USCGDave Posted November 24, 2022 Share #1 Posted November 24, 2022 Hi all, New to the forum and to the ship modeling world. I retired in 2018 after 27 years on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. I then spent a few years as a lead mechanic in a Maine woodturning mill before fully retiring this year, though I still do a lot of backcountry search and rescue work on our county’s technical rope rescue team. I live on an 11.5 acre property near the 45th parallel in the western Maine mountains. Fortunately, there was a great workshop space on the property. I’ve been slowly renovating that space (a 30x13 single car garage that is now a full time hobby workshop.) All I have left to do is to build some insulated carriage doors and add climate control. In the meantime, I am making a small temporary shipyard in the house to start down this cool rabbit hole of ship modeling. I haven’t yet selected a first model, but am leaning toward the Model Shipways three kit skill builder set. I also have a MS Phantom NY Pilot boat solid hull kit and for some years down the road a used MS USS Constitution kit which surprisingly still had a complete inventory. Of course the previous owner had started and failed at the center keel step. I managed to carefully separate the three center keel pieces and it looks like I can salvage that and the two broken and patched bulkheads. But, that’s a kit for another time. Anyway, just saying hi and hoping to learn everything I can from all of you. Here’s a photo of the Constitution kit I scored. Even came with a tote full of balsa and basswood scrap. After inventory, I found all the parts were there, but three were damaged or poorly done. Though I’m not starting with the Constitution, I did want to see if that center keel would be salvageable. Careful cutting with an exacto blade separated the three keel pieces. Some file work and it appears as though I can salvage this kit just fine. Keith Black, Peanut6, mtaylor and 11 others 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPDDET Posted November 24, 2022 Share #2 Posted November 24, 2022 Welcome! You will find all the help you will ever need here. Starting with the Model Shipways series is a great way to go, I wish I had done it. You may also want to consider the half hull model offered by the Nautical Resaerch Guild to get a good grasp of hull planking. Edwardkenway, druxey, Keith Black and 3 others 6 Quote Current build: NRG Half Hull Previous build: MS Bluenose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knocklouder Posted November 24, 2022 Share #3 Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) Hi Dave, careful its a deep hole Lol. There are a lot of people here who will help just ask, they are more than willing to help. Most of all have fun Edited November 24, 2022 by Knocklouder Yep typos 😒 USCGDave, Dave_E, druxey and 3 others 5 1 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 Bottle-Amati 1:300 : The Sea of Galilee Boat-Scott Miller-1:20 Current Build: The Mayflower: Amati On Hold: HMS Pegasus: Amati Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanyed Posted November 24, 2022 Share #4 Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) 6 hours ago, USCGDave said: am leaning toward the Model Shipways three kit skill builder set I second the motion. Every newbie would be well served to start with this three vessel series. Not only will it give you useful experience in the build, but will teach you what to watch for in future kits if you go the kit route or even help you with scratch building techniques if you choose to join the many members hanging out on the dark side. Welcome to this motley crew. Allan Edited November 24, 2022 by allanyed druxey, mtaylor, Edwardkenway and 4 others 7 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...
USCGDave Posted November 24, 2022 Author Share #5 Posted November 24, 2022 Thanks all, it is definitely a deep hole, but coming at it with a bit of woodworking experience both at home and in a commercial shop, I’ll hopefully be able to take those processes and tackle them in miniature. The shipwright series of kits is on the Christmas list so we’ll se where I end up starting. The good thing is that working at a commercial mill gave me a good background in reading plans/schematics and then developing the jigs and process for creating parts. druxey, Dave_E, mtaylor and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwardkenway Posted November 24, 2022 Share #6 Posted November 24, 2022 Dave and welcome to MSW Keith Black, mtaylor, USCGDave and 1 other 4 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...
