JDillon Posted August 31, 2022 Share #1 Posted August 31, 2022 Hi all, Thank you all for allowing me to join. In London in the UK. New to the hobby although always wanted to do it since visiting the HMS Victory as a child. I am asking this so to avoid making newbie mistakes, could someone please advise me of a good ship for a first build. Looking at a caldercraft one as it seems to be a good quality brand and easy to get delivered. I have no prior experience, no tools yet or spare bits to fabricate missing or scratch built items. I did meet a lovely 91yr old man whilst carrying out a fire safety inspection the other day that had several impressive builds in his home, he was willing to tutor me should i need help or advice. ive looked at possibly the HM Cutter Sherbourne or HM Schooner Ballahoo or HM William wooden sort of ships? Thank you Bill Morrison, mtaylor, bruce d and 2 others 5 Quote Joe If it moves Grease it if it doesn't Paint it..... Current Builds: Occre, Polaris Shopping List: Vanguard, HMS Sphinx Occre, HMS Terror Vanguard, HMS Flirt Occre, Endurance Completed Builds: 0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoyle Posted August 31, 2022 Share #2 Posted August 31, 2022 Hello, J, and welcome aboard. The early Caldercraft releases, while good kits, do not have extensive instructions. Another UK manufacturer that offers several suitable beginner-level kits with great instructions is Vanguard Models. One of the best ways to scout for good beginner kits is to browse the kit build logs section. Look for any build log that is tagged "first build." Clicking that tag will pull up a list of all first-time build logs. Then look for those that are tagged "finished" -- that will show you which kits beginners were actually able to complete. Enjoy shopping for your project! allanyed, mtaylor, Edwardkenway and 4 others 7 Quote Chris Coyle Greer, South Carolina When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk. - Tuco Current builds: Brigantine Phoenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryland Craze Posted August 31, 2022 Share #3 Posted August 31, 2022 Hi J and welcome to Model Ship World. Chris has given you good advice. You mention that you have no prior experience, so you definitely need good instructions to guide you through your build. I would also start out with a simple kit to get use to building a wooden kit. You can download the instructions of many of Vanguard's kits by going to this website: https://vanguardmodels.co.uk/ Good luck on whatever kit you should decide to build. JDillon, BenD and mtaylor 3 Quote Ryland Member - Hampton Roads Ship Model Society - Ship Model Society of New Jersey - Nautical Research Guild Current Build - Armed Virginia Sloop, 18th Century Longboat Completed Build - Medway Longboat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Morrison Posted August 31, 2022 Share #4 Posted August 31, 2022 Hi, Chris, Mondfeld has written an excellent book on ship modeling in which he offers advice that runs contrary to most. While most advise that you start simply and work up in complexity, he recommends that you start with a ship that holds your interest and learn as you build. He states that you are more likely to finish the model of such a ship rather than a simple one that holds no interest. This is what I recommend. But, I am in the minority, but this is how I grew in the hobby. Welcome to MSW! It is a great place for learning as you grow! Bill JDillon and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanyed Posted August 31, 2022 Share #5 Posted August 31, 2022 Welcome to MSW!! Shipping may be an issue, but you cannot go wrong with the three vessel beginner series designed by David Antscherl, modeler extraordinaire, and a member here. They are available from Model Shipways. https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-Shipways-Shipwright-3-Kit-Combo-Series_p_5465.html These will teach you great habits and techniques that will serve you well as you move on to more complex vessels. Allan Ryland Craze, JDillon, Ricardogry and 1 other 4 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...
