Newbie but oldie

[Amphibette]

         Hello everyone. Registered on this site a little while ago but it took me a little while to introduce myself. I've been watching a lot of the ship models being built on YouTube and quite frankly,it's a little intimidating. The level of craftsmanship is amazing.  (humbling) I work in the aerospace industry and have been building model airplanes for pretty much all of my life. Mainly control line and radio control. Then someone challenged me to build a rubber powered free flight. I was hooked. Something so basic,but it was great. I loved building and flying,but I needed to get out of my comfort zone. In looking at all of the videos, I was amazed at all of the intricacies of building model boats/ships. Well,I decided to take the plunge. After reading a lot on this site,I went REALLY basic. I'm currently working on the Scientific Santa Maria. I know that there are better kits out there,but I'd rather mess up on this one. Call it testing the water (pun intended). Thanks everyone.

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[Jim Lad]

Hello, and a warm welcome to the forum  from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[Keith Black]

 Welcome to MSW. I look forward to seeing your Santa Maria in a build log. 

[mtaylor]

Welcome to MSW, Amphibette.   I do suggest you start a build log in the kit area as it's a great way to meet others and also get help.

[Louie da fly]

Hi Amphibette, and welcome to MSW from sunny Ballarat. I just googled the Scientific model of Santa Maria. Am I right in thinking the basic hull is already made as a solid piece? If so, this will enable you to avoid a lot of the difficulties associated with building a hull from planks. However, have a close look at the instructions - sometimes in the simpler kits they are VERY basic. And sometimes things that are supposed to fit - don't. However, wood is a very forgiving medium, and if you've already built model aircraft you have quite a few of the skills you'll need for ship modelling.

 

I'd also recommend you start a build log. For one thing if you hit trouble you'll have a lot of people available - and very willing - to help. It can be a bit intimidating seeing all those amazing models out there. Just remember that even the demi-gods of ship modelling were newbies once. Don't be too afraid of making mistakes - you will make them. Obviously, do your best to avoid them, and when they do happen, fix them if you can. But it's a learning process. Your second model will be better than your first, and your third will be better still. Just keep at it, and don't forget to have fun (and try to avoid throwing the model at the wall if you get frustrated  )

 

Looking forward to seeing your log.

 

Steven

[Baker]

[Ryland Craze]

Hi Amphibette and welcome to Model Ship World.  I hope you start a build log of your Santa Maria as we would like to follow your progress.  I used to build and fly control line air planes back in the 60's and 70's.  Had a great time doing this.  You will do fine in this hobby with your experience.

[Dave_E]

Welcome Aboard Sir! Good place to hang out if your a modeler for sure! 👍

[Amphibette]

Hello all, thank you for all of the words of encouragement. It's nice to know that there's a wealth of knowledge out there willing to help you along with your project. I'll try to keep up with updates on the build, but tech and I don't quite get along. And to answer Louie da Fly's question,yes, this is the solid carved hull. Like I said, start Really basic. Thanks again.

[allanyed]

Welcome aboard Amphibette.   

 

Do you own or have you sailed on an Amphibette?   That would be a fun project for a model.

 

Allan   

[Amphibette]

Yes Allan, I used to own one a little while ago. Had a lot of fun sailing it. Between the canvas convertible top and the reverse sheer that the bow had , it used to get quite a few looks.