Hello From a Modeler's Son!

[vvvjames]

Hello from Colorado! I started my first kit, the Albatross by Occre, a few weeks ago, and have loved every bit of the process since. I am brand new to model making and I have been stalking the r/modelships subreddit and this forum constantly since starting. I love the community and I'm looking forward to being a part of it. I also wanted to share why I got into this hobby because it feels worth sharing. Sorry in advanced if it's long.

 

My dad passed in October of last year, he was a great man, kind and wholesome. He used to be a sail maker in Maine, and he would make model ships before I was born. I never really took the time to examine or appreciate them, and I regret that so much now. I remember them being extremely well made.

 

While he was in the middle stages of Alzheimer's, my mom threw out or sold the models, along with much of his possessions without telling me or anyone. It makes me angrier than any other thing that shes done. Especially now, trying to hold on to what little items are left in an attempt to grieve. Luckily there was a bag of old ship model pieces/ scraps (there was a sail that said Mamoli M35 Hunter, I would love to do that ship next)

Regardless, lacking in physical connection to my dad, I decided to try to connect with him by making a model ship like he used to do, and maybe incorporate some of his old wood scraps.

 

I had no idea how intricate and complicated ship modeling could get. The planking was so difficult and finicky, especially the second layer which felt higher stakes since it wouldn't be hidden. And this is a beginner kit! I've been absolutely loving it. It feels like the part of dad in me is elated at reconnecting with the hobby, as weird as that sounds. I'm nowhere near as skilled as he was but this is an amazing hobby and I want to do more once I'm finished with the Albatross.

 

I wish I had gotten into this hobby sooner, while he was alive and before the Alzheimer's. We could've done one together, he could've told me to taper the damn planks, he could've taught me boat terminology. Lotta regrets but I'm doing it now and that makes me happy. This is a better means of grieving than anything else I've tried in the last year.

I've posted my build log already and am looking forward to updating it as progress gets made! Here's a link:

Feedback and friends are welcome:)

 

[Keith Black]

 My condolences on your dad's passing, James. I know and appreciate the need/desire to connect with him. 

 

 Having said that, welcome to MSW. Glad to have you aboard and all the best to you as you start your ship modeling journey. 

 

  Keith

[Tim Moore]

From someone who also fails to fill his fathers shoes, let me just say he would be tickled that you are taking this up, and you’ve come to the right place to be successful at it.

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[Jim Lad]

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Your desire to connect with him speaks volumes about him as a father.

 

You're very welcome here at MSW.

 

John

 

 

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  I know what you mean about a parent throwing out stuff.  Before I left for 6 months of payed internship in another state (yup, in the 70s they payed interns ... today companies get them for free - 'just for the opportunity'), I was told to organize a number of fossils collected over several teenage years (now unattainable due to privatization of sites and development) and pack them in a box.  I did this with care and padding, taped the box and marked EACH of the six faces of the box with permanent black marker "FOSSILS" and placed it on a shelf in a basement storeroom where I was directed to keep the box.

  There was a next to last college semester after that and then another 6 months of payed internship, followed by the last semester (so the degree took me 5 years to earn).  While packing my car ready to leave home and 'seek my fortune' I looked for the box of fossils ... but it was gone, along with most of the stuff that had been in the storeroom.  Dad claimed never to have seen it when he 'organized and cleaned' the room - so it was said.  He also didn't know what happened to my bike either ... until reminded by Mom and a brother reminded him that he'd donated it to Goodwill.  He was angry that he was 'busted' about the bike, so I just let it (and the fossils) slide.

[Ian_Grant]

When I left home after university to start work in another town, I came back at Christmas to find that all my plastic model airplanes and ships had disappeared except my Revell 1/100 Cutty Sark and Constitution. Thankfully, they kept all my wood RC boats which I am now in the process of refurbishing/rebuilding, one by one.

 

I tell myself I won't trash my kids' stuff but the basement is getting pretty crowded with furniture for future homes, etc. 🤔

[Baker]

My condolences for your loss.

Just saw your progress on the model, great work.