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New Modeller, need help choosing kit

A

AdvayReyes

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Hey guys, so basically I am completely new to this whole category. I build Legos, and I'm like, "Okay, this looks cool, and I wanted to get into this. I'm planning on building a ship with my dad, but I don't really know which company or model to start with or how to deal with the budget. I am planning on spending up to 120 USD on a beginner kit and tools. Anyone got any advice for relatively easy ones I can start building? I was thinking of Polaris of occre, anyone got any recommendations or anything like that.
 
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Hi Advay
Without question, personally I would go with the three vessel series from Model Shipwrights for many reasons. You will learn a number of basic skills that will stay with you for when you go into more complex builds. It is a tad more than your budget, but you get three kits, not one. I THINK you can buy one or two if need be but you can contact Model Exp to confirm if this is possible.

Allan
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These starter kits from Model Shipways are small and fragile things. I have tried both Norwegian Pram from Model Shipways and Polaris from Occre.
I think Polaris provides more as a first kit and the instructions are better, clearer. Polaris instructions är more and much larger pictures, Model Shipways are a lot to read and the pictures are smaller. As a Lego-builder you will probably find Occre instructions easy to follow, I have built a lot of Lego, the last one was Notre Dame, and I like Lego instructions with good pictures.
Would say it depends on who is going to build. If you like small, cheesy things, Model Shipways is probably the right one. If you want stronger wood, Occres Polaris is better.
Polaris is more similar to most other boat building kits. The difference is that they have simplified things so that it is easier to build.
 
I think Occre's Polaris is a good kit to start with. I have been impressed with their quality and their instructions are very good. I have bought a number of Occre kits. There is no need to order from overseas as many of their kits are available from local hobby shops.
 
I did the three Model Expo kits and found them extremely helpful. I have since built the Harvey and Endeavor from Artisania. Instructions and materials are much better from model expo. Also they are in US so if you need parts, they come much quicker.
 
Welcome aboard! I have built the model shipways kits and have found them a great way to start. The model shipways kits can be purchased with or without a set of starter tools so that is helpful. I would suggest you read the build logs of the kits here to get an idea of what is involved . There are also you tube videos build logs for different kits to help along. You can look at those to help you with your decision.
 
AdvayReyes said:
Hey guys, so basically I am completely new to this whole category. I build Legos, and I'm like, "Okay, this looks cool, and I wanted to get into this. I'm planning on building a ship with my dad, but I don't really know which company or model to start with or how to deal with the budget. I am planning on spending up to 120 USD on a beginner kit and tools. Anyone got any advice for relatively easy ones I can start building? I was thinking of Polaris of occre, anyone got any recommendations or anything like that.
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No one seems to ask you which type of model INTERESTS you. You mentioned the Polaris by OcCre, which is a schooner. That at least tells us the type of vessel that appeals to you, and that is the first place to start because if you lose interest, it won't be finished. You may want to tell us the types of vessels that pique your interest so we can provide more suggestions.

The next step is to carefully consider matching your skill and experience level with hand tools and model construction, which kit would provide you with a satisfactory learning experience honing skills like planking, staining and/or painting, shaping and fashioning small parts and fitting them, rigging, and familiarizing yourself with the parts of a vessel and their function, not to mention learning marine terminology along the way and doing research using books on the vessel you are building.

Your selection should provide you some challenge, but not be too far over your current skill level. That is a tricky thing to measure, and you know best as to where to place yourself on that scale.

After successfully building one vessel, making a few mistakes along the way, you will have a much better idea where sort of vessel you should choose for your second model, and have a better idea which type of vessel you are interested in building. A basic vessel like Polaris is a great start if you know already how to measure, cut, and fit wood pieces. Plus it is inexpensive as good hardwood kits go and the riggings is not complex yet provides good practice. The materials are not cheap basswood, being finished in attractive mahogany. Even if a few mistakes are make, you will benefit greatly in experience from such a kit build. Your next model will be a great improvement over the first, but you have to start somewhere to get anywhere, so don't fear mistakes because they are a part of the learning process.

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@DARIVS ARCHITECTVS
I agree with Darivs that first things is to see what type of ship / vessel you like (schooners, Tugs, Fishing Boats, Frigates, war ships, etc) and go from there.
I know that https://modelexpo-online.com/ has several starter models to choose from. I also suggest perhaps a "Solid Hull" first.
A Solid Hull such as the Sultana or New York Pilot boat has the hull almost completed except for some little shaping to do and with limited amount of rigging. This first build you will need to learn Nautical Terms.
 
I heartily agree with Donnie’s and Darvis’s advice. Kits, even those aimed at beginners, are expensive and will take time to complete. These are not weekends projects. So! Choose a project that interests you.

