Seeking recommendations for next Build

[BurgundyModels]

Hey guys & gals,

 

Hoping to get a conversation going for some advice on my next kit, or maybe just point me in the right direction? I have a few kits under my belt now (Occre Polaris & Golden Hind, Model Shipways 3-part collection, and about 75% done with the Vanguard Sherbourne).

 

My goal when starting this hobby initially was to work upwards in terms of scale and complexity, and every kit has been challenging it its own way so far. Can't say enough good things about the Vanguard Sherbourne, the precut parts and lines make construction simplified. 

 

For my next build, I was leaning toward something Brig sized, and was looking at a few options that might be in my wheelhouse both size and complexity wise:

 

• Caldercraft's Brig Badger (LOVE the history with this one)
• Caldercraft's Brig Supply
• Model Shipways Brig Fair American
• Vanguards Brig Flirt
• Vanguards Speedy
• US Brig Syren (LOVE the history on this one too. I'm from the US so leaning this way). 

 

Overall I'm leaning toward the Syren, and have gone through quite a many build logs here. Some of the logs give me confidence, while some give me pause. Is it wise to build something "intermediate" before tackling something like the Syren? Or just dive right into one? I know what it takes now to finish these kits, and am not daunted by time or cost. 

 

Quality of materials and instructions is also important to me, as I'm not quite new, but also not experienced enough to take things on without proper resources and good quality material. Happy to replace any lackluster parts with "aftermarket" additions as well.

 

So maybe hoping that someone tells me that I'm crazy for diving into something that complex, or validates. Either way. 

 

Appreciate you guys taking a moment to read this, I love the community here!

 

Thanks,

 

Ron

[ccoyle]

My $0.02 worth:

• Badger and Supply will both make beautiful models, but they are dated designs. Chris Watton designed them, but his newer designs from Vanguard Models are much improved. I think you will find either of the Caldercraft kits like taking a step backward in terms of kit quality.
• Fair American also makes a nice model, but Model Shipways kits generally provide you with far fewer pre-cut parts than a Vanguard design. The builder is expected to make many parts using measurements taken directly from the plans. Model Shipways also uses more off-the-shelf fittings than Vanguard.
• You can't go wrong with Flirt or Speedy.
• Syren was designed by our very own Chuck Passaro, but the kit is manufactured by Model Shipways, so I think some of the caveats about Model Shipways kits may apply, although Chuck can give you a much better answer on that. Chuck has also written a very detailed practicum for that kit, and we have seen multiple fine finished examples of it here at MSW.

Other than that, if you can build a cutter successfully, than you should be ready for a brig.

 

Cheers!

[tmj]

34 minutes ago, BurgundyModels said:

So maybe hoping that someone tells me that I'm crazy for diving into something that complex, or validates. Either way. 

Nobody can tell you what you are truly capable of accomplishing... not even yourself! If you find something that you like, "Go for it!" Take your time and advance your skills as you go. Practice any new operations that you are unsure about using scrap materials first. Odds are that you'll do just fine on any model that you choose! Confidence is a big thing, and confidence comes from building upon past accomplishments via new endeavors. Don't view the somewhat more advanced skill level of the Syren as something to be afraid of... see it as your newest achievable 'goal' to take on! 🙂

 

"Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good that we oft might win by our fears to even attempt!"

    ... William Shakespeare

[BurgundyModels]

@ccoyle I absolutely appreciate the $.02, and what you wrote certainly tracks with a lot of the posts I've been reading here. I was afraid that when I picked up a Vanguard kit it would spoil me in terms of design and quality! Badger certainly grabs my eye for the historical quality, and while definitely not on par with the Vanguard stuff, I'm hoping a decent enough experience? I wasn't able to find the instruction manuals like the ones readily provided by OcCre and Vanguard.

 

I once read here that the Syren doubles as a teaching kit, which also has me leaning in that direction. 

 

@tmj I appreciate the vote of confidence! Anything new we take on is certainly daunting at first, but as I've seen with so many build logs here, anything is achievable with some patience and practice. 

 

[Ronald-V]

6 hours ago, BurgundyModels said:

Badger certainly grabs my eye for the historical quality, and while definitely not on par with the Vanguard stuff, I'm hoping a decent enough experience? I wasn't able to find the instruction manuals like the ones readily provided by OcCre and Vanguard.

 

Here you go! The manuals of the Badger, Pickle, Granado, Victory and William are to download on the site from Jotika/Caldercraft

http://www.jotika-ltd.com/Pages/1024768/Manuals_Badger.htm