LegoKing5522 Posted March 16, 2023 Share #1 Posted March 16, 2023 hi, I am new to building model ships, and I was wondering if you guys could suggest some cheaper kits that I could use for practice. i would like to avoid spending a bunch of money on something nice, because I don't have any practice at all with planking and building the hull etc... thanks in advance for any suggestions. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonBMichigan Posted March 16, 2023 Share #2 Posted March 16, 2023 Many new builders here have started with the three-model Model Shipways series. There are many build logs for these models as well on this site. Each model is also available for sale separately, as are the paints, etc. mtaylor, grsjax, mtdoramike and 1 other 4 Quote -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In progress: Norwegian Sailing Pram by Model Shipways Completed: Lowell Grand Banks Dory by Model Shipways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OllieS Posted March 16, 2023 Share #3 Posted March 16, 2023 Possibly the Occre Polaris. There is a series of 'how to' on their youtube channel which is really helpful. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkiBee Posted March 16, 2023 Share #4 Posted March 16, 2023 I did the 3 Model Shipways kits since I had no experience with wooden models, built many plastic models but no wood. With each one I learned a lot and gained basic and mid modeling skills. I found the price very manageable. Recommend you look at a few build logs on this site for any model you might be interested in building before buying. Also, start a build log for anything you do, since you can ask others for help. The key is take your time, enjoy and realize that no one will notice any flaw but you, good modeling. Chuck Seiler, mtaylor and KentM 3 Quote Current Projects: Completed Projects: Phantom New York Pilot Boat - Model Shipways - 1:96 Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack - Model Shipways - 1:24 18th Century Long Boat - Model Shipways - 1:48 Norwegian Sailing Pram - Model Shipways - 1:12 Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snug Harbor Johnny Posted March 16, 2023 Share #5 Posted March 16, 2023 I saw Artesania Latina's 1805 Swift with a 'buy it now' price of $49.99. The AL Bounty Jolly Boat was for $42 and change. These look like great beginner kits that don't cost much ... and I know there is at least one build log for the Jolly Boat. Check it out. KentM and mtaylor 2 Quote Completed builds: Khufu Solar Barge - 1:72 Woody Joe Current project(s): Gorch Fock restoration 1:100, Billing Wasa (bust) - 1:100 Billings, Great Harry (bust) 1:88 ex. Sergal 1:65 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevinne Posted March 16, 2023 Share #6 Posted March 16, 2023 (edited) Sign up for the Model Expo email alerts. They have sales just about every week and you can usually find good deals on simple, inexpensive kits among the deals. I'd second the Swift, which sounds like a good deal. Their Virginia 1819 also looks like a good starter kit. It looks like you can get it on their site for about $95 if you use their coupon. https://artesanialatina.net/en/ships-initiation/62413-virginia-american-schooner-wooden-model-ship-kit-8421426221350.html Edited March 16, 2023 by Stevinne mtaylor and KentM 2 Quote Under construction: Mamoli Roter Lowe Completed builds: Constructo Enterprise, AL Le Renard Up next: Panart Lynx, MS Harriet Lane In need of attention: 14-foot Pintail in the driveway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandpaPhil Posted March 17, 2023 Share #7 Posted March 17, 2023 https://vanguardmodels.co.uk/product/saucy-jack-barking-well-smack/ Chris Watton’s Vanguard Models have excellent instruction manuals and the owner of the company is on this forum. He made a bunch of fishing boat kits, like the link I started with, that would make a great beginners kit. Also, there are excellent planking tutorials on this forum too. KentM and mtaylor 2 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...
DennisL Posted March 17, 2023 Share #8 Posted March 17, 2023 Hi I would recommend the New Bedford Whale boat from Model Shipways. You can usually buy it on sale at Model Expo. The scale is fairly large, the instructions booklet and plans by Erik Ronnberg are excellent and the planks are pre cut and spiled. The model builds over a hardback framework just like you would build a real boat. The actual boat is on display at the New Bedford Whaling museum here in Massachusetts . In would highly recommend a trip if you are ever in the area. The three boats mentioned earlier seem like a good start although I have never tried them. Dennis mtaylor and KentM 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted March 17, 2023 Share #9 Posted March 17, 2023 One thing not mentioned is "what's your budget?". We all have ideas on good beginner kits but knowing what you're willing or able to spend will help get the choices down. KentM 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...
LegoKing5522 Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share #10 Posted March 17, 2023 thanks, I will take into consideration all that you guys suggested. um my budget currently, I would prefer not to spend over $80. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted March 17, 2023 Share #11 Posted March 17, 2023 Hey there, Or you can buy them second hand. I actually have two kits for sale, 1:100 Model Shipways Bluenose $80 shipping included Model Shipways BENJAMIN LATHAM 1:48 $150 shipping included PM if you're interested, Joshua mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegoKing5522 Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share #12 Posted March 17, 2023 i will consider that offer. I will ask my parents about it. can u send pics of the bluenose kit like you did for the other one pls. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted March 17, 2023 Share #13 Posted March 17, 2023 Mind if I ask your age? mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegoKing5522 Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share #14 Posted March 17, 2023 15 mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted March 17, 2023 Share #15 Posted March 17, 2023 Private message me your address - I'm happy to just send it to ya - if your parents want to make a donation, they can to the Philadelphia Ship Model Society but there's no obligation. Joshua Fichmann President PSMS Altduck, mtaylor, mtdoramike and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegoKing5522 Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share #16 Posted March 17, 2023 wait for free? I am confused. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted March 17, 2023 Share #17 Posted March 17, 2023 For free... you're a young person wanting to build a model, happy to support that. If you were an adult with a job, I'd charge. Joshua tlevine, hollowneck, Stevinne and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegoKing5522 Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share #18 Posted March 17, 2023 oh okay. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted March 17, 2023 Share #19 Posted March 17, 2023 Now you don't have to worry about screwing it up, by the way, every model is screwed up in some way to the builder - screw up as many kits as you can! Joshua mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegoKing5522 Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share #20 Posted March 17, 2023 (edited) k but i still have to ask before giving address. Edited March 17, 2023 by LegoKing5522 mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzoun Posted March 17, 2023 Share #21 Posted March 17, 2023 Completely understand - I'm happy to chat with your parents on the phone or over zoom. Joshua mtaylor and hollowneck 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegoKing5522 Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share #22 Posted March 17, 2023 okay mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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