Hi everyone!

[Digitalis]

Hi everyone, I recently stumbled across some model ship-building videos online and instantly fell in love with the idea of trying it myself. Right now, I’m in the research phase, getting a feel for the hobby and figuring out the best way to dive in. My main goal is to build models of the two caravels and the nao from Columbus’s voyage—the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

I had the chance to see their real-life replicas during a trip to Spain, and ever since, I’ve dreamed of creating my own versions someday. As an artist by trade, so I'm very detail oriented and I’m aiming for something I can take pride in, so I’m trying to find the manufacturer known for the best quality materials and detailed instructions. I’d prefer a larger scale if possible.

If you have any experience with these three ships, which one would you recommend starting with as a beginner? Are these ships okay for a first-time builder? And which manufacturer do you suggest or consider the best?

Thanks for any help or recommendations you may have.

[Keith Black]

 Welcome to MSW. Glad to have you aboard. 

[Baker]

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

 

Caravels make excellent beginner models!

 

Dusek ship kits makes an excellent set of kits of Columbus’s kits.

 

The owner, @Daniel Dusek is on this forum as well.

 

The combo set is here:

https://www.dusekshipkits.com/columbus-ships-combo
 

They are also sold individually.

Edited 20 hours ago by GrandpaPhil

[ccoyle]

Welcome aboard!

[Knocklouder]

Hello,  

I can't speak on which manufacturer is the best . I simply do not know. When I started modeling 3 and half years ago , I started with Amati Santa Maria , then the LA Pinta followed by La Nina.. If I had to do them over I would do them in the reverse order. La Nina is the easiest to do because of the sails . They were great kits to put together. As far as authenticity goes I was told that each manufacturer has there own view.. I happened to like my Columbus ships by Amati. 

  Good luck on your journey!!

Knocklouder