Getting Started: From Dollhouses to the USS Constitution

[Jasennord]

I suppose it’s time I introduce myself.

Like many newcomers, I’ve spent countless hours combing through build logs, tool reviews, and beginner tips—trying to absorb everything I can. For a bit of background: I grew up building plastic models and always found the process therapeutic. Over the years, I’ve also dabbled in woodworking—simple projects like cabinets, dollhouses, and shelves. I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and, admittedly, collecting tools.

Last month, while wandering through Hobby Lobby, my daughter stumbled into the aisle filled with Mayberry Street miniature dollhouses. She asked if we could build one together. Without much thought, I agreed—expecting a quick 20-minute assembly. I couldn’t have been more wrong. What I thought would be a simple task turned into an all-day project. I found myself digging through the back of the garage for my old modeling toolbox, pulling out tweezers and magnifying glasses.

But something clicked.

That little project reignited my love for modeling. This time, though, I wanted to take it further. Rather than returning to plastic kits, I decided to finally tackle something that had long been on my bucket list: wooden ship building.

I headed to the local model shop. Living in a small town, the selection was limited—but tucked away on the back wall was the Model Shipways USS Constitution. It practically called my name. Fueled by blind confidence, I bought it as my first project and headed home.

Like anyone starting something new, I turned to YouTube. I watched every video I could find and quickly realized I may have jumped into the deep end. The USS Constitution is no beginner’s kit, and I didn’t want to waste time or money learning the hard way. So, I decided to slow down and build up my skills first.

I ordered the Model Shipways 3-ship combo series and started with the Dory. I’ve just finished that build and am now working on the Norwegian Pram. My plan is to complete these smaller kits—and a few others—before diving into the Constitution. I want to build confidence, make my mistakes on simpler projects, and learn as much as I can along the way.

I’ve already seen how supportive and knowledgeable this community is, and I’m excited to start sharing my progress, my missteps, and hopefully get some guidance from those of you who’ve been down this road before.

Thanks for reading—and here’s to the journey ahead.

[ccoyle]

Welcome aboard!

[Keith Black]

 Jasen, welcome to MSW. Wising you all the best with your modeling journey, glad to have you aboard. 

[Ronald-V]

[CPDDET]

Welcome!

[Knocklouder]

Good luck on your journey   ‼️

Bob  M.

[Kenchington]

Welcome aboard, Jasen!

 

I'm only two steps ahead of you on our shared journey but I think you have chosen an excellent path with the Model Shipways combo.

 

Trevor

[SkiBee]

@Jasennord welcome and you will learn a lot and gain skills that will help in your future builds.

[Geordie Tyne]

Welcome! I look forward to seeing your builds

 

Regards

[RVB]

A very warm welcome and enjoy the adventure 

the main advice I can give you is “Don’t get overwhelmed “. I’m glad to see you put off the USS Constitution and opted for some learning skill level kits. With any build treat the many many parts as individual models, enjoy and your skills will grow as you progress 

Enjoy your adventures and welcome aboard. 
Best Rick (RVB)

 

 

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[CPDDET]

After finishing the 3 model starter kits you might want to consider completing the NRG Half Hull kit. It will teach you correct hull planking. This is an area that stumps many first time builders. The kit will explain spiling, the way ships hulls were actually planked. Mix this technique with edge bending (an alternate method) and you will be well on your way.

[GGibson]

8 hours ago, Jasennord said:

I ordered the Model Shipways 3-ship combo series and started with the Dory. I’ve just finished that build and am now working on the Norwegian Pram. My plan is to complete these smaller kits—and a few others—before diving into the Constitution.

 

Welcome to Model Ship World, sir!  You will love the support and resources you will find here.  I have absolutely enjoyed my time here.  With no prior model building experience to speak of, I quickly learned that I needed to start small and build confidence before I built ships.  So, I built two of the Model Shipways combo series boats, and then three more ships before I felt I had the confidence and experience to tackle the Constitution.  I have recently begun that journey.  With your prior model building experience, you will undoubtedly do well with whatever ship you choose next.  Best wishes and be sure to begin a build log.  As I said earlier, the available support and resources here on MSW are endless.  Have fun!

[palmerit]

Smart decision. Before finding this site I almost stumbled into buying a model far beyond my capabilities - far beyond where I am now. I assumed wooden model kits would be like buying a Lego model or something and as an adult I could start with a fairly advanced kit. Glad I found this site first.

 

The Shipwright Series is a great model set to start with. And the NRG Half Hull will give you a deeper knowledge of how planks need to be shaped - it did for me. Neither the Shipwright Series nor the NRG Half Hull have the kind of planking done on a Constitution model, which would involved bending thin strips of wood for planking (bending in both directions). 

 

Lots recommend Vanguard models. I do anytime I can. A great choice after the Shipwright Series is a model like the Vanguard Models Sherbourne (the Modelkit Stuff YouTube channel has a build of it). This model would give you experience with the kind of planking used in lots of models, which is one of the things that trips folks up. The Sherbourne's rigging is orders of magnitude more complicated than the rigging on the Shipwright Series boats (the Dory basically has none, the Pram a tiny bit, the Smack just a bit more) - a Constitution model is undoubtedly orders of magnitude more complicated than the Sherbourne.

 

I actually started the Shipwright Series mid-way into building Vanguard because I wanted to get some experience with simpler models, and simpler rigging - and did the NRG Half Hull after seeing folks recommend it. I'm now doing my third Vanguard model, but it's still a Novice model. After that I'm planning to do a couple Amateur Vanguard models before starting the Duchess, which I bought intending it to be my second model before realizing that was absolutely foolish. I'm guessing a Constitution model would be comparable to a Vanguard Sphinx or Indefatigable, which are 3-4 levels higher than the Vanguard models I've done.

 

Have fun!

[vvvjames]

Welcome! I hope you enjoy the combo kit, your daughter can do the USS Constitution while you work! Joking, but I do hope you both keep modeling together!

[robert952]

Welcome to the madness of MSW. 

 

Your tale is similar to mine. I still have a skelton hull about half-way planked of the Golden Hinde from Mamoli. I enjoyed what I did and what I learned from that work, but realize I had to get some of the basics under my belt. 

 

Start a log on  your build. You'll find a lot of people who like to learn from others and share their experiences and expertise.  (From me, you get more of the former than the latter.)

 

Have fun. And remember: 

Edited 4 hours ago by robert952
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