Dave_E Posted November 24, 2022 Share #7 Posted November 24, 2022 Hi Dave, Welcome to the forum! 👍😀 USCGDave, Keith Black 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandpaPhil Posted November 24, 2022 Share #8 Posted November 24, 2022 Welcome! Keith Black, USCGDave and mtaylor 3 Quote Building: 1:64 HMS Revenge (Victory Models plans) 1:64 Cat Esther (17th Century Dutch Merchant Ships) On the building slip: 1:72 French Ironclad Magenta (original shipyard plans) On hold: 1:98 Mantua HMS Victory (kit bash), 1:96 Shipyard HMS Mercury Favorite finished builds: 1:60 Sampang Good Fortune (Amati plans), 1:200 Orel Ironclad Solferino, 1:72 Schooner Hannah (Hahn plans), 1:72 Privateer Prince de Neufchatel (Chapelle plans), Model Shipways Sultana, Heller La Reale, Encore USS Olympia Goal: Become better than I was yesterday "The hardest part is deciding to try." - me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Seiler Posted November 24, 2022 Share #9 Posted November 24, 2022 Hi Dave! Welcome aboard. Before getting philosophical, a suggestion. You mentioned "Careful cutting with an exacto blade separated the three keel pieces. ". If the parts were glued with wood glue these can easily be separated by soaking the joints in rubbing alcohol (cotton balls or Q tips work for me) for a bit, then separating with the exacto. Drinking from a firehose, indeed. A big newbie problem is coming aboard wanting to build a scratch built, fully framed HMS VICTORY or USS CONSTITUTION. They are quickly overwhelmed. It looks like you have chosen the more reasonable path of starting small and learning the 'trade'. I have found that even experienced wood workers learn new things when dealing with bendy-curvey hulls and compound curved planking. Read build logs of ships you are working on and ones you may work on...and ones that interest you. I have found valuable info from logs having nothing to do with the model I am working on. Use the archives and ask questions. That 'stupid question' you might be afraid to ask...we probably all asked it at some point. You don't learn if you don't ask. Don't be afraid to pull apart things that are not right. Errors compound. Wood is forgiving and easy to come by. Have fun!! There will be times of frustration when things don't work out (at least for me there were) but think it through and it will work out (usually). And remember, you can never have too many clamps. Keith Black, CPDDET, Jack12477 and 2 others 5 Quote Chuck Seiler San Diego Ship Modelers Guild Nautical Research Guild Current Build:: Colonial Schooner SULTANA (scratch from Model Expo Plans), Hanseatic Cog Wutender Hund, John Smith Shallop Completed: Missouri Riverboat FAR WEST (1876) Scratch, 1776 Gunboat PHILADELPHIA (Scratch 1/4 scale-Model Shipways plans) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
druxey Posted November 24, 2022 Share #10 Posted November 24, 2022 Welcome aboard! Keith Black and mtaylor 2 Quote Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldsalt1950 Posted November 24, 2022 Share #11 Posted November 24, 2022 Welcome aboard Dave. In addition to checking out other build logs of the kits you are working on, get a notebook and take notes for future reference. There is close to a million years of kit building knowledge here for the finding. Don't limit your build log reading to just the ships you are interested in, read others and the NRG Resources, YouTube also has some good videos if you are more of a visual learner. Above all else have fun, if something has got you frustrated or stuck take a break and come back to it. Jim Knocklouder, hollowneck, Keith Black and 2 others 5 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...
Jim Lad Posted November 24, 2022 Share #12 Posted November 24, 2022 Helo Dave, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. John mtaylor and Keith Black 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCGDave Posted November 24, 2022 Author Share #13 Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) Chuck, I wish that Constitution keel had been glued with simple wood glue. It was more than likely done with foaming gorilla glue, which expanded the joints and caused huge gaps. But, those gaps made it easy to slip a blade in without hitting wood. Then I took a sharp chisel and carefully pared away the remaining foamed glue. But you’re definitely right about it not being the first build. I’ll be going way more modest than that and then working up to it. thanks all for the welcome. Been spending a whole lot of time reading all the articles in the library. Edited November 24, 2022 by USCGDave Bad grammar Jack12477, Oldsalt1950, Keith Black and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex-Ks1 Posted November 24, 2022 Share #14 Posted November 24, 2022 welcome , For me its been a long time since I was here. every time I retire, they drag me back . It seems we all wanted to start with doing a big project then reality sets in, it did for me. I always wanted to build something with my hands as a kid, Like the whole Navy, then end up doing a canoe. Keith Black, mtaylor and CPDDET 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Seiler Posted November 25, 2022 Share #15 Posted November 25, 2022 3 hours ago, USCGDave said: Chuck, I wish that Constitution keel had been glued with simple wood glue. It was more than likely done with foaming gorilla glue, Dave, A lesson in and of itself. You will find many discussions here regarding glues. IMHO superglue has its place but wood glue is best. Others disagree. Not sure ANYBODY likes foaming gorilla glue. Keith Black and mtaylor 2 Quote Chuck Seiler San Diego Ship Modelers Guild Nautical Research Guild Current Build:: Colonial Schooner SULTANA (scratch from Model Expo Plans), Hanseatic Cog Wutender Hund, John Smith Shallop Completed: Missouri Riverboat FAR WEST (1876) Scratch, 1776 Gunboat PHILADELPHIA (Scratch 1/4 scale-Model Shipways plans) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPDDET Posted November 25, 2022 Share #16 Posted November 25, 2022 White glue, yellow glue, epoxy, CA They all have their place when used in the correct application. But never Gorilla Glue. At least for me. mtaylor, Keith Black and Chuck Seiler 3 Quote Current build: NRG Half Hull Previous build: MS Bluenose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Black Posted November 25, 2022 Share #17 Posted November 25, 2022 Dave, welcome to MSW. Glad to have you aboard. mtaylor and USCGDave 2 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...
