Greetings from the US

[RMillet]

Hello everyone, I am RMillet. I am 23 and from the USA. I am disabled, so I have much time to spend on model ship building. Though I haven't bought my first wooden model yet, I plan to purchase the 18th century longboat from Model Shipways soon. I have absolutely loved ships for most of my life, spending much time researching cargo ships. I also enjoy playing video games, 3D modeling, and cooking. I am excited to document my experience being a beginner modeler, and hope to learn from everyone here.

[LyleK1]

Welcome, R!

You’ll find a wealth of experience and help with your new endeavors.

Ask questions, any questions!

And spend some time looking at the build logs before jumping in, lots of logs to help you through the rough patches.

Good luck!

Edited April 16, 2022 by LyleK1

[mtaylor]

Welcome to MSW, RMillet.  When you're ready to start building, do open a log as it's the best way to meet others and also get help.  

[Jim Lad]

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

 

John

[RMillet]

2 hours ago, LyleK1 said:

Welcome, R!

You’ll find a wealth of experience and help with your new endeavors.

Ask questions, any questions!

And spend some time looking at the build logs before jumping in, lots of logs to help you through the rough patches.

Good luck!

Many thanks for the warm welcome. I’ve already been looking through some of the builds, and I am amazed at the amount of detail, and care you all put into these! Very excited to start my first. Hoping to pick it up by the end of the month!

[RMillet]

2 hours ago, mtaylor said:

Welcome to MSW, RMillet.  When you're ready to start building, do open a log as it's the best way to meet others and also get help.  

Will do! I am very excited to open my first build log when I purchase the longboat model. Thank you for your warm welcome!

[RMillet]

3 minutes ago, Jim Lad said:

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

 

John

Thank you for you warm welcome.

[Keith Black]

 RM, welcome to MSW. I look forward to seeing your longboat come to life in a build log. 

[Chuck Seiler]

RM,

 

    Greetings from the lower left hand corner of the USA.  Where in the USA are you from?

 

    It sounds lime you are new to wooden ship modelling and planking.  With that in mind, I would NOT recommend the 18th century longboat as your first project.  Since it is single layer planking and you can see both sides of the planking, there is zero room for error.  There are many good first models list elsewhere in this forum.  If you have your heart set on the longboat, I recommend the NRG half hull planking model, sold on the NRG web site.

[Dave_E]

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you join us! 👍😀

[LyleK1]

6 hours ago, Chuck Seiler said:

RM,

 

    Greetings from the lower left hand corner of the USA.  Where in the USA are you from?

 

    It sounds lime you are new to wooden ship modelling and planking.  With that in mind, I would NOT recommend the 18th century longboat as your first project.  Since it is single layer planking and you can see both sides of the planking, there is zero room for error.  There are many good first models list elsewhere in this forum.  If you have your heart set on the longboat, I recommend the NRG half hull planking model, sold on the NRG web site.

Good advice!

[RMillet]

8 hours ago, Chuck Seiler said:

RM,

 

    Greetings from the lower left hand corner of the USA.  Where in the USA are you from?

 

    It sounds lime you are new to wooden ship modelling and planking.  With that in mind, I would NOT recommend the 18th century longboat as your first project.  Since it is single layer planking and you can see both sides of the planking, there is zero room for error.  There are many good first models list elsewhere in this forum.  If you have your heart set on the longboat, I recommend the NRG half hull planking model, sold on the NRG web site.

Hello, and thank you for your warm welcome. I am from the north-east of the states.

 

One of the main reasons I am considering the longboat is because it comes with a set of tools as well, and for a fairly good price. Though, with your suggestion (as well as someone else agreeing with you) I will do some research on a different model, and make a decision from there. I am looking for something that isn't too terribly expensive, as I don't want to sink a large sum of money without knowing if I will truly enjoy the hobby yet. Though I truly believe I will enjoy the hobby, I don't want to risk spending a lot of money, only to never finish a project. I also want to start small for the same reason. Again, I will do some more research on some ship models, and hopefully find the list on this site as a good starting point. Thank you for taking the time to inform me.

