2nd time around

[CPT_D]

As happens far too often (I'm sure) I completely failed at building my first ship.  I could make all kinds of excuses but in the end, it was me simply jumping into the deep end too fast.  With that out of the way, I want to try it again but this time I think I'm going to go in a little slower.  I want a smaller ship that I can buy a full codex for that's on a beginner level.  I want to do my own planking (it's what really draws me to this hobby) so that has to be part of the ship.

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

SD

[VTHokiEE]

Sorry to hear about your first effort - but excited that you’re giving it another try. Would you be willing to share what your first attempt was? It may help gauge suggestions for this time around.

 

I would potentially suggest Vanguard’s line or working ships (great instructions/materials/etc) which can be found here (anything without cannons… but if you prefer some cannons the Alert was my first build with planking): https://vanguardmodels.co.uk/product-category/vanguard-model-kits/?orderby=price

 

Good luck! I’m certain there will be some other great suggestions as well.

[druxey]

Can you also give us some idea of your experience in any kind of model work. That would also help us suggest an appropriate project.

[Jaager]

A search of SD's previous content yields this  " I bought 3 kits the Syren, the Marseille (C. Mamoli 1/64 kit), and the HMS Victory cross section."

Based on posts, I am guessing that Syren was the first build.

I suggest not giving any priority to the planking ambition for a while.  Since your shortcut on acquiring experience did not lead to the result that you wished,  why not follow as tried and true a course as there is at present to get up to speed?

 

The Model Shipways Shipwright Series  has a fairly low entry fee.   The finished models are attractive, small,  would look good on library shelves (in their separate "glass houses") and being boats, would give you the chops to build the boats that every large vessel carried.

 

Your model of Syren is made of wood.  It would not be difficult to acquire the raw materials to either backup to the stage where things went bad,  Or duplicate the whole K&K from raw materials and build a Syren v.2 that has superior materials.

[mtaylor]

I totally agree with Jaager.   Begin at the beginning has untold advantages.  And open on a log when you start.

[Stevinne]

I'm not sure what kind of reading you did before you got started, but I think Frank Mastini's "Ship Modeling Simplified" is invaluable for a beginner. It does a very good job of simply explaining the various steps in building a ship, everything from planking to rigging. It looks like you can pick up a used copy on Amazon for about $9, including shipping. https://www.amazon.com/Ship-Modeling-Simplified-Techniques-Construction/dp/0071558675/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QZS69USMSME7&keywords=Ship+model+simplified&qid=1679171208&sprefix=ship+model+simplified%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

 

Right now Model Expo is having a half-price sale on their Model Shipways kits. The Lobster Smack looks like a great deal for $37 and is one of their shipwright series, which, as Jaeger said, are really designed to introduce people to the hobby. 

https://modelexpo-online.com/muscongus-bay-lobster-smack.html

[druxey]

For a complete beginner, I'd recommend the dory first. It introduces basic concepts that are needed to successfully go on to the Norwegian pram and lobster smack.

[CaptnBirdseye]

Just a thought, but……if you want to learn to do your own planking, what about the half-hull planking project from the NRG?

best way to learn.

[Chuck Seiler]

    I heartily agree with Cap'n Birdseye in his recommendation.  While it might not be a "first model" it makes a good early learning model.  If done well, it can be a good presentation model as well.   I would recommend substituting Alaskan Yellow Cedar for basswood planking.

[CPT_D]

18 hours ago, Jaager said:

A search of SD's previous content yields this  " I bought 3 kits the Syren, the Marseille (C. Mamoli 1/64 kit), and the HMS Victory cross section."

Based on posts, I am guessing that Syren was the first build.

I suggest not giving any priority to the planking ambition for a while.  Since your shortcut on acquiring experience did not lead to the result that you wished,  why not follow as tried and true a course as there is at present to get up to speed?

 

The Model Shipways Shipwright Series  has a fairly low entry fee.   The finished models are attractive, small,  would look good on library shelves (in their separate "glass houses") and being boats, would give you the chops to build the boats that every large vessel carried.

 

Your model of Syren is made of wood.  It would not be difficult to acquire the raw materials to either backup to the stage where things went bad,  Or duplicate the whole K&K from raw materials and build a Syren v.2 that has superior materials.

I would actually try to continue with the Syren kit but sadly I don't have it, or any of the kits, anymore.  Should I just buy another Syren?

[Jaager]

10 minutes ago, CPT_D said:

 Should I just buy another Syren?

Nu, unless you developed a magnetic attraction for the subject.

 

I wrote that to make a point. 

The point is:

with a wood ship model kit, all is never lost if you make a mistake. With wood, the same (or most often) better components can be self manufactured.  The barrier to scratch is more imaginary than real, unlike with a kit of molded plastic pieces,  

[Stevinne]

Depending on what glue you used, once you are comfortable around ship models, you can either try to correct the mistakes with some sanding and applying a thin second layer of planking or simply loosen the glue, remove the wood that is causing the problem and start over. I have never done that, but I have seen people on this site and on other sites who have revisited projects, removed bad work and made things turn out well.