ckcarr Posted July 5, 2022 #1 Posted July 5, 2022 Happy 4th. Today's high here is 67 F... My name is Chris. I'm a former engineer, recently retired from a "small" local airplane company located in the greater Seattle area. In retirement I find myself squandering about doing the frivolous, yet desirable, activities that I did not have time for while "growing up". One of those activities is the construction of model kits. I have some experience building plastic kits, planes, tanks, vehicles, and ship. New to me, this era of model building brings with it the added bonus of delving into history and research, something I really enjoy. I'm new to building wooden model ships. I've always had the desire to start, but am afraid I may not possess sufficient forbearance, endurance, or skill(s). I'm counting on my prior model building experience to help tether my expectations and foster my patience. My plan is to start slow, cautiously and small. I've watched a number of YouTube builds, so I get it, it's hard. But it's doable; come up with a feasible plan, expect and allow for complications, learn and hone new skills, uncover the details and the history, and enjoy the journey. ...and so it begins. Quimp Slattery, mtaylor, ccoyle and 4 others 7 Quote
CPDDET Posted July 5, 2022 #2 Posted July 5, 2022 Journal on! While it may look difficult there are many who came before you with little to no skills. Trust me when I say most anyone can be successful in building these models. Remember, it's more about the journey than the destination. mtaylor, Keith Black and Dave_E 3 Quote Current build: NRG Half Hull Previous build: MS Bluenose
Ed Ku20 Posted July 5, 2022 #3 Posted July 5, 2022 Hi Chris! Welcome aboard. The forecast for the Chicago area for tomorrow is 95 degrees!! MSW is a great forum for getting help and guidance with your ship building endeavor. I just completed my first one last month. So, you are in good company. The best way to get feedback is to maintain a build log for your project. Best of luck to you. mtaylor, Keith Black and Dave_E 3 Quote Thanks & Best regards, Ed Kutay Current build: Model Shipways "Rattlesnake" Completed build: Model Shipways "Bluenose I"
steamschooner Posted July 5, 2022 #4 Posted July 5, 2022 Chris ,welcome to MSW. There is a group of modelers in your area. PSSM Puget Sound Ship Modelers Contact Floyd Kershner ( he's on this site ) if you are interested in some local help. Keith Black, Dave_E and mtaylor 3 Quote Zipper hydroplane(Miss Mabel ) finished John Cudahy Scratch build 1/4" scale Steam Tug 1914 Steam Tug Scratch build from HAMMS plans 1820 Pinky "Eagle" Scratch build from; American Ships Their Plans and History
Dave_E Posted July 5, 2022 #5 Posted July 5, 2022 Hi Chris, welcome to the forum. This IS the place to learn everything boat building! Don’t be shy, jump in. 👍😀 Keith Black, Knocklouder and mtaylor 3 Quote Dave Current builds: Rattlesnake Completed builds: Lady Nelson On the shelf: NRG Half Hull Project, Various metal, plastic and paper models
mtaylor Posted July 5, 2022 #6 Posted July 5, 2022 Hi Chris, Welcome to MSW from down at the lower end of the PNW. You're on the right track and in the right place... Start small and grow from there and do logs as you meet other builders and also get help when needed. scrubbyj427, Keith Black and Dave_E 3 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)
Oldsalt1950 Posted July 5, 2022 #7 Posted July 5, 2022 Welcome to the wonderful world of model ship building. You have a plan that should work, and when it doesn't you can just pop in here and ask questions. Someone here will have the answer you need. Keith Black, Dave_E and mtaylor 3 Quote Current Build: Fair American - Model Shipways Awaiting Parts - Rattlesnake On the Shelf - English Pinnace 18Th Century Longboat I stand firmly against piracy!
Keith Black Posted July 5, 2022 #8 Posted July 5, 2022 (edited) Chris, welcome to MSW. Glad to have you aboard. Edited July 5, 2022 by Keith Black Dave_E and mtaylor 2 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
allanyed Posted July 5, 2022 #9 Posted July 5, 2022 Welcome aboard Chris! You certainly are in the middle of the aerospace industry from Vashon to Boeing. From high flying metal to slow moving wood should be a fun change. Per all the posts, start slow, but be sure to stay with quality kits. Not all kit makers are created equal. As a true beginner what may make the most sense is to go with the three vessel series that has incremental challenges from Model Shipways that was designed by David Antscherl. Look at the build logs on these as well as others that you may have a hankering to build and be sure to ask for advice on any specific kit BEFORE you buy it. Allan mtaylor, Keith Black and Dave_E 3 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
CPDDET Posted July 5, 2022 #10 Posted July 5, 2022 I agree that starting with the 3 model series would be the way to go. I would also add the Half Hull Planking Kit offered by the NRG to learn proper planking techniques. Membership in the NRG is a worthwhile investment as well. Keith Black, mtaylor, Dave_E and 1 other 4 Quote Current build: NRG Half Hull Previous build: MS Bluenose
Knocklouder Posted July 5, 2022 #11 Posted July 5, 2022 Welcome to MSW. This is the place to be !! Dave_E, Keith Black and mtaylor 3 Quote Start so you can Finish !! Finished: The Sea of Galilee Boat-Scott Miller-1:20 , Amati } Hannah Ship in a Bottle:Santa Maria : LA Pinta : La Nana : The Mayflower : Viking Ship Drakkar The King Of the Mississippi Artesania Latina 1:80 Current Build: Royal Yacht, Duchess of Kingston-Vanguard Models
ckcarr Posted July 5, 2022 Author #12 Posted July 5, 2022 A very nice welcome, thank you. Like many of you, when I started considering building wooden model ships, I did a lot of Googling. Posts from this forum would often be the most informative...in a good way. Now that I've committed to starting this hobby, becoming a part of this forum seems like a no-brainer. I do hope to learn and I hope to share. In addition to the welcome, thanks for the advice on what and where to start. I will certainly give the Model Shipways series a good look. And I was unaware of the local SIG, which, in after-thought, seems a natural, given our area's geography and history, and the number of skilled workmen who live here. I'll look them up as well. Lastly, I did not know that the Nautical Research Guild offered a planking kit. Intrigued, I tried my best to read through the associated thread. Something else to consider, thank you. Well, I'm off kit hunting. 🙂 Keith Black, mtaylor, Ryland Craze and 1 other 4 Quote
CPDDET Posted July 5, 2022 #13 Posted July 5, 2022 Enjoy the journey! Ryland Craze, mtaylor and Keith Black 3 Quote Current build: NRG Half Hull Previous build: MS Bluenose
Nirvana Posted July 5, 2022 #14 Posted July 5, 2022 Chris, warm Welcome to MSW and yes I like to second what steamschooner wrote. Contact us at Puget Sound Ship Modelers, PSSM. You can also contact me as I am the editor for the news letter. Twice a year we are meeting at Foss Waterway Museum. Keith Black and mtaylor 2 Quote Please, visit our Facebook page! Respectfully Per aka Dr. Per@Therapy for Shipaholics Finished: T37, BB Marie Jeanne - located on a shelf in Sweden, 18th Century Longboat, Winchelsea Capstan Current: America by Constructo, Solö Ruff, USS Syren by MS, Bluenose by MS Viking funeral: Harley almost a Harvey Nautical Research Guild Member - 'Taint a hobby if you gotta hurry
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