Hello from North Haven, Connecticut, USA

[PatLynch]

I'm Patrick Lynch, an author and artist, retired from Yale University, and I'm resuming scale ship modeling after a gap of 30+ years. My goal is to build wooden ship models. I'm currently doing the Model Shipways introductory wood models series, but I also decided to build a series of plastic sailing ships to limber up my fingers and learn more about ship rigging. My background is in biology and natural history, so I'm particularly interested in Darwin's ship, the HMS Beagle. I have both the Mamoli and Occre Beagle kits, but I'm far too inexperienced with wooden ships to launch into either kit right now. I'd welcome any advice for newbie wood modelers, and any thoughts about the available HMS Beagle kits on the market. 

[allanyed]

Welcome to MSW Pat.  While the kits are usually a good shortcut compared to scratch building, there is a lot of more accurate information in the Anatomy of the Ship, HMS Beagle by  Karl Marquardt that will help you build an accurate model.  There are also a number of contemporary plans of the Cherokee Class vessels of which Beagle was one before being converted to a survey bark that will be helpful.  (https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/search/Cherokee Class plans )  As there were many of the class, there may be contracts available that will give you scantlings of most pieces of the vessel from the keel on up.  

Also, you may benefit if you spend some time studying the tutorials in the article data base here at MSW.

Allan

 

Edited January 7, 2024 by allanyed

[PatLynch]

Allan, thank you!

 

[tonyp398]

There is a playlist on YouTube for the Occre Beagle with step by step instructions. I have not built The Beagle but found their videos very helpful for other ships.  

The Occre Facebook group is helpful too. 

[Jim Lad]

hello Patrick, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[ccoyle]

Welcome aboard, Pat!

[Keith Black]

 Pat, welcome to MSW. Glad to have you aboard. 

[ERS Rich]

Welcome to MSW!  Good luck with you projects!

[mtaylor]

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[PatLynch]

Thanks all for the warm welcomes, and for the valuable information.

 

[Knocklouder]

Good luck on your journey, have as much fun as you can ,  it a great place this MSW.

                 and 

[Baker]