Recommend Model Shipways kit to buy (with my new credit)

[palmerit]

So even though I bought the three-model "MODEL SHIPWAYS SHIPWRIGHT 3 KIT COMBO SERIES", I was able to submit my receipt and a photo of me and my completed Dory to take advantage of their "Build the Dory for Free" offer (https://modelexpo-online.com/free-dory-promo.html).

 

So now I have a $69.49 credit at Model Expo.

 

Can someone recommend a good Model Shipways kit to buy and build? Here are the ones I've looked at:

Bluenose

18th Century Longboat

Virginia Armed Sloop

HMS Bounty Launch

 

I've checked out some build logs (more for some than others) but I didn't know if anyone had experience with these that could make a recommendation (whether they'd recommend one or another based on their experience building one or more of these or based on research they did in making a purchasing decision themselves).

Edited Tuesday at 09:31 PM by palmerit

[CiscoH]

my first ship model was the 18th century longboat.  it was challenging but rewarding (i really like the finished product) and it got me hooked on this hobby.  presently i’m building the armed virginia sloop and its a good step up in complexity yet small and simple enough that i have a chance of finishing it.  i personally dont like prefab parts like etched sheets, printed single piece decks, and resin carvings; i would rather make all this from scratch which is what you can expect from these kits.

 

i have an active build log for the AVS that i update every few weeks here on MSW.  you can also get clayton feldman’s book, there is a practicum by Laukstreetshipyard which i found helpful, and Chuck’s Cheerful directions are also often pertinent.  so lots of extra help out there should you want it for the AVS.

[GrandpaPhil]

I really liked their kit of the Sultana.

 

It’s a great intro to a lot of skill sets that you will use a lot of later on, and a good step up from the smaller boats.

Edited Wednesday at 12:34 PM by GrandpaPhil

[GGibson]

After working on two of the Model Expo Shipwright Series boats, I built the Ballahoo and then the Bluenose.  

 

The Bluenose was a fun ship for me to build and I learned a lot more about the build process (especially rigging) working on her.  Highly recommend.  Best wishes on whatever you choose!