It would seem to a beginner, that some of you are not keen on noob questions ( here we go again with the same ole questions, kit or scratch ) Others seem to welcome noob questions. And it may just be me, but it seems as this forum is for intermediate to expert builders. I have no problem with this if it is stated somewhere in your header. Some of you may say i don’t know how he got that idea, but if one person gets that impression, then there is a basis for that opinion. Thanks for the time, and good luck on the forum, thanks.
glockexe
I created and founded Ships of Scale with those starting out in mind. I remember the frustrations I had and therefore about 2007, I started SOS with that one thing in mind in helping those new to the hobby. I still to this day try to help those that want to get started. There are those that have been in the hobby for so long like 25 or 30 or more years that have forgotten what it was like to get started. I have not forgotten. This is my opinion. I would not start out with any scratch build at first, unless you have previous experience in small woodworking projects, mini power tools and a wide assortment of hand tools.
The ability to read 2D plans especially ship plans. Knowing how to mill your own billet wood or know how to establish your own a Bill of Materials from raw plans. Most plans you buy are not going to give you a list of stock to buy. You have to be able to interpret plans for so you can order the wood stock you need. All of these things are to be taken into consideration.
kits come in a variety of difficulty. Ranging from solid hull kits to intermediate plank on bulkhead to advanced plank on bulkhead.
If a person is very new to this hobby then I suggest a solid hull and two to choose from.
Model Expo has the Sultana colonial schooner and the New York pilot boat. They even have a starting paint and tool set bundle for those that have nothing to get started. They range both under $100
I am not sure if this answers your concerns or not. Then after the solid hull, my next suggestion would be the Model Expo Bluenose schooner. It would be a good plank on bulkhead to start out with.
You can also go to www.modelexpo-online.com and look up the three models and they have the pdf instructions there to read and download.
I created and founded Ships of Scale with those starting out in mind. I remember the frustrations I had and therefore about 2007, I started SOS with that one thing in mind in helping those new to the hobby. I still to this day try to help those that want to get started. There are those that have been in the hobby for so long like 25 or 30 or more years that have forgotten what it was like to get started. I have not forgotten. This is my opinion. I would not start out with any scratch build at first, unless you have previous experience in small woodworking projects, mini power tools and a wide assortment of hand tools.
The ability to read 2D plans especially ship plans. Knowing how to mill your own billet wood or know how to establish your own a Bill of Materials from raw plans. Most plans you buy are not going to give you a list of stock to buy. You have to be able to interpret plans for so you can order the wood stock you need. All of these things are to be taken into consideration.
kits come in a variety of difficulty. Ranging from solid hull kits to intermediate plank on bulkhead to advanced plank on bulkhead.
If a person is very new to this hobby then I suggest a solid hull and two to choose from.
Model Expo has the Sultana colonial schooner and the New York pilot boat. They even have a starting paint and tool set bundle for those that have nothing to get started. They range both under $100
I am not sure if this answers your concerns or not. Then after the solid hull, my next suggestion would be the Model Expo Bluenose schooner. It would be a good plank on bulkhead to start out with.
You can also go to www.modelexpo-online.com and look up the three models and they have the pdf instructions there to read and download.
Hello Glockexe... Really sorry if we didn't meet your expectations on the 'nooby' question. But, you have asked the same question already on three different, threads where members trying to give you advice. I can see where you frustration comes, and there is not a definite answer. Do you want us to link you for a certain model kits? What exactly do you looking for? Let's us reabilitate...
Hallo again,
this was your post "noob question"
Ship modeling is very complex and modelers have a lot of different ways and experiences, and these they want to share with you.
Your question(s) in your different topics were very different formulated and for us not completely clear.
Sorry, that we did not fulfill your expectations......but it is not easy to give you fast and compact answers
And it is absolutely necessary, that a newbie is taking time to collect answers
You wrote: Others seem to welcome noob questions. -> happy to hear - good luck and have fun with your new hobby
this was your post "noob question"
and there were all together more than 50 posts trying to help and assist and give answers.
Ship modeling is very complex and modelers have a lot of different ways and experiences, and these they want to share with you.
Your question(s) in your different topics were very different formulated and for us not completely clear.
Sorry, that we did not fulfill your expectations......but it is not easy to give you fast and compact answers
And it is absolutely necessary, that a newbie is taking time to collect answers
You wrote: Others seem to welcome noob questions. -> happy to hear - good luck and have fun with your new hobby
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the is an example of the quality and price range of a beginner to intermediate model ship kit. anything less in price is a craft toy and you would not be satified with it.