CaptnBirdseye Posted August 31, 2022 Share #6 Posted August 31, 2022 Hi J My advise would be one of the builds from Vanguard, maybe one of the fishing boats like Lady Elenor would be a good primer. The thing you have to bear in mind is that the subject matter has to be of interest to YOU, otherwise you will just lose interest in it. The main benefit of Vanguard is that Chris (owner and designer of Vanguard) is a member of this forum! The only other piece of advice is start small and take your time. Oh, and enjoy - It's a hobby after all JDillon, mtaylor and Ryland Craze 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercator Posted August 31, 2022 Share #7 Posted August 31, 2022 First welcome to the site. From across the "pond" I will recommend a Vanguard kit, specially one of their fishing boats (Lady Eleanor is a great one to start), double planking, quality material, over the top instructions, and many build and advises on this site on those models. And of course been made in England no exorbitant shipping costs. Ryland Craze and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HardeeHarHar Posted August 31, 2022 Share #8 Posted August 31, 2022 Hi J, and welcome aboard. As you can see, you get a lot of good advice on the forum, but it may differ such that you don't get always get a consistent answer to your question. Without a doubt, most if not all the experts think there needs to be considerable thought put into the ship selected for a first build, with respect to both complexity and subject matter interest. But from there it takes some time to understand how each model differs in complexity and what it has to offer with respect to your personal interests. For me ( a total newbie), I started with a relatively simple build (HMS Bounty's Jolly Boat by Artesania Latina), and it took me over a year to finish. I amassed a lot of tools and materials while doing it, and learned quite a bit a long the way. The subject matter was of interest, but it was the learning and application of new knowledge and skills that held my attention through to completion. My second build is much more complex and challenging, and what is holding my attention is still learning and the developing and application of skills, with a good dose of interest and admiration in this relatively unique bomb vessel. It's going on two years now....slow and steady....and I still have the hard stuff to do. The MSW community can and does offer a lot of assistance and encouragement to new builders to help them progress through to a finished model the builder can take pride in displaying in your build log and your home or office. Take your time, browse the forum a lot, ask questions, get several opinions, make a solid decision, start a build log, seek more encouragement and advice, and enjoy an awesome hobby! If I can help, I will =) mtaylor, BenD and Ryland Craze 3 Quote Brian Current Builds: HMBV Granado 1/64 Caldercraft; HMS Sphinx 1775 by HardeeHarHar - Vanguard Models 1:64-V2 Completed Build: HMS Bounty's Jolly Boat 1/25 Artesania Latina; Master Korabel - 1:36 Yefin Nikonov's Secret Vessel On the Shelf: HMBV Granado 1/48 CAF Model Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenD Posted August 31, 2022 Share #9 Posted August 31, 2022 As everyone else has been saying, look into Vanguard Models. The large color instruction books in these kits will be incredibly helpful to a new builder. You were also looking into Caldercraft kits. I did my first build the HMC Sherbourne a few years back. It wasn't a hard kit but it did require a bit of determination. Ryland Craze and mtaylor 2 Quote Ropes of Scale.com - Rope and cable for the scale modeler. Finished builds: HM Cutter Sherbourne - Caldercraft - 1:64 - 9th century longship - Falkonet - 1:72 Current builds: HMS Snake - Caldercraft - 1:64 - Tender Avos by BenD - Master Korabel - 1:72 - 19th Century Four-Oared Yawl by BenD - Falkonet - 1:24 scale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowline Posted August 31, 2022 Share #10 Posted August 31, 2022 I am enjoying the Vanguard "Erycina" a ketch rigged fishing vessel, but, all the fishing vessels from VM are worthy. The fishing history is interesting and very relevant to your part of the world - Barking and Billingsgate, which could give you the drive to finish it and put it into a display. mtaylor, BenD and Ryland Craze 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted August 31, 2022 Share #11 Posted August 31, 2022 My observation is.... get the kit you would love to build even Victory. Then after getting it, open and box. After realizing it's the deep end of the pool, put it in the closet and during the learning, take it down occasionally for motivation. The ModelExpo series seems like a good place to start or some of the others that have been mentioned like Vanguard Models. You're next step.... take the advice given about starting simple. The first kit I bought was Billings Vasa. Took one or too looks and put it up on the shelf and then started on a simple kit and went from there. After some simple models, I felt comfortable trying the Vasa. This was back before internet forums such as this so basically, I was on my own. Jaager, allanyed, BenD and 3 others 6 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...
