Beginner looking for advice on first kit

[O-Nurse]

Hi all, first time poster here.

Really taken all this advice in, its great source of information, and been looking at all the kits listed vs there rankings in the other page where member voted in the different categories. (yes i am very deep in the rabbit hole!! haha). I think I'm closing in on something from Caldercraft, possibly one of there models around the 100 mark so I'm not over investing in something if I don't get one with it etc.

My background is in multi skilled construction work and being on boats since i was very young, this includes working and maintaining them. I'm not a traditional trained shipwright by any means, but i have lots of knowledge of various boats and the rigging, construction etc. I have also built a fair few plastic model kits and some of the nasty push together wood types so I'm not completely new to model making just new to wooden ship building.

After all that waffle (and likely poor grammar I know I'm sorry), my question would be do you think I'm on the right lines with my selection looking in the "some experience" section and possibly something from Caldercraft? I guess my main thinking was towards quality of materials and clarity of instructions. Don't mind paying a bit more if its high quality proper well sourced timber, not cheap and nasty full of knots splits etc etc.

Thanks everyone and sorry again for waffling on!

[robdurant]

1 hour ago, O-Nurse said:

Hi all, first time poster here.

Really taken all this advice in, its great source of information, and been looking at all the kits listed vs there rankings in the other page where member voted in the different categories. (yes i am very deep in the rabbit hole!! haha). I think I'm closing in on something from Caldercraft, possibly one of there models around the 100 mark so I'm not over investing in something if I don't get one with it etc.

My background is in multi skilled construction work and being on boats since i was very young, this includes working and maintaining them. I'm not a traditional trained shipwright by any means, but i have lots of knowledge of various boats and the rigging, construction etc. I have also built a fair few plastic model kits and some of the nasty push together wood types so I'm not completely new to model making just new to wooden ship building.

After all that waffle (and likely poor grammar I know I'm sorry), my question would be do you think I'm on the right lines with my selection looking in the "some experience" section and possibly something from Caldercraft? I guess my main thinking was towards quality of materials and clarity of instructions. Don't mind paying a bit more if its high quality proper well sourced timber, not cheap and nasty full of knots splits etc etc.

Thanks everyone and sorry again for waffling on!

For a first kit from Caldercraft, you might want to consider HM Schooner Pickle... it's the model I started with, and as one of their later decelopments, meaning, it has more detailed instructions and goes together nicely. The older kits (Caldercraft's Sherbourne for example, which I have also built) require a lot more reading between the lines and prior experience is helpful

 

Just my tuppence. Whichever way you decide to go, welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of help here... I know I have 

[VTHokiEE]

8 hours ago, O-Nurse said:

my question would be do you think I'm on the right lines with my selection looking in the "some experience" section and possibly something from Caldercraft?

I would also consider getting the HM Armed Cutter Sherbourne by Vanguard https://vanguardmodels.co.uk/product/hm-armed-cutter-sherbourne-1763/

 

The owner of Vanguard (@chris watton) is on the forum if you run into any questions. I built the HM Alert as my first planked wooden ship and the material, instructions, etc were all very high quality.

Edited May 13 by VTHokiEE

[Roger Pellett]

Some different advice:

 

Assuming that you have access to a basic collection of hand tools and know how to use them, your first model should be the one that you really want to build; kit or scratch it really doesn’t matter.  Plodding thru a beginner kit that does not interest you will not increase your interest in the hobby.  It is my opinion that .most ship modeling projects are abandoned when the builder loses interest not because they are too difficult.

 

I likewise, do not see plastic modeling as an entry to building wooden models.  Plastic modeling appears to have reached a level of sophistication where it can stand on its own as a separate modeling experience.  While I don’t personally build plastic models, I enjoy scanning the threads posted for both ship and aircraft plastic models.  Much of the work is incredible.

