I started my build log under Swift 1805. Pictures included. Keith Black, mtaylor and Tomasz B 3 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 4, 2022 Author Share #16 Posted March 4, 2022 On 2/23/2022 at 11:25 AM, Azzoun said: Hi Baron, Welcome to MSW, you've taken up a very rewarding hobby with good people! Maybe you'll consider checking out the Philadelphia Ship Model Society, we meet on the first Thursday of the month at the Independent Seaport Museum at 7p. Our next meeting is on 3/3. There will be individuals there who would be happy to assist and discuss your goals! www.philadelphiashipmodelsociety.com Maybe we'll see you there! Joshua Sorry I missed it. My boss took off early this afternoon and graciously left a few of his deliverables for me to complete. I hope to catch a meeting. Thanks again for the info and invitation. cheers! mtaylor, Keith Black and Tomasz B 1 2 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted March 4, 2022 Share #17 Posted March 4, 2022 (edited) 16 hours ago, SUBaron said: Sorry I missed it. My boss took off early this afternoon and graciously left a few of his deliverables for me to complete. I hope to catch a meeting. Thanks again for the info and invitation. cheers! No worries bud - we meet every first Thursday, I'm trying to keep the website updated for upcoming events. You coming to the Northeast Conference in New London? Edited March 4, 2022 by Azzoun mtaylor, Keith Black and Tomasz B 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dearborn Posted March 5, 2022 Share #18 Posted March 5, 2022 Well welcome aboard Sub - I'm new here as well, and found this is a fine harbor to take shore leave in. Dave_E, Tomasz B, SUBaron and 1 other 4 Quote Dearborn (AKA John) Phoenix AZ Current Build: Cutty Sark, Sergal 1:78 Past Builds: Cutty Sark - Plastic Half hull - wall mounted. Circa 1978 Cutty Sark - Plastic Full hull. Circa 1981 Cutty Sark - Billing 1:78 Wood Kit - Destroyed by the U.S. Navy. Circa 1988 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 14, 2022 Author Share #19 Posted March 14, 2022 On 3/4/2022 at 2:22 PM, Azzoun said: No worries bud - we meet every first Thursday, I'm trying to keep the website updated for upcoming events. You coming to the Northeast Conference in New London? @AzzounHey there, no, likely not. I'm still working and have limited leave to use. As much as I'd love to go, I'm 95% sure I'd be over-ruled by my all female crew. I'm still a bit stuck with Disney type vacations for a few more years, though the youngest is showing interest in Caribbean (and region) Islands finally, which makes me very happy 🙂 Tomasz B, mtaylor, Ryland Craze and 2 others 5 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louie da fly Posted March 19, 2022 Share #20 Posted March 19, 2022 Welcome to MSW, SUBaron. Yes, I was guilty of blowing up my models when young (one ship I floated in a concrete tub in the laundry and set off a firework that looks much like an M-80 - nearly deafened myself!). I played violin in my teens and still have my grandfather's fiddle made in 1900 in a beautiful inlaid wooden case that looks more like a coffin than a violin case. I sometimes think I should get back into playing, but - too many other things to do (including ship modelling). Steven Tomasz B, SUBaron, Keith Black and 1 other 4 Quote It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler La Lomellina - Theoretical Reconstruction of a Genoese carrack sunk in 1516 FINISHED Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco Australian couta boat RMS Titanic HMVS Cerberus 11th century Byzantine dromon Winchelsea Nef - Late 13th century Mediaeval ship Henry Grace a Dieu - Rebuild of 1:200 model I started in 1967 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 21, 2022 Author Share #21 Posted March 21, 2022 (edited) @Louie da fly Steven - I picked up an 1844 French Violin and it looks and sounds beautiful (though no special case!). After a year and a half of lessons, I’m finally able play some nice basic music. Having to relearn music theory is tougher than I had expected, but I’m managing. I also realized that to play the violin is really learning two parts - the violin and the bow. The bow is the toughest. I hope you consider picking it up again - it’s very rewarding. If you have the patience and abilities acquired to build model ships, I think you’ll pick up the fiddle quicker than you might expect. Good luck! Edited March 21, 2022 by SUBaron Typos hollowneck, Tomasz B, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louie da fly Posted March 22, 2022 Share #22 Posted March 22, 2022 12 hours ago, SUBaron said: The bow is the toughest. Very true. Have you ever seen the movie "The Witches of Eastwick"? Jack Nicholson explaining to Susan Sarandon that the