Silly question? Better Corel or other manufacters?

[maggsl_01]

Hi all...

 

I am new to wooden ship-modelling. So I am not expierenced with the different manufacters of model-kits in this hobby. I think about the quality of model kits. I like the Corel kits from catalogues or the pics in the Internet, but I do not know anything about buliding, materials etc. And there are so many other companies that offer kits like Artesina Latina, Amati, Mantua, Constructo, Billing Boats, Caldercraft, OcCRe... I am sure you know them all. But which one is the best? esp when you want to start with this Hobby. I am not afraid of any challenge and I am old enough and patient enough to build such a model. But of corse I want a kit that helps me to get along with may very first model. I love all around Explorers like James Cook...so I want to build his Endeavour.

 

Ok... thats it for the start. Hope you folks can help me a little for this decision

 

Thank you

Max

[realworkingsailor]

I don't think any one manufacturer would count as "the best". Some offer more stylized models, others offer some more prototypical kits. It all depends on what your goals and abilities are. The more prototypical kits tend to require a bit more skill, whereas the others may tend to be simpler in construction. Of course I'm speaking in sweeping generalizations here... So don't take what I say as the ultimate rule of law when it comes to kit quality.

 

To really get the most out of this hobby, it's best to start with something simpler, but still within your interests. Cut your teeth on an inexpensive kit. There's no point throwing down $$$$ on an expensive model only to end up tossing in in sheer frustration. If you like the Endeavour, I'd suggest starting off with an Amati "Lady Nelson" or a Caldercraft "Sherbourne" cutter. Both are fairly simple inexpensive, well designed, plank-on-bulkhead kits, of the same era. You could have either of them done within the timespan of about a year.

 

What's better, if I'm not mistaken, is Caldercraft's Endeavour is the same scale, so you could, in the long run, work your way to a nice little display.

 

Hope that helps a bit

 

Andy

[maggsl_01]

Thx Andy

 

I am also thinking about to Level down at the beginning  Perhaps a projekt like the Endeavour - unimportant which manufactor - could be a little too much... So I thought about the Brig Supply or indeed the Lady Nelson. I will take my time to decide... To start with a model that I will never end would sure be wrong...

 

But the day will come... the big Endeavour Day

[realworkingsailor]

Thx Andy

 

I am also thinking about to Level down at the beginning  Perhaps a projekt like the Endeavour - unimportant which manufactor - could be a little too much... So I thought about the Brig Supply or indeed the Lady Nelson. I will take my time to decide... To start with a model that I will never end would sure be wrong...

 

But the day will come... the big Endeavour Day

The big issue with the Endeavour that I've seen (according to a few people that have built her),is her particularly bluff bow can be a b***** to plank, even for an experienced builder. But don't let it discourage you, there are enough people around here who have succeeded building her, so it IS possible.

 

Another option you may wish to consider, is the Model Shipways "Syren". She's from a slightly later time period, but there are many here who have built her, and the kit designer himself has been known to hang around here and offer his assistance.

 

Andy

[Jay 1]

Max, in addition to Andy's excellent suggestions and advice, you might like to give some consideration to a few of Krick's (Krick is a German company) kits like the Alert:

 

http://www.krickshop.de/Produkte/Standmodelle/Bausaetze/Schiffsmodelle/Alert-Zollkutter-Baukasten.htm?shop=krick&SessionId=2693xd0b22f40316454d97eb48f896f31f659&a=article&ProdNr=20240&t=35&c=85&p=85

 

Jay

[JPett]

Ahoy Magg

 

Welcome to the MSW

 

I currently own, but have not built two Corel kits. You can find reviews on them here @ MSW.

 

As someone still working on their first build I would never recommend either of these kits to someone new. The wood, supplied parts and plans are of the highest quality, but sadly their instructions are the worst. I would recommend to anyone new to complete at least one plank on frame kit before stepping up to most of Corel's' offerings.  

 

Because I feel instructions and guidance are really important for the beginner I would recommend any kit that you buy, first down load the instructions, read them and if they make sense, then "go for it". 

 

Choosing a kit that has multiple logs here on MSW is my second bit of advice

 

And

 

I will look forward to your log here on MSW, This would be my third bit of advice

Edited September 27, 2013 by JPett

[maggsl_01]

Thx to all...