 

-RM

[Chuck Seiler]

    Don't get me wrong, LONGBOAT is a great kit, just not a "basic" kit as it appears.  It may one where you buy now, set the kit aside for later and use the tools.  ALSO, Model Expo has sale all the time, so there is a good chance it will be on sale later down the road,  (SPOILER ALERT:  If you get on Model Expo's mailing list, you are guaranteed email for life. 😁 )

 

    If you search "first kit" or "recommended first ship model" you will find a couple great threads.

[LyleK1]

Some incentive for you... a great teaching tool AND a pretty impressive model to show-off!

 

The NRG half hull project was a great teacher for me!

[mtaylor]

RM,

You might want to have a look at Model Expo's Shipwright models.  There's 3 and they will give you a firm base on model shipbuilding.

 

Here's the link:  https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-Shipways-Shipwright-Series_c_815.html

[RMillet]

5 hours ago, Chuck Seiler said:

    Don't get me wrong, LONGBOAT is a great kit, just not a "basic" kit as it appears.  It may one where you buy now, set the kit aside for later and use the tools.  ALSO, Model Expo has sale all the time, so there is a good chance it will be on sale later down the road,  (SPOILER ALERT:  If you get on Model Expo's mailing list, you are guaranteed email for life. 😁 )

 

    If you search "first kit" or "recommended first ship model" you will find a couple great threads.

After doing some more research, I think I have decided on the Model Shipways "Shipwright" Series. Starting with the Dory, and working my way up to the Lobster Smack. I also found a beautiful French fishing boat I would like to take a crack at after finishing the Lobster Smack. I feel the Dory would be a fairly good decision, as a lot of what I've seen on here recommends it for absolute beginners. It also comes with the tools needed to get me started, and is only about $50, which is fairly less than what I was expecting to spend. The small size is also nice, as I feel it would make a lovely piece for my computer desk. Thank you for your input again, and would love to hear your thoughts on my plan if possible

[Chuck Seiler]

RM,

 

    Your plan sounds spot on.  I am not familiar with the "Shipwright Series" (until I just looked at it) but I am familiar with Dave A,'s other work.  You can't go wrong with him being your instructor/mentor.

 

    Both appear to be a great intro into the basics of various building procedures and techniques.  The planking is simple, but complex enough to show you how to form the planks so they flow correctly and fit properly.  Take note of his suggestions on type of glue and the use of alcohol to un-glue mistakes.  (He says to use 95ish% but I use 72%.  The higher grade alcohol turns my fingertips to prunes.)  ...and if all else fails, basswood is pretty readily available so you can remake the part.  Keep a copy of the template for each plank (he sez from experience).

 

    Good luck!  I will be looking forward to following your build log.

[Ryland Craze]

Hi RMillet and welcome to Model Ship World.  I am glad that you have decided to start your wooden ship modeling journey with the Model Shipways "Shipwright Series".  The are excellent kits for the first time wooden ship modeler.  I did a search and found quite a few build logs for this kit.  Here is a link to them: https://modelshipworld.com/tags/Lowell Grand Banks Dory/

[RMillet]

15 hours ago, Ryland Craze said:

Hi RMillet and welcome to Model Ship World.  I am glad that you have decided to start your wooden ship modeling journey with the Model Shipways "Shipwright Series".  The are excellent kits for the first time wooden ship modeler.  I did a search and found quite a few build logs for this kit.  Here is a link to them: https://modelshipworld.com/tags/Lowell Grand Banks Dory/

Many thanks for the link! I have already been looking through the build logs. I am hoping to order the model sometime within the next week or so, which gives me plenty of time to read through them. I want to read at least a few of them, as to know ahead of time what to expect. Again, thank you for the link, as it will make it much easier to get to the build logs for the Dory.