 

Another entry point would be the series of kits developed and sold directly by the Nautical Research Guild.  So far they offer three modeling kits:  A planking model, A capstan model, and coming soon a rigging model.  These are short term projects that would give the novice builder a taste for ship modeling without a making a major time or cost commitment.

 

Roger

Edited May 13 by Roger Pellett

[Bob Cleek]

3 hours ago, Roger Pellett said:

Assuming that you have access to a basic collection of hand tools and know how to use them, your first model should be the one that you really want to build; kit or scratch it really doesn’t matter.

I urge you to take Roger's sage advice in the post above to heart.  I completely agree with his observations. If the subject you are modeling doesn't enthuse you to one degree or another through to the end of the build, the end of the build is quite likely not going to happen. As Dirty Harry said, "A man's got to know his limitations."

 

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!  A cutter or a schooner make great first models.

[Keith Black]

 Welcome to MSW. Whatever choice you make I hope it goes well. Glad to have you aboard. 

[rob444b]

I am fairly new to this also and started with the Model expo ship shipwright series. A series of 3 boats each a little more complex. They can be bought as a set or individually, They have a plan if you build the first (Grand Banks Dory) and send them a picture of it you will get full credit for your next build. I had a lot of fun with these kits and I think you learn a lot going from one to the other.

 

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

 

Rob

[mtaylor]

[O-Nurse]

Wow thank you everyone some great advice and really making me feel welcome too so yeah thank you. getting paid soon and birthdya next week so hopefully not long and i can purchase my first kit! will keep you all updated! Thanks again

[ubjs]

I think Occre Polaris is a good beginner kit.  A good build log:

 

[Stevinne]

I would recommend going to Model Expo and signing up for their email list. They have sales just about every week and the email will keep you abreast. I'd also recommend getting your hands on "Ship Modeling Simplified" by Frank Mastini, which I found invaluable when building my first kit. The book clearly and simply lays out what to do in each step of construction.

 

[Frank Burroughs]

On 5/13/2024 at 5:59 PM, rob444b said:

Model expo ship shipwright series

I bought this and find it very instructive and straight forward.  A great place to start and learn the basics before a tougher model.

 

Which ever model you start with, buy the best tools you can afford.

[hamilton]

Lots of good advice here - I'll chime in with an extension on Frank's advice above - this is not a cheap hobby and tools are as important as kits - given what you say about yourself above, I imagine you've got some decent tools - but modelling tools can get quite specialised on the tool front - your full sized table saw is a little too much for the kinds of jobs a miniature table saw gets put to in ship modelling, for example, and it's doubtful that you'll need to invest in a micro-lathe to turn your own canons or rail stanchions until you get right into the weeds of the craft. I built my first kit with little more than a dremel tool, some #10 and #11 exacto blades, a set of small stainless steel tweezers, a pin vice with a set of micro drill bits, a little saw and a ball peen hammer - all purchased on the cheap to begin with and then replaced with better quality stuff as I discovered that this is something I like doing and want to keep doing and learning about. With some of the beginner kits from Model Shipways (which I would recommend as first attempt) that's all you need and since the beginner kits are usually quite affordable you're not breaking the bank just to see if you're into the hobby or not. 

 

It's tempting to go for a fully rigged ship of the line or a big 19th century clipper, since they look so cool, especially in the hands of some the pros on here. But they will very rapidly overwhelm if you don't first develop a general feel for the craft and work your way up - starting small and joining this forum are two decisions you won't regret!

hamilton

[Loracs]

A short comment here...  I'm still a beginner myself.  Truly understand you about the requirement for doing full scratch build.  You need the instruments and the space for it.  This is why I got with kit.  Having say that, the kit manufacturer does matter.  Spending countless hours on a build mean you want a good outcome.  Materials matter. 

