Ahoy!

[Capt. Brant]

Hi all,

My name is Brant. I'm a trained science/ nature illustrator, but because I illustrate for profit, I have been in search of a creative hobby for pleasure and relaxation. I really loved putting together LEGO sets as a kid, but I was looking for something a little more involved, and something to display that wasn't a bunch of blocky plastic. I've recently taken up an interest in maritime history and have been attending some sea shanty nights at the local pub, and I thought making some ships might be fun!

I bought myself a small kit, Mini Mamoli's HMS Bounty (1/375 scale), to dip my toes in with the hobby. I finished it over about 10 days. I purposely let myself make some mistakes and learn while doing this kit. While I think it made a good beginner kit because of the small scale and pre-built hull, the instructions were extremely lacking, and I could not find any build logs online, which made it very difficult! However, I was very impressed with how I was able to piece it all together despite the lack of directions. After completing the bounty, I felt confident enough to move on to a larger model.

I am currently working on Occre's HMS Beagle (1/60 scale). I am working towards my bachelor's in Evolutionary Biology, so I thought its history was very fitting with my interests! I am currently about a week in, and have completed the decks, planking, and painting, and I just added the transom to the back. I've found that the instructions and online videos are making it much easier compared to the bounty. Not to mention, the quality and detail of the parts are much better! Overall, I am enjoying myself and find the process very satisfying. However, I am a bit of a perfectionist and am disappointed with how some parts have turned out. I have to keep reminding myself that once all the details and structures are added, my mistakes will either not be visible or will be negligible. I can't expect mine to look like the model on the box or in the videos when I am just starting out! When I step back and look at the model, though, I am impressed with the fact I was able to create a 3-dimensional, complex object, with what used to be some sheets of wood!

Overall, while I have much to improve (and hopefully much to learn on this forum!) I am finding the hobby enjoyable and definitely a remedy to my creative needs! I hope to hear from all of you and learn a lot about this great hobby in the future. 

Cheers!

Brant

P.S. I don't have a smartphone, so it is a little difficult for me to post photos, but perhaps I will get a camera setup soon so I can share my progress and make a build log!

 

[Knocklouder]

Good luck on your journey,  

Bob  M.

[Paul White]

Welcome!

[Jim Lad]

hello Brant, and a warm welcome to MSW from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[Admiral Rick]

Welcome to MSW. 
Some words of advice “ building model ships can be addicting” but it’s so rewarding. Glad you.are enjoying all your efforts. Remember there is a great deal of knowledge right at your door step all you need to do is ask. No mater how much time we have spent pursuing this hobby we are all still learning and willing to share. 

Best Rick

[ccoyle]

Welcome aboard! I attended university with a fellow who was putting himself through school as a technical illustrator. He did all his work in pointillism.

[Baker]

[CPDDET]

Welcome aboard!