Baker Posted November 25, 2022 Share #18 Posted November 25, 2022 USCGDave, mtaylor and Keith Black 3 Quote Regards, Patrick Finished : Soleil Royal Heller 1/100 Wasa Billing Boats Bounty Revell 1/110 plastic (semi scratch) Pelican / Golden Hind 1/45 scratch Current build : Mary Rose 1/50 scratch Gallery : Revell Bounty Pelican/Golden hind 1/45 scratch To do : Prins Willem Corel, Le Tonnant Corel, Yacht d'Oro Corel, Thermopylae Sergal Shore leave, non ship models build logs : ADGZ M35 funkwagen 1/72 Einhets Pkw. Kfz.2 and 4 1/72 Autoblinda AB40 1/72 122mm A-19 & 152mm ML-20 & 12.8cm Pak.44 {K8 1/2} 1/72 10.5cm Howitzer 16 on Mark. VI(e) Centurion Mk.1 conversion M29 Weasel 1/72 SAM6 1/72 T26 Finland T26 TN 1/72 Autoprotetto S37 1/72 Opel Blitz buses 1/72 Boxer and MAN trucks 1/72 Hetzer38(t) Starr 1/72 Si vis pacem, para bellum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted November 25, 2022 Share #19 Posted November 25, 2022 Welcome to MSW USCGDave, mtaylor and Keith Black 3 Quote Its all part of Kev's journey, bit like going to the dark side, but with the lights on All the best Kevin SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On the build table HMS Indefatigable 1794 by Kevin - Vanguard Models - 1:64 - Feb 2023 HMHS Britannic by Kevin SD 14 - Marcle Models - 1/70 - March 2022 - Bluebell - Flower Class - Revel - 1/72 U552 German U Boat - Trumpeter - 1/48 Amerigo Vespucci 1/84 - Panart- HMS Enterprise -CAF - 1/48 Finished St-Nectan-Mountfleet-models-steam-trawler-1/32 - Completed June 2020 HMS Victory - Caldercraft/Jotika - 1/72 - Finished Dorade renamed Dora by Kevin - Amati - 1/20 - Completed March 2021 Stage Coach 1848 - Artesania Latina - 1/10 -Finished Lady Eleanor by Kevin - FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1/64 - Fifie fishing boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James G Posted November 25, 2022 Share #20 Posted November 25, 2022 Welcome to the party! USCGDave, Keith Black and mtaylor 3 Quote Jim Current Build: HMS Winchelsea, Model Shipways Mayflower Completed Builds: NRG Half Hull Project Model Shipways 18th Century Armed Longboat Dumas 1954 Chris Craft 36' Commander Dumas 1940 Chris Craft 19' Barrel Back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted November 26, 2022 Share #21 Posted November 26, 2022 Keith Black 1 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...
hollowneck Posted November 29, 2022 Share #22 Posted November 29, 2022 Welcome Dave. You’ve found the Good, the Better and The Best for all model ship making serious fun. Questions? Fire away! Jack12477, USCGDave, Knocklouder and 2 others 5 Quote Ron Director, Nautical Research Guild Secretary/Newsletter Editor, Philadelphia Ship Model Society Former Member/Secretary for the Connecticut Marine Model Society Current Build: Godspeed 2, (Wyoming, 6-masted Schooner) Completed Builds: HMS Grecian, HMS Sphinx (as HMS Camilla) Ongakuka Maru, (Higaki Kaisen, It Takes A Village), Le Tigre Privateer, HMS Swan, HMS Godspeed, HMS Ardent, HMS Diana, Russian brig Mercury, Elizabethan Warship Revenge, Xebec Syf'Allah, USF Confederacy, HMS Granado, USS Brig Syren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OllieS Posted November 29, 2022 Share #23 Posted November 29, 2022 There is no thumbs down option on comments and questions on MSW. It's that kind of place. Don't disregard OcCre. They're my first three builds and an excellent starting point. mtaylor, USCGDave and Keith Black 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCGDave Posted December 11, 2022 Author Share #24 Posted December 11, 2022 Now a member of the guild and awaiting the half-hull planking project. Looking forward to starting a build log once I settle on my first project. VTHokiEE, Keith Black, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Black Posted December 11, 2022 Share #25 Posted December 11, 2022 2 hours ago, USCGDave said: Now a member of the guild Good on ya Knocklouder and mtaylor 2 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...
botra288 Posted December 14, 2022 Share #26 Posted December 14, 2022 welcome aboard, good luck with your first ship model 😀 USCGDave, Keith Black and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flutlo6180 Posted December 17, 2022 Share #27 Posted December 17, 2022 Hi Dave. Welcome aboard! On 11/24/2022 at 1:29 PM, Chuck Seiler said: Don't be afraid to pull apart things that are not right. Errors compound. Chuck's advice is spot on. I learned the hard way during my first build that pressing on isn't the answer - errors don't get better with time. Chuck Seiler, USCGDave, Keith Black and 1 other 4 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...
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