 

I heard VERY good thing for kit available at Syren and Vanguard.  I will look at those.  Same goes with some Chinese manufacturer but you have to be far more careful to choose a reputable company.  Some other may be able to guide you here.  Just to start your choice:

 

Syren Ship Model Company|Boxwood ship model rigging blocks|Ship Model rigging rope |turned brass cannon| Chuck Passaro

Model Kits – VANGUARD MODELS

 

Lastly, once you narrow down to few model... search here for build log(s).  The more the better.  It will teach you so much as you progress one on your own.

 

Edited May 15 by Loracs

[RossR]

7 minutes ago, hamilton said:

this is not a cheap hobby

I am going to give a different perspective on the cost.  I have two hobbies.  Golf and model ships.  I spend $60 on a four hour round of golf ($15 per hour) and I spend $300 - $400 for a ship kit that I spend 500 - 1000 hours building (yes I am not very fast).  Add $200 for some basic tools and that works out to less than $1 an hour.  You certainly don't need power tools to build a kit.  I have spent some money on some tool upgrades, but those are nice to have and not need to have items.  The money an individual spends on tools can vary greatly, but there is no reason you can't get the basics for a couple hundred dollars.  The only power tool I don't think I could get by without is a power drill that I use when tapering a dowel for a mast or yard.  

[hamilton]

Yes, Ross, but the amortization case is relative to cash flow, so the logic might not work for everyone - if I don't have $500 to drop on a model kit, then it doesn't matter how long it takes me to build it. As you might be able to tell from my signature, I clearly have a hard time following what I call "logic" myself! In any case, not knowing exactly the financial situation of other modellers, I hesitate to make recommendations based on what I might be able to afford. Personally, I applaud the efforts of designers like Chuck and CAF who offer larger, more expensive builds in chapter form - this immediately makes the economic calculus of this hobby a little easier to work for more potential modellers and is a very welcome business innovation in the current economic climate.

 

Your Diana looks great, by the way!

hamilton

[Wawona59]

For a first ship model I would have to recommend the Model Shipways "Shipwright Series" of three models.  This series was designed by renowned ship modeler David Antscherl.  The modeling series begins with a dory followed by a pram which is a little more challenging and ending with a shipjack.  Model Expo has these kits on sale now.  They are also offering the "Shipwright Series" as a combo which includes a basic set of tools, glue and paint.  Once you successfully complete this series, you'll be ready to take on something more challenging.

There are a number of reputable wooden ship manufacturers such as Syren, Vanguard, Bluejacket and Model Shipways.  Be careful of some disreputable manufacturers who use other manufacturer's designs without permission to make their own kits.  Checkout the list of banned manufacturers elsewhere on MSW.

 

 Welcome to Model Ship World and the wonderful hobby of ship modeling.

 

 

[James H]

It might be useful to set some time aside and read through this topic. This is aimed directly at the sort of questions you ask. 

 

 

[mtaylor]

I'll toss in my 2 cents on this... consider the NRG's Half Hull Model.  It's rather inexpensive and will give you a solid foundation for future models.   

[SkiBee]

40 years ago I started with a solid hull model and failed to get past step one.  I've built a lot of plastic models but never went back to try a wood model, shaping a hull and the rigging intimidated me.  A couple of years ago I decided to try my hand at wood models and saw an advertisement for Model Expo & Shipways models.  I started with the Model Shipways 3 ship beginners set and they took me step by step and I learned a lot of skills and knowledge for a fair price.  So much I tried my hand at a solid hull again and it's been successful so far.

   I highly recommend the Model Shipways Shipwright 3 Kit Series. By the time you finish the 3rd boat, the Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack, you will have the skills to take on anything.  They might be small and appear to be simple, but that's what you want in the beginning and to learn the basic skills, then try the other models.

[ERS Rich]

Welcome.

 

Start with something small and inexpensive.  Open boat, fishing boat, a single mast at the most.  Something that can be quickly finished.  Check the post about those who start big projects and never finish.

 

 

Good luck with it….

Edited May 22 by ERS Rich