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 January 20 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 show-off your building 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 Tuesday at 12:58 PM 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 

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

    'Recently saw a builder doing amazing things with a Revell 1:96 Connie kit ... like it looks like an 'ultimate' kit bust ... 

link:  https://modelshipworld.com/topic/31709-uss-constitution-by-dafi-revell-plastic-to-constitution-and-beyond/

 

And there is a nearly complete build of the Revell 1:96 Cutty Sark by Bruma that was something to drool over ...

link:  https://modelshipworld.com/topic/25323-cutty-sark-by-bruma-revell-196-plastic/

 

 

  Whether just 'built out of the box' or enhanced to whatever degree, there's a lot one can do with plastic - or any medium whether wood, card or metal.

[CDR_Ret]

Like several others here, I built both Revell kits of the Constitution and the Cutty Sark when I was a mid-teen back in the '60s. Sadly, my father was still working for Link Aviation maintaining flight simulators at various air force bases around the US, so we tended to move around a lot. Poor planning on my part.

 

The Constitution model got busted up on the move from Vermont to Ohio, and the Cutty Sark got busted up in the move from Ohio back to Vermont! I watched as the packer for the second move grabbed the ship by the bowsprit and lowered it into a bunch of wadded up paper for packing in the cardboard moving box. There wasn't much left at the other end . . .

[Cena]

Thanks, y'all, and sorry for the delay - I thought I posted this, but instead it's been patiently lingering, unposted, in a forgotten browser tab.

 

@Snug Harbor Johnny "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. "    Ha.  Yes, but those kits a) aren't in my possession and b) wouldn't fit my attempt at "humor".   By the way, I see you're in Pennsylvania, but your username makes me wonder if you have any acquaintance with New Orleans.  

 

@Mowzer After reading the start of your build log I have a totally unrelated comment:

I got your wife's book for Christmas!!  (I have a tendency toward hobbies which demand attention to fussy details.).   Please tell her she has a fan at modelshipworld.com (aside from you!)   Her book looks great on my 'textile arts' shelf next to the Royal School of Needlework's Book of Embroidery, which looks fancy, but isn't as much fun.

 

Okay.  I'm off to start a log now.

 

 

[Mowzer]

It's always good to have a stash of projects in our hobby rooms. For the days when we don't feel like cracking on with our ships- something different can hit the mark. It's fantastic to think that you have the Book Of Ridiculous Medieval Sewing Projects on your shelf- have you thought of tackling one of them? 

The books were written so that there's projects for all skill levels, from beginner to very advanced embroiderer... and all the photos for the books done by me! I was reflecting on the way that the publisher needed very high quality photos, done in a certain way, when I was posting my out-of-focus , badly-lit, iPhone shots of my Indefatigable on my build log. 

When she was writing the books, with their detailed instructions, it was the idea that a difficult project (sewing or ship building) is made easier by excellent instructions that set me off on my Indefatigable challenge. 

[Cena]

On 1/25/2026 at 7:42 AM, Mowzer said:

It's fantastic to think that you have the Book Of Ridiculous Medieval Sewing Projects on your shelf- have you thought of tackling one of them? 

 

Yes, butof course haven't yet started one yet.  I came to (hand) embroidery from quilting - I took a class right before the pandemic and really enjoyed it, and got super enthusiastic about adjacent crafts.   I'll ping you (if you like) when I get started!

 

Then, during the pandemic, I strangely developed several what I refer to as 'old man hobbies' (note: old(ish) but not a man.  No offense intended there, I know many 'old men' and love them dearly ;)) These include:

 

- amateur radio

- wargames (Advanced Squad Leader, mostly)

- Scouting history and memorabilia.  This developed out another pandemic project to do ALL the merit badges, even the discontinued ones.  Along with my new-found interest in embroidery, this ongoing project also involves hand-embroidering my own badges as I complete the requirements.

- and of course, model ship building.

 

@Stevinne - thank you for those words.  I've started a log, but yes, it's intimidating.  Like, does the (modelship)world really need another build log of the Revell USS Constitution by a newbie? But as 

 

@Loracs said "Build log are NOT met to display your expertise or skills..." --- it's good thing, because neither will be on display!     

 

 

[Admiral Rick]

Welcome jump right in and get started. If you have the fortitude you will finish and enjoy the experience. 
Chris I am one of the exceptions to the rule. For Christmas about 15 years ago I asked for a ship model having built numerous wooden plane kits. So my wife bought me my first kit the Model Shipways USS Niagara. When I opened it Christmas morning I said to myself WHAT THE HELL DID I GET INTO. So not saying anything to anybody I stuck it away in the closet hoping everyone would forget about it. Comes March for some odd reason I opened it again and decided to at least give it a try. With no ship modeling experience, very few needed tools, no experienced help from MSW I began a journey offering me the best experience of my life and a true addiction. 2 years later I competed the USS Niagara. Of all my accomplishments in my life I am most proud of this. 
So get started on that USS CONSTITUTION. 
Best Rick

 

Edited Tuesday at 05:06 PM by Admiral Rick

[Knocklouder]

Best place to be , yes start a log and check  out MSW dada base, lots of information there.  

Most of all have as much fun as you can.

Enjoy the adventure,  good luck on your journey.    

 

Knocklouder 😁 

[ERS Rich]

Welcome!

 

The question is spend many, many years building one huge model?

 

Or build many, many, models over that same time?  

 

With Shipbuilding, like everything else in life, practice leads to success.

 

Good luck with your project!