In which offense is taken (or, "hey! I resemble that remark")

[Cena]

As a newbie to the site, I just spent a little time dutifully looking over the various rules and 'getting started'-type threads, when I came across Mr. Chris Coyle's 2016 jeremiad, in which he lamented (edited for focus):
 

Quote

 

This post.. written for a particular kind of first-time modeler: the modeler who takes on more ship then they can handle. ..

 

 They come brimming with pluck and determination, convinced that they can build a Constitution or Victory. In most instances, these bright-eyed neophytes wind up like the over-zealous new P-51 owner -- dead. Well, unlike the pilot, the would-be modelers are probably still alive, but their dreams of nice model ships have certainly gone to a better place...

 

(source)

 

How dare you, sir?  How dare you call me out to my face in such an incisive manner? 

 

And me here with the self-same Revell USS Constitution 1/96 you're likely envisioning.

 

Well, it's all true...the pluck, the brimming, the starry-eyed ruminating over build logs like this.

 

And still we press on, as needs must.

 

In all seriousness, I'm old enough to recognize the wisdom of your words, yet too stupid to think they apply to me.   

 

Not sure if I'll do a build log yet.  I think I have a somewhat realistic view of what I can reasonably do (in a 'reasonable' amount of time), especially after reading innumerable build logs specifically about the Constitution, and seeing what others can really do.  

 

Pros:

- somewhat public accountability 

- help if I get stuck

- meeting new friends

- (possibly) proof of Mr. Chris Coyle's incorrectness! 

 

Cons:

- somewhat public accountability

- embarrassment at ongoing ineptitude

- (possibly) proof of Mr. Chris Coyle's correctness!

 

So we'll see.

 

Thanks for having me, y'all.

 

 

 

 

 

[Keith Black]

 Cena, welcome to MSW. Interesting intro, glad to have you aboard. 

[Pirate adam]

Welcome. You should do a build log. There  is an unbelievable amount of support and great advice on this forum. There is really no downside.   Every expert was a beginner when they started. 
 

Adam

[ccoyle]

Welcome aboard! And I do hope you prove me wrong -- as I noted, there are exceptions to the general rule!

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  Cena wrote "... And me here with the self-same Revell USS Constitution 1/96 you're likely envisioning ..."

I'm no mind-reader, but I believe Chris was referring to were the very challenging large-scale wood kits of the Connie or Victory, and not the Revell 1:96 version of the  USS Constitution.  I built that great kit (and the Revell 1:96 Cutty Sark as well) before working in wood and having to model a ton of complexities in structure and rigging.  Its like comparing apples with oranges.

 

  Do what interests you and see how far you can taker any project - learning as you go.  Said Alice Walker, "Much of the satisfying work of life begins as an experiment, and no experiment is ever quite a failure."

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[Ronald-V]

 

And like Pirate Adam said...keeping a buildlog can be very useful! 🙂

[Mowzer]

All great literature through the millennia is based on the principle of "our hero takes on a challenge against the odds, and despite many battles, wins in the end".

If that wasn't reason enough to start a build log, I don't know what is. 

I've got a 10-day-old Vanguard Indefatigable build log (my second build, so completely inappropriate for a novice)... so join me ! Take up your weapons (glue and craft knife) and add a new story! 

[Jim Lad]

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

 

John

[JerryTodd]

On 1/18/2026 at 7:07 PM, Cena said:

And me here with the self-same Revell USS Constitution 1/96 you're likely envisioning.

I doubt he was envisioning that, at all.
A plastic kit is gluing parts together.  He's referring to wooden kits that require shaping semi-made parts and strips in addition to gluing parts together.
Granted, many want more from their plastic kit, and there's a few Revell Constitution and Heller Victory logs here on MSW where you can see the lengths some folks go to to super-detail their kit, rather than build out of the box.  Still, I doubt a Revel Constitution has a record of knocking people out of the hobby to match a Caldercraft Victory.

Edited 12 hours ago by JerryTodd

[vvvjames]

Welcome Cena! Definitely start a build log, I'll be on the lookout for it! 

[Loracs]

I want to join others in welcoming you and strongly encourage you to initiate a build log. Build log are invaluable at conveying information. There is no "expertise" level required.  I started mine on my very first ship. Build log are NOT met to display your expertise or skills... it is simply a way to share your new passion with others.  Yes, you can get help, sometime even critical comments... but I must say that I appreciated both. It became a learning tool to grow. I'm learning every day from build logs create by both expert and novice and guess what!!  I like them all.

 

Note: nothing wrong with plastic build if it is what you have in mind. I have a short one in my signature. They are fun to do too.

Edited 12 hours ago by Loracs

[Stevinne]

Build logs are intimidating, but having started my first one, I made sure to make clear I was a slow builder. I found it a lot easier to ask questions when I got stuck, since folks could see where I was in the process and what I'd already done.

 

[The Bitter End]

Please start a build log! I think we would all enjoy seeing your approach. 

I believe that with a little planning even the largest elephant can successfully be eaten one bite at a time. 

 

Good luck to you! 

 

Cheers 

 

Haiko