flutlo6180 Posted August 31, 2022 Share #12 Posted August 31, 2022 Hi J. Welcome aboard! I'm finding that mistakes are all part of the learning process, and you've landed in the right place to get advice and solutions when they do arise. mtaylor and Ryland Craze 2 Quote Ken Current Build HM Alert - 1777 - Vanguard Next Build Fair American - Model Shipways Completed Builds 18TH Century Merchantman Half Hull Planking Kit - NRG San Juan Felucca - OcCre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDillon Posted September 1, 2022 Author Share #13 Posted September 1, 2022 (edited) Just a quick thank you to all your help, I looked at Vanguard, however they do not show the difficulty level on the website but i will try them for my next build. In love with the Sphinx I've opted to try a do the Occre Polaris. It seems to have a few other beginners trying it as a first, plus its a nice looking ship and probably a good foundation ship. I have found some good build logs from others and have a good idea of where others have gone wrong. Just curious to know if the Polaris is based on a real vessel? Cannot find any info and the USS Polaris of that ere was a screw vessel and the other a Liberty ship. PS really impressed with the members on here, go USA. Edited September 1, 2022 by JDillon spelling mtaylor and Ryland Craze 2 Quote Joe If it moves Grease it if it doesn't Paint it..... Current Builds: Occre, Polaris Shopping List: Vanguard, HMS Sphinx Occre, HMS Terror Vanguard, HMS Flirt Occre, Endurance Completed Builds: 0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James H Posted September 1, 2022 Share #14 Posted September 1, 2022 18 minutes ago, JDillon said: Just a quick thank you to all your help, I looked at Vanguard, however they do not show the difficulty level on the website but i will try them for my next build. In love with the Sphinx I've opted to try a do the Occre Polaris. It seems to have a few other beginners trying it as a first, plus its a nice looking ship and probably a good foundation ship. I have found some good build logs from others and have a good idea of where others have gone wrong. Just curious to know if the Polaris is based on a real vessel? Cannot find any info and the USS Polaris of that ere was a screw vessel and the other a Liberty ship. PS really impressed with the members on here, go USA. All the fisher from Vanguard are designed for pure beginners. That was the premise of their design, but still to have loads of detail you wouldn't see on a beginner model. The materials are also higher quality that you normally see, with pear being standard. I can't help with the Polaris or advise it one way or the other. Ryland Craze, mtaylor, JDillon and 1 other 4 Quote SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! On the bench: HMS Indefatigable - 1794 (production prototype), Vanguard Models - 1:64. On Hold: HMS Winchelsea Double Capstan - Syren Ship Models - 1:48 Finished US Baltimore Armed Privateer Schooner Grecian 1812 (prototype) - Vanguard Models - 1:64 'Zulu' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 Fifie' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Flirt 1782, Vanguard Models - 1:64. Duchess of Kingston c.1780 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Sphinx 1775, Vanguard Models - 1:64 ERYCINA - Plymouth Ketch-Rigged Trawler 1882, Vanguard Models - 1:64. 'Nisha' - The Brixham 'Mumble-Bee' - Vanguard Models 1:64 'Saucy Jack' fishing boat - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Ranger 'Barking Fish Carrier' - 1864 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Indeterminate: Tender Avos - Master Korabel - 1:72. H.M.S. Victory (production prototype) - Amati - 1:64. HMS Granado 1742 (cross section) - CAFModel - 1:48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
consitution Posted September 1, 2022 Share #15 Posted September 1, 2022 The Polaris was purchased by Earnest Shackleton and modified to become the Endurance. Occre also have the endurance as a kit JDillon and sticker 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoyle Posted September 1, 2022 Share #16 Posted September 1, 2022 1 minute ago, consitution said: The Polaris was purchased by Earnest Shackleton and modified to become the Endurance. Yes, but that's not the subject of the OcCre Polaris. mtaylor 1 Quote Chris Coyle Greer, South Carolina When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk. - Tuco Current builds: Brigantine Phoenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDillon Posted September 2, 2022 Author Share #17 Posted September 2, 2022 Would be nice to find the origional vessel in the history books or internet that the Polaris was based on. Would be nice to see what improvements can be made to it. PS Quick one, Noob questions: has anybody build with sails that can be furled and un furled? mtaylor 1 Quote Joe If it moves Grease it if it doesn't Paint it..... Current Builds: Occre, Polaris Shopping List: Vanguard, HMS Sphinx Occre, HMS Terror Vanguard, HMS Flirt Occre, Endurance Completed Builds: 0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoyle Posted September 2, 2022 Share #18 Posted September 2, 2022 3 hours ago, JDillon said: Would be nice to find the origional vessel in the history books or internet that the Polaris was based on. Some European kit makers have a penchant for producing kits that are based on a type of vessel rather than a specific ship. They then give the ship a fanciful name and make up an equally fanciful history for it. It's often difficult to figure out where exactly they got their source material. allanyed, mtaylor and JDillon 3 Quote Chris Coyle Greer, South Carolina When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk. - Tuco Current builds: Brigantine Phoenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanyed Posted September 2, 2022 Share #19 Posted September 2, 2022 4 hours ago, JDillon said: PS Quick one, Noob questions: has anybody build with sails that can be furled and un furled? Welcome aboard! Looks like you have selected all Caldecrraft kits which has a good reputation. But, as you are new to the hobby, you may want to consider starting with simpler vessels that will teach you great habits and techniques. There are numerous posts here at MSW with advice and opinions on which are good beginner choices. Allan JDillon and mtaylor 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...
