irtmks Posted September 7 Share #1 Posted September 7 Hello, I am sure many of you all have started this modeling journey for many varied reasons. Mine might be a little different. When I was a young fellow, many years ago, I was in the Coast Guard working Drug Enforcement, Search & Rescue & Recovery in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. I ended up my time with missing body parts and what the VA calls Extreme PTSD. Later in life I worked internationally as an engineer, I am sure that I chose this specific occupation for the solitary lifestyle it afforded. I worked and lived in over 43 countries, I initially retired very early (50) after extended experiences in China relating to many, many prisoner executions (While building factories) all occurring over a few year period. Now retired, I actively search ways to,..... well lets just say adjust and survive! A year or so ago, my wife (who plays Mandolin) thrust a guitar in my hands, and told me to "learn how to play it." I had always been keen on instrument repairs, but had never actually played. I soon found that the complexity, beauty, and peacefulness of this instrument allowed a kind of therapy that I had not known before. Flashbacks, Daymares, did not occur while engaged. We now play everyday. I have started teaching Guitar at ASU, a program for Veterans with Brain Trauma. You see, because of work choices, events, lifestyle, etc. I have never really been "part" of much. Other than my wife, I have worked alone, lived alone, without much in the way of social activities (including Internet Forums, HaHa). I have a background in Guitar and instrument building and repair, I have always enjoyed the micro-world of precession woodworking. I lived onboard our Hunter Sailboat for nearly two years. We have both found the peace of "The Water's solitude." So not sure how it popped up, but, somehow this Forum happened upon my screen? I did not search it, did not request it, did not click on an add for it???? Am not sure, but I think I was searching for miniature slot files for making Guitar nuts, maybe?? Anyway, before I could control myself, I had signed up, and had ordered a Lowell Dory model. So here I am, Just in the hours of reading and planning, I have found possibly a new "Tool" in my PTSD toolbox. My mind has been consumed with modeling and thus the "bad" stuff keeps away. Thank you ALL for what you do here, and know that what you do maybe a bit "more" for some of us, than just a hobby! Thanks dvm27, SiriusVoyager, ccoyle and 18 others 20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacquesCousteau Posted September 7 Share #2 Posted September 7 Welcome! Modeling can definitely be a very meditative experience. Doing a build log for the dory would definitely help with getting through the inevitable complications of any build, this is a very supportive community. Jack12477, druxey, Keith Black and 2 others 5 Quote Current Builds: Lake Chapala Canoa de Rancho (1:32) [Scratch]; Lancha Chilota Coasting Sloop (1:32) [Scratch]; Completed Kit Builds: Model Shipways Dory (1:24); NRG Half-Hull Planking Kit (1:48); Midwest Maine Peapod (1:14) [Kit] Completed Scratch Builds: Xochimilco Trajinera (1:32); Juana y José Cross Section (1:32) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Black Posted September 7 Share #3 Posted September 7 (edited) A hearty welcome to MSW. Hopefully MSW and ship modeling allows you to stay a step ahead of those unwanted memories. Glad to have you aboard. Edited September 8 by Keith Black druxey, mtaylor, Ferrus Manus and 2 others 5 Quote Current Builds: 1870's Sternwheeler, Lula Wood Hull Screw Frigate USS Tennessee Decorative Carrack Warship Restoration, the Amelia Completed: 1880s Floating Steam Donkey Pile Driver Early Swift 1805 Model Restoration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPDDET Posted September 7 Share #4 Posted September 7 Welcome to the Zen of model shipbuilding mtaylor, druxey, Ferrus Manus and 3 others 6 Quote Current build: NRG Half Hull Previous build: MS Bluenose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandpaPhil Posted September 7 Share #5 Posted September 7 Welcome! And I wholeheartedly