I've lost it....need a refresher to get my confidence back

[bigcreekdad]

I took a near 2 year hiatus from serious building. I had started a collectable postage stamp store online and was pretty consumed with that. I had 5 very nice (IMO) builds behind me ( Convulsion, Sherbourne, Bluenose, Dos Amigos, and Flirt). None perfect re: planking but certainly more than passable (IMO). I've now quit two builds (Brig Supply and Cheerful) as my planking "skills" have disappeared. Maybe it's age (76), but it has discouraged me from continuing this hobby.

 

Before just moving on, I thought maybe I should regroup and try a simpler build. Something with nice wood and better than average instructions. Vanguard seems to meet both those requirements. Any suggestion....Vanguard or otherwise? It does not need o be a warship (ie old fishing vessels maybe).

 

Thanks in advance.

[Knocklouder]

Something  I wished I did was a half hull project  from NRG. It looks like a great tune up,  check out the NRG store, great wood clear installation.  Just a thought 

[Paul Le Wol]

I’ve never built one but I keep looking at the Wasen - Japanese style boats made by Woody JOE. They look like they would be an interesting and fun build. Good luck with your decision.

Edited March 10 by Paul Le Wol
Typo

[allanyed]

Anything from Chuck Passaro or David Antscherl's three craft series. 

https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-Shipways-Shipwright-3-Kit-Combo-Series_p_5465.html

https://syrenshipmodelcompany.com/hms-winchelsea-1764.php

Allan

 

 

 

[hollowneck]

1 hour ago, bigcreekdad said:

Vanguard seems to meet both those requirements. Any suggestion....Vanguard or otherwise?

I highly recommend your thoughts about going with (another) Vanguard kit. Over the past two years, Chris Watton has created a number of smaller, reasonably priced kits including fishing vessels; you will also note on the Vanguard site a "rating system" for one's level of building skills. Planking is never easy and requires patience: Vanguard has implemented numerous kit improvements that help a modeler with this challenge. Welcome back! - Good luck - You can do it. 

[Roger Pellett]

This is supposed to be an activity that’s enjoyable so if planking is a problem, choose a project that doesn’t involve it.  If you are limited to kits check out solid hulls.  Bluejacket offers some, as does A.J. Fisher.  A well made solid hull model is no less authentic than a planked POB one.  The important thing is correctly reproducing the hull shape.  OR. Find a POB model that is easy to plank.  How about a Skipjack?  There is at least one Skipjack kit on the market and their relatively small size allows modeling at a scale that allows detailing.

 

Roger

[James H]

2 hours ago, bigcreekdad said:

Any suggestion....Vanguard or otherwise?

 

Take a look on the VM site. The kits are skill rated too so you can pick something you feel to be in your ballpark. 

[Cathead]

Another option is to look for a kit that has pre-spiled planks (usually laser cut). I believe Dusek does this for some models, and I saw a lot of praise for Master Korabel kits well but I'm not sure it's easy to get their kits these days as the maker is Russian.

[Mike Dowling]

Why not have a go at one of model airways aircraft. Challenging, great fun and no planking. I can recommend them.

[mtaylor]

I'm right there also, BCD.   Hit the wall hard this time.  I'm considering the Half-Hull project from the NRG as my wall I hit was the planking.  Seems to be a reasonable price and a well thought out project.  

[bigcreekdad]

Thanks Folks!

[Cristiano]

17 hours ago, bigcreekdad said:

I took a near 2 year hiatus from serious building. I had started a collectable postage stamp store online and was pretty consumed with that. I had 5 very nice (IMO) builds behind me ( Convulsion, Sherbourne, Bluenose, Dos Amigos, and Flirt). None perfect re: planking but certainly more than passable (IMO). I've now quit two builds (Brig Supply and Cheerful) as my planking "skills" have disappeared. Maybe it's age (76), but it has discouraged me from continuing this hobby.

 

Before just moving on, I thought maybe I should regroup and try a simpler build. Something with nice wood and better than average instructions. Vanguard seems to meet both those requirements. Any suggestion....Vanguard or otherwise? It does not need o be a warship (ie old fishing vessels maybe).

 

Thanks in advance.

I suggest the following kits, by Amati.

 

https://www.amatimodel.com/en/models-amati-classic/product-robert-e-lee-assembly-box-2024-edition-b1439.html?_gl=1*1y7f76j*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw17qvBhBrEiwA1rU9w_ycr4hf1YAwInKylBzFOnaL2uVCYrfPsHXfh41Hk42oM-V6KYhXPBoCfKgQAvD_BwE

Classical steam boat Robert E. Lee. the problem of the hull planking is solved, since there is no hull planking at all.

 

otherwise:

Pirate chinese junk.

https://www.amatimodel.com/en/models-amati-classic/product-chinese-pirate-junk-b1421.html?_gl=1*1xcnvvq*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw17qvBhBrEiwA1rU9w_ycr4hf1YAwInKylBzFOnaL2uVCYrfPsHXfh41Hk42oM-V6KYhXPBoCfKgQAvD_BwE

the problem of hull planking is solved here too, since the bow and stern are cut stright due to the specific shape of this ship.

 

[carlo_l]

I would also suggest the Fifie by Amati models. Easy straight forward planking. I loved building it