 

The Krick models are indeed very interesting, esp "Alert" and "Karl und Marie". I see I will start with a less difficult model like this ones or the one you all suggested. Now the time will be filled with looking at catalogues, looking into the portemonnaie, asking my sweet wife, which one she wants and at least buying. Next step will be my question about the necessary tools...

[jbford]

I like your Tag line.

 

Our German Shepherd is the most wonderful, loving, being in the life of my wife and I.

[Ferit]

Hi Max,

As JPett have said; Corel is very good in quality especially in wooden parts but feeble in instructions. In fact, I don't know if for all kits of this brand, this decision is valid because I am a beginner with an advanced Corel kit, Berlin. They should consider anyone who buy an advanced kit has to be an advanced modeller. For that reason, the plans of Berlin may not be completly satisfying for me. Corel's beginner kits could offer more detailed plans, I don't know. For Berlin, at every step I have to calculate all next steps for not being suprised ahead on the way...

I had thought that to be a beginner with an advanced kit was suitable for me, it was an inexpedient decision but knowing myself; the building time is too long and obstinate I am, I had thought that I could determine my limits and find some way to handle and in the case of failure I could leave the build of Berlin... It was more a will of struggle with myself than a desire of proving the self-confidence... At that time I had not been a member, so I had not seen the all fantastic builds, the masterpieces in this fabulous site... Now I know that I had had the courage of an ignorant...

Sorry for the long text but what I can propose is that if you have a confidence in yourself, your skill, determination, patience after looking and observing all fantastic builds and precious knowledges in this precious forum you can choose any kit you want, knowing now at which attitude and altitude you can be (Please Max, don't exaggerate!...)... In these conditions the only thing you haven't is the experience... Do and see!...

The important is to build what you want, do not waste your time with a piece that you don't love, do not pretend to be building...

Time is precious...

[maggsl_01]

Hi folks...

 

there are so MUCH beautiful ships I would like to build, so it is ok to me to start with a beginner-level-model. Not sure yet, as there are also a lot of interesting ships like Brig Supply or - as I am german and I was to the Baltic Sea I know the Kogge in real. What I am a little bit afraid of is the rigging. I do not want to use sails, but the rigging is something to fascinate me. But bulidling??? Wow... But again: I think I start on a level I can handle with a estimated time of about one year and then - if modelling wooden ships still satisfies me  - climb up the skill-ladder ...

 

I am expierenced with any kind of plastic modelling - esp diorama - and resin-ships (artitec) http://www.busl.de But historic ships are my dream. So I will do it ...

 

M.

[JPett]

Ahoy M

 

As for tools, you could spend a fortune but to start all you need are some really sharp hobby knives, a hobby saw with a miter box  (fine tooth blade), assorted sandpaper (80 to 360 grid) or glass paper as Corel calls it, some eye protection, a few small hobby files, a pin vise with a couple of bits, a few small clamps (clothes pins will do), good lighting and a place to work. Having a very sharp knife is very important so replacement blades or a strop is also needed. I have a strop. They take some time to master but my blades can split hairs and last for months. Replacement blades are all the beginner needs

 

As you progress you will find certain tasks would be better accomplished with additional tools and your collection with grow. I am a big fan of the "Foremost Miter sander" http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXG876&P=FR but others could not build without a plane which I, only after a year have begun to look into.

 

There are also some very good threads here on MSW regarding this same subject with different views. It really is subjective, as a guy I find it hard to not buy a tool.

Edited September 27, 2013 by JPett

[mtaylor]

M.

I've got two links...

The first is has several articles on choosing a kit:  http://modelshipworldforum.com/ship-model-plans-and-research.php

 

This link has some articles on tool selection: http://modelshipworldforum.com/ship-model-materials-and-tools.php

[maggsl_01]

Thx all... You are SO kind....

 

As I am a modeller (but not yet Wood) I have almost all tools you mention... so... I can start to find the right kit...

 

m.

[JPett]

Ahoy Max

 

I visited your site, Mila is beautiful (as are your other works) and seems like she will be most helpful in this endeavor. In a supportive role of course.

 

Good luck and as I said before I will look forward to your log