second what @CPDDET said about welcome to the Zen of model ship building! Ferrus Manus, Keith Black, Jack12477 and 3 others 6 Quote Building: 1:64 HMS Revenge (Victory Models plans) 1:64 Cat Esther (17th Century Dutch Merchant Ships) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knocklouder Posted September 8 Share #6 Posted September 8 This is definitely the best place to be, everything is right here. As far as Zen go's I don't know, I still hear voices telling me to buy another model. Good luck on your journey.!! Bob M. druxey, mtaylor, GrandpaPhil and 4 others 7 Quote Start so you can Finish !! Finished: The Sea of Galilee Boat-Scott Miller-1:20 , Amati } Hannah Ship in a Bottle:Santa Maria : LA Pinta : La Nana : The Mayflower : Viking Ship Drakkar The King Of the Mississippi Artesania Latina 1:80 Current Build: Royal Yacht, Duchess of Kingston-Vanguard Models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lad Posted September 8 Share #7 Posted September 8 Hello, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'. Model making can certainly be a peaceful and absorbing activity! John Keith Black, thibaultron, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted September 8 Share #8 Posted September 8 druxey, Keith Black and thibaultron 3 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...
druxey Posted September 8 Share #9 Posted September 8 I can personally attest to the therapeutic effect of both model-making and music. And yes, it's also meditative and zen-like when one is 'in the zone'. Welcome aboard. Ferrus Manus, thibaultron, Keith Black and 1 other 4 Quote Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knightyo Posted September 8 Share #10 Posted September 8 Welcome! You hit the jackpot in finding this forum. One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to brew up my beverage of choice and casually view others' build logs. Eventually, you'll notice that you are developing a preferred niche to view, and will probably then start a model in that niche. It's nice to have others' build logs to refer to when you are building your own model as you can see how others have worked their way through challenging sections. I may be in the minority, but I get more satisfaction in viewing other people's posts about their work than I do in actually doing my own work. Now that covers mornings. For evenings, it's nice to fall asleep after reading historical fiction in this genre and there is almost a cult-like following of the books authored by Patrick O'Brien; the Master and Commander series of books. There are 21 books in the series and many people find them to be very soothing to read; I've been reading the series annually for years and years now. We've all heard of comfort food; these become comfort books for a lot of people. Alan mtaylor, Keith Black and thibaultron 3 Quote Alan's POB Build Log HMS Triton 1/64 Alan's POB Build Log USS Syren 1/64 Alan's Build Log Nina 1/106 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loracs Posted September 8 Share #11 Posted September 8 (edited) I had a similar experience but with other issues, long story short... Building model ship is an excellent way to occupy mind and body. The fascination in the background history, admiration of the initial builders and their beautiful - yet practical- designs, the development of technical skills that keep growing, problem solving and bashing outlet for the perfectionist, and mostly the beauty and satisfaction of the final model. I'm happy having discovered this world... Edited September 8 by Loracs thibaultron, mtaylor and Keith Black 3 Quote Completed Build: Chinese Pirate Junk Current Build: HMS Revenge Current Build: Bireme, Greek Warship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baker Posted September 8 Share #12 Posted September 8 thibaultron, Keith Black and mtaylor 3 Quote Regards, Patrick Finished : Soleil Royal Heller 1/100 Wasa Billing Boats Bounty Revell 1/110 plastic (semi scratch) Pelican / Golden Hind 1/45 scratch Current build : Mary Rose 1/50 scratch große-jacht / Yacht D'Oro 1/50 Corel Gallery : Revell Bounty Pelican/Golden hind 1/45 scratch Shore leave, non ship models build logs : ADGZ M35 funkwagen 1/72 Einhets Pkw. Kfz.2 and 4 1/72 Autoblinda AB40 1/72 122mm A-19 & 152mm ML-20 & 12.8cm Pak.44 {K8 1/2} 1/72 10.5cm Howitzer 16 on Mark. VI(e) Centurion Mk.1 conversion M29 Weasel 1/72 SAM6 1/72 T26 Finland T26 TN 1/72 Autoprotetto S37 1/72 Opel Blitz buses 1/72 Boxer and MAN trucks 1/72 Hetzer38(t) Starr 1/72 Cleaning the 1/72 military collection Si vis pacem, para bellum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wawona59 Posted September 8 Share #13 Posted September 8 Welcome to MSW irtmks, I use modeling as therapy myself. Working on a wooden ship model, or any other model for that matter, with Lute or Cello music in the background has helped me to relax. You chose a good boat kit to start with. There are several build logs on the MSW forum. You find the kit build logs on the main page of MSW. Model Shipways also offers a shipwright combo featuring the Lowell Dory and two additional progressively challenging projects. Model Shipways Shipwright Series (modelexpo-online.com) Welcome Aboard to the MSW forum. Lots of friendly folks here worldwide. Snug Harbor Johnny, thibaultron, GrandpaPhil and 2 others 5 Quote Wawona 59 John Next Project: Gifts for friends: 18th Century Pinnace, Kayak 17, Kayak 21 Indefinite Hold for the future: 1/96 Flying Fish, Model Shipways Wish list for "Seattle Connection" builds: 1/96 Lumber Schooner Wawona, 1/32 Hydroplane Slo-Mo-Shun IV, 1/96 Arthur Foss tug, 1/64 Duwamish cedar dugout canoe, 1/96 Downeaster "St. Paul" Selected Previous Completed Builds: Revell - 1/96 Thermopylae; Revell - 1/96 Cutty Sark, Revell - 1/96 Constitution, Aurora - Whaling Bark Wanderer, Model Shipways - 1/96 Phantom, AL - 1805 Pilot Boat Swift, Midwest - Chesapeake Bay Flattie, Monitor and Merrimac, Model Trailways - Doctor's Buggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irtmks Posted September 8 Author Share #14 Posted September 8 Thank you all for the warm reception and suggestions. They are all meaningful and will be useful. Again, thank you Keith Black, thibaultron, CPDDET and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDW Posted September 8 Share #15 Posted September 8 (edited) In general, I find any form of scale modeling to be therapeutic as long as I don't get too carried away with it. Given the opportunity, it can become obsessive, and in my humble opinion, life should be as "rounded" as possible. Edited September 8 by CDW GrandpaPhil, thibaultron, Jack12477 and 1 other 4 Quote Completed Projects: USS Fletcher 1:144 Scharnhorst 1:350 USS Independence LCS-2 1:350 1:32 J7W1 Shinden Interceptor/Fighter Fairey Swordfish Mk. II 1:48 Harbor Tug Box Scale Albatros D.V 1:32 Ala-Kart 1:25 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder 1:24 S-100 Schnellboot 1:72 Mercury Capsule and Atlas Booster BR-52 Steam Locomotive 1:35 Triumph 3 HW Motorcycle 1:9 Scale F-16XL-2 Experimental Fighter Bomber 1:48 Rafale 1:48 F-15E Strike Eagle 1:48 Petlyakov PE-2 Soviet Dive Bomber 1:48 TBM3 Avenger 1:32 1931 Cadillac 1:25 Scammell Pioneer SV2S Heavy Breakdown Tractor 1:35 M-50 Israeli Sherman 1:35 Military Wrecker 1:32 Delahaye 135 1:24 Toyota Sard Supra GT 1:24 Enzo Ferrari 1:24 1970 Baldwin Motion Camaro 1:25 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Stock Car 1:25 American LaFrance Eagle Fire Pumper 1:25 1940 Ford Standard Coupe 1:25 VolksWagen Dragster/Dune Buggy/Street Rod 1:25 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon 1:12 Porsche GT-1 Evo 1:24 Scharnhorst 1940 1:700 IJN Akitsushima Seaplane Tender 1:700 HMS Hood 1941 1:700 Prinz Eugen 1942 1:700 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiriusVoyager Posted September 10 Share #16 Posted September 10 Welcome to MSW! I hope the hobby and the forums can provide some therapy for you! mtaylor, thibaultron and Keith Black 3 Quote - Eric Drafting: Sultan Arab Dhow Finished: Norwegian Sailing Pram, Lowell Grand Banks Dory, Muscongus bay lobster smack, OcCre Palamos, San Francisco Cross Section Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Cambo Posted September 13 Share #17 Posted September 13 On 9/7/2024 at 11:39 PM, irtmks said: Hello, I am sure many of you all have started this