Admitting some kits are now beyond me.

[bigcreekdad]

I am struggling through the Erycina build. I was pretty much OK until I got to the rigging. Likely just my age, but the rigging plans are confusing to me. I decided to study Glenn's build log, which is a master piece BTW, and it was helpful showing close ups of most of the rigging process. However, I am finding this so challenging any progress I do make is so slow as to make it "no fun" anymore. 

 

I think Vanguard's kits are absolutely top shelf for the most part (still not crazy about etched brass fittings of the size in the kit), but that;s just my opinion. Not only in my late 70s which (whether you admit or not) makes it harder to figure things out, but also, due to an occlusion (ie stroke) in my right eye many years ago I am blind in much of the lower eye. 

 

But, I absolutely am not willing to quit this hobby. I think I need to look for a kit that is a bit easier on the mind and eyes. I have a longboat in the wings and I will likely start that soon, but I want to find a ship as well....obviously larger scale and less complex rigging.

 

I recently bought Vanguard's cutter Alert kit. The kit looks awesome, but looks more complex than Erycina. Rather than struggle through it, I will be selling it (totally intact kit) and search for something else. I would appreciate any thoughts. I have completed so far Ochre's Dos Amigos, Model Shipways Bluenose Caldercraft's Sherbourne, Pickle and Mortar Vessel Convulsion.

[Gregory]

The rigging  is at the heart of the era represented by these ships, i.e., " The Age of Sail ".. 

I admit, rigging can really bog down the joy of the hobby, for me I try to keep more than one project going so that I can switch back and forth from the different stages.

 

Without sails, you get a nice look  with just lifts, halyards and braces.

 

Make it work for you.

 

 

[ccoyle]

Sounds like smallcraft are the way to go, especially since many of them exist in kit form in larger scales and, being aimed largely at beginners, often offer considerable scope for super-detailing. Take a look at the kits produced by BlueJacket Shipcrafters and the Midwest Products line at Model Expo.

[grsjax]

Take a look at Model Shipways Bounty Launch and their Willie Bennett Skipjack kits.  Both are large scale and have fairly simple rigging.

[Kevin]

Vanguard Models @chris watton    is presently selling a limited stock of the Viking longship Oseberg, at 1/24 is a nice size

Edited 17 hours ago by Kevin

[rcweir]

One of the appealing characteristics of 20th century ships is that they don't have much rigging.    In that vein, Billing Boats offers a nice selection of tug boats.  (I love tug boats, but so far have only built one of theirs.)

[Cathead]

9 hours ago, bigcreekdad said:

I want to find a ship as well....obviously larger scale and less complex rigging

Come over to the riverboat dark side! Model Shipway's Chaperon is an underrated kit at a large scale (1:48) that takes a reasonable level of modeling skill but has very little rigging. It's also a rare example of a riverboat kit that's actually accurate. There are some nice build logs here and @kurtvd19 has a really nice practicum that gives you a lot of extra guidance and background.

 

https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-Shipways-CHAPERON-Mississipi-Sternwheel-Steamer-148-_p_1001.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo40Nap01jT6diUyGH-8mSG8ItDwGgU6VF1-Xh1FR2w21W9mXXo

[kurtvd19]

I second Eric's recommendation of the Chaperon if Riverboats are an interest.  Most accurate kit of a Riverboat.  Don't believe the current sales hype about it being a Mississippi River craft.  It operated on the Ohio River and the Wazoo River.  Built right out of the box it is a great kit and nobody will ever criticize it but it can be made more accurate with just a bit of work.   There are a couple of build logs here on MSW.

Kurt