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 March 2 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     

[SaltyScot]

Welcome aboard! I look forward to seeing your first build!

[Digitalis]

Thank you, everyone! I’m excited to start my first build. After a lot of research, I’ve decided to begin with La Niña by Artesania Latina. The kit should arrive in one or two days. In the meantime, I’ve been watching videos and reading articles to learn about the different techniques I’ll need to master—especially planking, which seems tricky.
 

That brings me to a question I have. It looks like this kit requires a second veneer layer of planks over the first one. Is that absolutely necessary? If I do a good job on the first layer, is there still a need for the second?

I can see how it might help if I mess up—it could be a way to salvage the build—but if I get it right the first time, I’m wondering if it’s worth the extra step. Since I plan to taper the planks as they reach each end and curve them properly in both directions, I’m curious how much harder it would be to repeat that process with a much thinner plank of veneer for the second layer. Any thoughts?

Edited Thursday at 04:11 AM by Digitalis

[vossiewulf]

9 minutes ago, Digitalis said:

That brings me to a question I have. It looks like this kit requires a second veneer layer of planks over the first one. Is that absolutely necessary? If I do a good job on the first layer, is there still a need for the second?

First, the wood for the first planking layer is chosen for its cheapness, not its appearance. The second layer is made of better, more attractive wood. Second, the kit is designed assuming two layers of planking for the fitting of the keel and rails and such. Further, to be honest, your first layer of planking probably won't go as well as you hope it would unless you have extensive small scale woodworking experience. You need that first layer to figure out what the heck planking is and what the factors are and how to handle them. Your second try will go much better. 

[Digitalis]

I forgot to mention that since I’m new to this hobby, I want to use this build as an opportunity to learn as many techniques as possible. I’ll probably customize the ship in various ways to practice different skills.

One of my main goals is to “inflate” the sails or shape them to look like they’re filled with wind. I’ve been researching some really cool ideas on how to achieve that, but I just noticed something odd about this kit. It seems the mainsail on the La Niña is portrayed as being sandwiched between the ropes (shrouds?) on either side of the ship that support the mast. That feels a bit strange, wouldn’t the shrouds get in the way if the wind were blowing?
 

My goal is to depict the sails in a dynamic way, similar to the cover of the Heller kit I’ve seen. Can this model be adjusted to allow me to portray the sails like that?

[Keith Black]

 There is a search box on the home page, it is very useful.

 

https://modelshipworld.com/search/?q=sails&quick=1

[mtaylor]