There are basically two types of kits; POB and solid hull:

Solid hull- This involves shaping the hull from a block of wood. This is the tried and true method of building a ship model. It is still the method used by many professional model builders such as those building display models for the US Navy. Models built using this method will last “forever.” IMHO, it also introduces the beginner to what the shape of the hull of a real ship actually looks like.

For the past 70 or so years, kit manufacturers have offered a variation on this basic theme; machine carved hulls. These are rough carved and will still require some shaping. Kits will include a “lines” drawing that accurately shows the hull shape. From this you make templates to guide your final shaping.

American kit manufacturers Bluejacket and Model Shipways offer solid hull kits.

POB, Plank on Bulkhead kits- These kits provide a centerline spine, commonly known as a “false keel, multiple bulkheads, and strips of wood. The bulkheads are glued crosswise on the false keel and this assembly is planked with the wood strips. The accuracy of the planked hull is dependent on the spacing of the bulkheads. The closer the spacing, the better. Planking is an art because you ‘re covering a curved surface with wood strips. Properly done, this can result in a nice model.

Bluejacket, Model Shipways and a host of foreign manufacturers offer POB kits.

Finally:
Decide what type of ship interests you. Virtually any watercraft modeled with careful workmanship will look Cool.

Avoid a model that looks like a toy. Real ships were designed and built to withstand a harsh marine environment. Other than yachts, metal fittings were painted iron or steel, not brass. Anchor chains were never brass!

Roger
 
My first model was the Lady Nelson from Amati. There are videos and excellent instructions for this beginner vessel. It covers all skills necessary to move up to advance ship modeling. Good starter vessel. By the way ....Welcome.
 
AdvayReyes said:
Hey guys, so basically I am completely new to this whole category. I build Legos, and I'm like, "Okay, this looks cool, and I wanted to get into this. I'm planning on building a ship with my dad, but I don't really know which company or model to start with or how to deal with the budget. I am planning on spending up to 120 USD on a beginner kit and tools. Anyone got any advice for relatively easy ones I can start building? I was thinking of Polaris of occre, anyone got any recommendations or anything like that.
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Personally, I'd recommend the Artesania Latina San Francisco II. It comes with good instructions and two CD's that show videos of building techniques - great learning tool. The model has enough detail to not look totally like a basic boat. And one more important reason: its a Plank On Bulkhead model that is Double Planked. Double planking the hull is much more forgiving than single planking. And its inexpensive compared to other ship models.20211015_140355.jpg20211028_153213.jpg
 
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Basically, whatever kit you'd like to see finished on your mantelpiece. Ship, train, plane, whatever pleases you. If you're really interested, you'll find a way to get it where you want it to be, be with the help of a forum like this one, or from books or the internet. Be prudent, but not afraid. It's supposed to be fun, not a chore. A hobby, not an obligation. It's much more about the going there, not just to be there.
 
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I'm hardly in a position to recommend different starter models, but as someone fairly new I'll give you my first build experience. When I first got interested in building wooden model ships, well before I knew about the SOS forum, I googled model ships and found a craft store in California called Ages of Sail. I started emailing them and they were very helpful. They advised me on which beginner ship to buy and some basic tools. They recommended the OcCre Albatros. Ended up being a great ship to learn on. Their best advice was to buy just a few tools to start (blade, wire cutters, sand paper) and buy more tools as you learn. Then I found this forum and my education and enjoyment of the hobby shot through the roof! I've found OcCre customer service to be excellent. Can't recommend them enough. Now that I'm on my third ship I'm looking for ways to customize it beyond the basic material OcCre supplies. Having a great time and thanks a ton to SOS!!
 
Philski said:
Personally, I'd recommend the Artesania Latina San Francisco II. It comes with good instructions and two CD's that show videos of building techniques - great learning tool. The model has enough detail to not look totally like a basic boat. And one more important reason: its a Plank On Bulkhead model that is Double Planked. Double planking the hull is much more forgiving than single planking. And its inexpensive compared to other ship models.View attachment 488830View attachment 488831
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Don't forget to get a green cutting mat to work on! ;)
 
Philski said:
Personally, I'd recommend the Artesania Latina San Francisco II. It comes with good instructions and two CD's that show videos of building techniques - great learning tool. The model has enough detail to not look totally like a basic boat. And one more important reason: its a Plank On Bulkhead model that is Double Planked. Double planking the hull is much more forgiving than single planking. And its inexpensive compared to other ship models.View attachment 488830View attachment 488831
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From LEGOS to San Francisco II? You got to be kidding! A solid hull or beginner kit from Model Shipways is much more appropriate
 
tommyg said:
From LEGOS to San Francisco II? You got to be kidding! A solid hull or beginner kit from Model Shipways is much more appropriate
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The SF II was my first model in 50 years. And my first wooden ship ever. Its a great first build and with the included CD's with their beginner tutorials, its a good model to start with. Take it a step at a time and you'll get there.
 
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