problem with her cello playing is not the intonation (left hand) but that she's too timid with the bow. Wonderful scene. To play an instrument from the violin family you have to be prepared to go nuts with the bow or it will always sound insipid. (A case of "do as I say" rather than "do as I do", I'm afraid). Steven mtaylor, Keith Black, Tomasz B and 1 other 4 Quote It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler La Lomellina - Theoretical Reconstruction of a Genoese carrack sunk in 1516 FINISHED Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco Australian couta boat RMS Titanic HMVS Cerberus 11th century Byzantine dromon Winchelsea Nef - Late 13th century Mediaeval ship Henry Grace a Dieu - Rebuild of 1:200 model I started in 1967 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 22, 2022 Author Share #23 Posted March 22, 2022 @Louie da fly I do recall that scene - I’ll have to watch that again. It’s been many years and I’ll see that scene in an entirely different light! Thanks Keith Black, mtaylor and Tomasz B 3 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toolman Posted March 22, 2022 Share #24 Posted March 22, 2022 Welcome Sub. This is a great place to ask questions and learn. Everyone is so helpful. I have the MS Connie. I'm sorry I bought it. Great kit but I don't think I can ever reach that caliber of modeling. Good luck modeling. Keith Black, mtaylor, SUBaron and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 22, 2022 Author Share #25 Posted March 22, 2022 15 minutes ago, Toolman said: I have the MS Connie. I'm sorry I bought it. Great kit but I don't think I can ever reach that caliber of modeling. Good luck modeling. @Toolman Do you mind sharing how you came to that conclusion? I'm just wondering if it was intimidating out of the box, or was there a point in your build that you just said nope, not for me? I ask because I'm really looking forward to it. I find that I'm learning a lot from my Swift build. My thinking is that the Connie may actually be easier in some regard because it's bigger (clamps are easier to find a purchase, parts placement and general shaping is easier to visualize because of the larger size). I get that it will be more complicated simply by being more detailed, but it's just more of the same, no (? I also understand that the literally hundreds (thousands) of rigging bits are not going to be a breeze, but it also doesn't seem that hard if you break the project down to bite sized pieces. Please don't take my questions as criticism (I don't mean to belittle your efforts in any way), I'm just wondering if I'm being too optimistic. I'll likely remain so because I won't let it stump me - the Connie will be built! I grew up in New England and made trips to Mystic Seaport, and many many to Boston. My school took us on a field trip to see the Connie, and I was hooked. Tomasz B, Keith Black and mtaylor 3 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toolman Posted March 23, 2022 Share #26 Posted March 23, 2022 Sub, I didn't mean to discourage you. It's intimidating out of the box. I lack the confidence that you have and I admire you for that. I'm a pessimist. I love ship modeling and after reading your note to me maybe I will attempt it in the future. You will be my inspiration. I have been to Mystic as well as Boston. I was on the Connie. It was breath taking. When I was a little guy many years ago I lived in Portland Maine and Portsmouth N.H. I now call Northeast Pa home. mtaylor and Keith Black 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artesania Latina Posted March 23, 2022 Share #27 Posted March 23, 2022 We're glad you chose our Swift model. A great option to get initiated in this hobby! Keith Black, scrubbyj427, SUBaron and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomasz B Posted March 23, 2022 Share #28 Posted March 23, 2022 Very welcome aboard.⛵ Keith Black, SUBaron and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 24, 2022 Author Share #29 Posted March 24, 2022 On 3/23/2022 at 3:34 PM, Tomasz B said: Very welcome aboard.⛵ Thanks! @Tomasz B mtaylor and Keith Black 2 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBaron Posted March 24, 2022 Author Share #30 Posted March 24, 2022 On 3/23/2022 at 6:11 AM, Artesania Latina said: We're glad you chose our Swift model. A great option to get initiated in this hobby! Agreed! I'm enjoying it. The material was all in great shape and with enough extra wood to feel comfortable - fortunately, not needed yet, but much appreciated. @Artesania Latina Keith Black and mtaylor 2 Quote Current Build: USS Constitution 1:76 Model Shipways MS 2040 At Sea [Completed 2023]: 1805 Swift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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