The Lady Nelson kit has been designed with the beginner/intermediate modeller in mind, and as such it is an ideal introduction to the art of plank on bulkhead modeling. Kit contents include laser cut wood parts throughout in birch ply and walnut, metal and wooden fittings and very comprehensive building plans and instructions written in English. Optional base and pedestals shown not included.
Scale 1:64 – Total Length cm. 53 – Height cm. 51
The Lady Nelson kit has been designed with the beginner/intermediate modeller in mind, and as such it is an ideal introduction to the art of plank on bulkhead modeling. Kit contents include laser cut wood parts throughout in birch ply and walnut, metal and wooden fittings and very comprehensive building plans and instructions written in English. Optional base and pedestals shown not included.
Scale 1:64 – Total Length cm. 53 – Height cm. 51
Kurt Konrath
Kurt Konrath
I have seen and read most of the posts for this thread, but I have to say thread titles need to be clear as to what is being asked, "Nooby" is not very clear on what the thread is about, or who should read and answer it.
Maybe break your threads out to simple specific questions in each thread, with clear titles like "Best ship for beginners?"
Maybe break your threads out to simple specific questions in each thread, with clear titles like "Best ship for beginners?"
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a solid hull will save many hours of planking and this will produce a nice display model
Model Shipways Phantom kit features a machine carved solid hull, so you won't have to do any shaping. You'll get wood parts for the cabin and companionways, ready-to-use wooden blocks and deadeyes, solid brass and finely cast metal fittings, three sizes of rigging line, plus genuine copper strips to cover the hull. Laser cut basswood launching ways complete the kit.
Full scale plans and clear, easy-to-follow instructions guide you through each phase of assembly of the Model Expo Phantom model. (Wooden display base shown is not included)
Model Shipways Phantom kit features a machine carved solid hull, so you won't have to do any shaping. You'll get wood parts for the cabin and companionways, ready-to-use wooden blocks and deadeyes, solid brass and finely cast metal fittings, three sizes of rigging line, plus genuine copper strips to cover the hull. Laser cut basswood launching ways complete the kit.
Full scale plans and clear, easy-to-follow instructions guide you through each phase of assembly of the Model Expo Phantom model. (Wooden display base shown is not included)
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here is another nice kit
with a reasonable price
with a reasonable price
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there are also kits like these that are really cheap and easy to build. Before you judge this as a toy I have seen guys build and finish these that look like a master built
Kurt Konrath
Kurt Konrath
Phantom was my first build, my mentor at time helped me to do a few upgrades, but its a simple kit to work.
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Maybe break your threads out to simple specific questions in each thread, with clear titles like "Best ship for beginners?"
this is the type question that goes off the track real quick. The reason is the word "beginner" are you a model builder like model planes, plastic, model railroad, wood worker or whatever that gives you experience. If you never built or crafted anything well then you are a true beginner and should start as simple as all possible.
I think a more detailed intro and a little back round would help a lot for members to suggest a kit to fit your personal situation.
this is the type question that goes off the track real quick. The reason is the word "beginner" are you a model builder like model planes, plastic, model railroad, wood worker or whatever that gives you experience. If you never built or crafted anything well then you are a true beginner and should start as simple as all possible.
I think a more detailed intro and a little back round would help a lot for members to suggest a kit to fit your personal situation.
glockexe -
Here's my two cents for what it's worth. I started this hobby because I wanted to build the Constitution after having toured it. My research on-line suggested it would not be the ideal starter kit, so I decided to look around for a good "practice" model.
I chose Model Shipways Armed Virginia Sloop and I would recommend it to you as a good place to begin for a couple of reasons: It's not too expensive, it has excellent plans, it's not too big, but most important it involves virtually all of the elements of larger more complex models. It has hull planking, deck planking, cannons to rig, deck furniture to make and it requires rigging. It's a very simple rig with only one mast, but it has yards and ratlines. You'll get experience with almost every aspect, but not so much that it's overwhelming.
For tools, the list is endless, but I would suggest starting with just the bare minimum. You will soon discover what more you feel you need and you will accumulate them over time. For my first model, I built it with literally nothing more than two xacto knives (#10, #11 and #22 blades), a pin vise with a variety of tiny drill bits, a ruler that clearly indicates down to 1/32" or 1 mm, a small square, small pliers, small wire cutter, sandpaper in a variety of fine grits, good masking tape, such as Tamiya, small scissors, a few small paint brushes, and a "helping hand" tool for rigging.