consitution Posted September 2, 2022 Share #20 Posted September 2, 2022 On 9/1/2022 at 4:39 PM, ccoyle said: Yes, but that's not the subject of the OcCre Polaris. Jdillion asked if there was any information available on the Polaris and I provided this information the Polaris would be an excellent first build and knowing that an amateur builder could improve his skills and move on to the more complex ship endurance would be most rewarding for a first time builder or any builder for that matter JDillon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanyed Posted September 3, 2022 Share #21 Posted September 3, 2022 (edited) On 9/1/2022 at 10:25 AM, JDillon said: I've opted to try a do the Occre Polaris Good luck with that. Edited September 3, 2022 by allanyed mtaylor 1 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...
bigcreekdad Posted September 19, 2022 Share #22 Posted September 19, 2022 You might consider Caldercraft's Pickle. Great instructions! My only regret was copper plating it. Just doesn't look right for me. JDillon and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Black Posted September 19, 2022 Share #23 Posted September 19, 2022 (edited) 48 minutes ago, bigcreekdad said: My only regret was copper plating it. Just doesn't look right for me. It's hard to get copper plating to look right. This model of the Morgan is the most realistic copper plating that I've seen. Edited September 19, 2022 by Keith Black JDillon, HardeeHarHar, mtaylor and 3 others 6 Quote Current Builds: Wood Hull Screw Frigate USS Tennessee Decorative Carrack Warship Restoration, the Amelia Completed: Early Swift 1805 Model Restoration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaager Posted September 19, 2022 Share #24 Posted September 19, 2022 On 9/1/2022 at 10:25 AM, JDillon said: 've opted to try a do the Occre Polaris Take the following as unverified suspicion - not fact OcCre Polaris is probably a fantasy as far as representing an actual ship. The source of the lines may be a real vessel - but one without marketing value. My observation of various OcCre product build logs - and the frequency of the same wrong detail choices - leads me to believe that the company plays fast and loose when it comes to actual shipbuilding practice. If you start with OcCre and you later have an interest in being historically accurate, you may have to unlearn a series of bad habits and bad practices. mtaylor, allanyed and JDillon 3 Quote NRG member 45 years Current: HMS Centurion 1732 - 60-gun 4th rate - Navall Timber framing HMS Beagle 1831 refiit 10-gun brig with a small mizzen - Navall (ish) Timber framing The U.S. Ex. Ex. 1838-1842 Flying Fish 1838 pilot schooner - framed - ready for stern timbers Porpose II 1836 brigantine/brig - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers Vincennes 1825 Sloop-of-War - timbers assembled, need shaping Peacock 1828 Sloop-of -War - timbers ready for assembly Sea Gull 1838 pilot schooner - timbers ready for assembly Relief 1835 ship - timbers ready for assembly Other Portsmouth 1843 Sloop-of-War - timbers ready for assembly Le Commerce de Marseilles 1788 118 cannons - framed La Renommee 1744 Frigate - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knocklouder Posted September 29, 2022 Share #25 Posted September 29, 2022 HELLO J,I can't help with which model, but lots of people here can and will help you lots. I pick the Santa Maria from Amati then ordered five more ships and one in a bottle, be careful of the buying bug it will get a hold on you Lol anyway Keith Black and mtaylor 2 Quote Start so you can Finish !! Finished: The Santa Maria -Amati 1:65, La Pinta- Amati 1:65, La Nina -Amati 1:65 , Hannah Ship in a Bottle -1:300 The Sea of Galilee Boat-Scott Miller-1:20 ,The Mayflower Amati 1:60 non Ship Build: 1972 Ford Sport Custom Truck Current Build: Viking Ship Drakkar -Amati-1:50 On Hold: HMS Pegasus: Amati Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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