modeling journey for many varied reasons. Mine might be a little different. When I was a young fellow, many years ago, I was in the Coast Guard working Drug Enforcement, Search & Rescue & Recovery in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. I ended up my time with missing body parts and what the VA calls Extreme PTSD. Later in life I worked internationally as an engineer, I am sure that I chose this specific occupation for the solitary lifestyle it afforded. I worked and lived in over 43 countries, I initially retired very early (50) after extended experiences in China relating to many, many prisoner executions (While building factories) all occurring over a few year period. Now retired, I actively search ways to,..... well lets just say adjust and survive! A year or so ago, my wife (who plays Mandolin) thrust a guitar in my hands, and told me to "learn how to play it." I had always been keen on instrument repairs, but had never actually played. I soon found that the complexity, beauty, and peacefulness of this instrument allowed a kind of therapy that I had not known before. Flashbacks, Daymares, did not occur while engaged. We now play everyday. I have started teaching Guitar at ASU, a program for Veterans with Brain Trauma. You see, because of work choices, events, lifestyle, etc. I have never really been "part" of much. Other than my wife, I have worked alone, lived alone, without much in the way of social activities (including Internet Forums, HaHa). I have a background in Guitar and instrument building and repair, I have always enjoyed the micro-world of precession woodworking. I lived onboard our Hunter Sailboat for nearly two years. We have both found the peace of "The Water's solitude." So not sure how it popped up, but, somehow this Forum happened upon my screen? I did not search it, did not request it, did not click on an add for it???? Am not sure, but I think I was searching for miniature slot files for making Guitar nuts, maybe?? Anyway, before I could control myself, I had signed up, and had ordered a Lowell Dory model. So here I am, Just in the hours of reading and planning, I have found possibly a new "Tool" in my PTSD toolbox. My mind has been consumed with modeling and thus the "bad" stuff keeps away. Thank you ALL for what you do here, and know that what you do maybe a bit "more" for some of us, than just a hobby! Thanks Here in the UK we have an organisation called Models for Heroes. OK this is more aimed at plastic models but is aimed at ex forces men and women who have PTSD. They rely on donations from model builders (we all have kits in our stashes that we know we will never build) I went down to a local donation model shop with about 6 kits one day. Do you have anything like that in the States? Cheers, Mark mtaylor, Keith Black, GrandpaPhil and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irtmks Posted September 13 Author Share #18 Posted September 13 Thanks for the thoughts. The local VA hospital has group sessions for crafts, models, etc. Because it is a group setting, the idea is to talk as you build. I am sure good for some, and maybe someday me, but I have not done well in groups. Except the guitars for vets program that i now help teach. I think the difference is that we don't talk while we play. We just focus on playing and that works well with me so far.... maybe someday? Again thank you Keith Black, mtaylor, Ryland Craze and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snug Harbor Johnny Posted September 13 Share #19 Posted September 13 We all 'pick our passions', and I had a number of different ones over the years depending on finances, fitness and circumstance. Ship modeling at my stage in life is a good outlet for my OCD tendencies, which is typical for good Pharmacy workers - I work per-diem as a Technician (formerly a manufacturing engineer for aircraft parts ... another exacting career). The idea is to continue learning and doing any way one can to extend the years of a relatively healthy mind and body. Keith Black, Ryland Craze, GrandpaPhil and 1 other 4 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...
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