Since then, I have added many more, (some of which I use and some of which I don't) but you can do a perfectly acceptable job on a simple kit with only those I've listed. Other people will probably have a different list, but that was my starting list.
Whichever model you settle on, accept the fact that that the instruction manual will be useless (there are some good ones, but they are in the minority) and rely on the plans. Model Shipways has excellent plans. One area that plans don't really cover though is the sequence of the build. This is where you can rely on others' build logs. They are very helpful in that regard. Also, you'll see examples of how it's supposed to look (it isn't always clear from the plans - often the stern area in particular), you'll see details you want to do the same as others and details you want to do differently and learn great little techniques for the tricky bits.
The best thing to do is just dig in and begin and have fun with it.
David
Here's my two cents for what it's worth. I started this hobby because I wanted to build the Constitution after having toured it. My research on-line suggested it would not be the ideal starter kit, so I decided to look around for a good "practice" model.
I chose Model Shipways Armed Virginia Sloop and I would recommend it to you as a good place to begin for a couple of reasons: It's not too expensive, it has excellent plans, it's not too big, but most important it involves virtually all of the elements of larger more complex models. It has hull planking, deck planking, cannons to rig, deck furniture to make and it requires rigging. It's a very simple rig with only one mast, but it has yards and ratlines. You'll get experience with almost every aspect, but not so much that it's overwhelming.
For tools, the list is endless, but I would suggest starting with just the bare minimum. You will soon discover what more you feel you need and you will accumulate them over time. For my first model, I built it with literally nothing more than two xacto knives (#10, #11 and #22 blades), a pin vise with a variety of tiny drill bits, a ruler that clearly indicates down to 1/32" or 1 mm, a small square, small pliers, small wire cutter, sandpaper in a variety of fine grits, good masking tape, such as Tamiya, small scissors, a few small paint brushes, and a "helping hand" tool for rigging.
Since then, I have added many more, (some of which I use and some of which I don't) but you can do a perfectly acceptable job on a simple kit with only those I've listed. Other people will probably have a different list, but that was my starting list.
Whichever model you settle on, accept the fact that that the instruction manual will be useless (there are some good ones, but they are in the minority) and rely on the plans. Model Shipways has excellent plans. One area that plans don't really cover though is the sequence of the build. This is where you can rely on others' build logs. They are very helpful in that regard. Also, you'll see examples of how it's supposed to look (it isn't always clear from the plans - often the stern area in particular), you'll see details you want to do the same as others and details you want to do differently and learn great little techniques for the tricky bits.
The best thing to do is just dig in and begin and have fun with it.
David
First build was the Swift by Artesania Latina. Only paid $30, but that was years ago and a sale item at Hobby Lobby. After that, I was hooked.
I’d jump rite in on a POB kit. So you build a solid hull, the next kit you buy would prob have planking to do. Go for it. My first kit I bought a “intermediate” kit, wit’s hardly no instructions, only 2 prints. It I like a challenge lol
when I started mine, there were no forums, you got master builders here to help you out.
when I started mine, there were no forums, you got master builders here to help you out.
It has been about 3 days and no word from @glockexe It seems as if @glockexe indeed has given up. For whatever reason, I hope that he understands that we are all trying to help. I do not believe that he is going to find the quality or quantity of help from any other forum. But, to get discouraged that fast and quit leaves me a little perplexed and wondering.
I am wondering too DONNIE. GOD BLESS STAY SAFE Don
Sounds like glockexe has a serious attitude problem. This forum is very open and welcoming. Where's ANY indication that ANY of us snubbed his question or treated it with disdain? How can anyone with this magnitude of impatience build a model ship? Is he trolling us?
Seriously, after reading his question, and looking at all the responses he got (Dave Stevens practically wrote BOOK trying to help him out), I came to the conclusion that he was asking us how to build THIS:
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I am a newbie to this hobby as well. I have to say that the few times I posted a question on this site I received many good suggestions. I also have a build log going and received a lot of encouragement. Ultimately as a newbie you have to make your own decision as to the model to begin with. The internet provides plenty of avenues to get information to make an informed decision on how to start in this hobby. Perhaps a good idea would be to add to this site is a list of suggested first models, especially models that have build logs here which could be used as a reference . Something I would welcome is a beginner group build.