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Discussion What’s Next on the Bench? Choosing the Next Model (Ship?)

Jimsky said:
It is Gajeta Falkusa.
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Sweet choice! I enjoy boats like this. That will indeed be a bit unique! My only question is "just where did you get that photo?" To the best of my recollection, Atlantis sank many thousands of years ago! :p (okay, I'll stop already!)
 
MThomas said:
Sweet choice! I enjoy boats like this. That will indeed be a bit unique! My only question is "just where did you get that photo?" To the best of my recollection, Atlantis sank many thousands of years ago! :p (okay, I'll stop already!)
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You're absolutely right, only three Gajeta remain in use as working boats today. Each was built using original plans and proudly carries its historical name. While they now mainly serve as tourist boats, they also occasionally compete in regattas against each other.
The one in the photo is the Falkuša Komiža, better known as Comeza-Lisboa. She was restored and rebuilt by a dedicated group who carefully researched and revived the original construction plans. This faithful replica was brought to life through the dedication of several key figures (I have researched this a long way back):
  • Joško Božanić, a linguist and local historian from Komiža, and Velimir Salamon, a naval architect and professor, spearheaded an 11‑year research project that reconstructed the original plans from wreckage and oral history.
  • The actual construction in 1997 was led by master boatbuilder Tonči Bakić from Trogir, with the lateen sails expertly crafted by sailmaker Stjepan Tokić.
  • After Bakić’s passing, the subsequent replicas (Mikula in 2004 and Palagruža in 2014) were built under the skillful hands of shipwright Mile Jadrešić Pile from Betina.
The result is a beautiful blend of scholarly research and master craftsmanship, a living cultural treasure that sails both for tourism and in friendly regattas. Below is Comeza-Lisboa and her parents.

1751752161778.jpeg
 
Jimsky said:
You're absolutely right, only three Gajeta remain in use as working boats today. Each was built using original plans and proudly carries its historical name.
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I wonder... just how many of us modelers also build wooden boats that we can actually sit in? "Hmm...?"
I've entertained the idea, but never acted upon it...
 
MThomas said:
Jim, where should I put that thread?
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Same as this one.

General Topics / Help with Models

When its time to take a break from the ole ship, get a cup of coffee, or whatever your favorite drink is, and talk about whatever is on your mind, or things such as other Interest, Hobbies, or Pastimes that you enjoy.
shipsofscale.com
 
My next kit will be wood. Among my meager stash sit both an old Freedom Song Felicity II, and an AL Bluenose II. The 'little' Felicity single mast boat will be my entry into wood kits. Nothing too overwhelming but enough to keep one on their toes. I'm pretty sure I'll survive this venture into wood kits, and then maybe there's a familiar Cape Islander at a dockside in Shediac I can board for details. Haven't looked for a Cape Islander kit yet, but I'm sure they're out there. I keep perusing the Freedom Song kit, but my now-renamed 1/96 connie isn't half finished yet and I've already planked her decks in birch and plan to replace a few of the smaller mast sections and yards with wood pieces. It' a start lol! One at a time.
 
At the moment I am reading about the Age of Discovery and the epic voyages into the unknown undertaken by Spain and Portugal. I am drawn to the Santa Maria (Mamoli), not particularly because of Columbus, but because this type of ship was widely used in that era. Their achievements were truly epic in opening up the world, and in ships I would only step onto for a day trip around the bay.
 
My next project is to well complete some old long stalled projects.

Fixing the damage to my first build a solid hull Phantom Pilot boat.
Finishing the planked hull of Clara May, English Ketch
Finalizing the standing rigging and part of running rigging on my stalled Swift 1805 Pilot Boat

Most of these are just small projects to get cleared off the work bench and shelves.

My real goal is to be able to finish the work on the Sovereign of the Seas, which I got from a fellow member years ago, he has the hull 85+ percent completed, ready for final work and all the accessories on the hull to be added, then the masts and rigging.

My reason for the SotS, is I have seen many great builds, I like the size of the ship and want to fulfill the promise to get her finished.
 
I was hoping to build an OcCre model but a lucky member @WingNut beat me to it. Congratulations. So now I will turn my attention to the Astrolabe 1812 and finish rigging that ship. Hopefully I will win the next one, I am down to just a trian model in my stach. Maybe the model gods will send me something else to work on lol
Bobby K ‼️
 
...ah! The million dollar question. Always made easier by the 1 penny answer. What kits do you already have in stock...
Problem is I have 3 kits awaiting... looks like its not a simple answer after all...Dooh!
 
Rob444 said:
After I finish my Constitution cross section I was going to start on a model of the Bluenose. Why? Because I love her lines and it looks like something I would love to actually ride in. It is a truly beautiful ship.

That being said, my next ship will be Occres Black Swan. Why? Because the wonderful people here had a contest and I was the lucky winner of the kit. I will certainly be doing a build log of her construction.

After that? Perhaps the Beagle, it is such an historic ship, influencing Charles Darwin with his theory of evolution. Perhaps an early steamship with its paddlewheel and sails.

I figure, at the current rate I build, that I should be closing in on 100. The process of what will be next may be easier by then? ;)

Rob
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Hey Rob, how did you find the USS Constitution cross section? Considering that one for my next model, from Model Shipways. Funny enough, I am actually just wrapping up the Occre Beagle you mentioned. It was my first 3 mast ship, so it took me a full year, with some multi month breaks in there. The rigging was quite the challenge for me. But all in all, it was a great model.
 
I have just spent the last four years on two commissions, Continental Frigate Hancock and USF Essex. I am exhausted, but I am also running out of time to build a few more ships in my repertoire. I was looking for something that might be relaxing when I uncovered the stash of old "Yellow Box" kits from Model Seaways. I have decided on building the Topsail Schooner Eagle. Although these kits can almost be consided scratch builds because they are a rough carved hull block with a box of wood pieces and some lead castings (which nobody works with anymore). I really like the lines of this ship and the plans are from the lines taken by Howard Chapelle from the builder's half hull. She was built in Arrowsic Island in the Kennebec River in 1847. She was a lumber schooner in the Bath-New York run. This is my 'what's next" entry and I will begin work after I clean up the ship yard.
 
Sometimes the model gods listen . I was feeling a little bummed out about not winning the OCcre model, and was really bummed out when I found out Model Expo stoped shipping to Canada, just when they had a great sale on the Wasa. .
But all that changed, @Kurt Konrath , heard my plee and offered me a deal on A Wasa that he was willing to part with, apond finding out about tariffs and shipping a deal was reached. It is one that I looked at Many times but thought it would never happen. Thanks so much, a couple of models to finish up, plus I have to finish rigging the Astrolabe, but this Wasa will be on the bench soon,... soon as it clears customs lol.
A big thanks to Kurt,
If I was not so shy, I would post a picture of the biggest grin you will ever see. Thank you so much. We'll that's what on the bench , lol
Bobby K ‼️
 
There is an old airplane at the aviation museum across from the Halifax airport (N.S.), a biplane. The lovely part of it all is that it was found in the attic of an older home in Truro NS about 40 minutes away.
Here's a copy of the script from the museum site:

This is a smaller one passenger version of the Lincoln Biplane. It was designed in the 1930s, but it is a true time-tested design. It has a length of 16 feet and a wingspan of only 20 feet, with a 35 h.p. engine it has a top speed of 100 mph.
The Museum’s example came out of an attic in Truro. It was partly built by Mr. Charles X. Craig who bought the hardware and plans for $25.00 and supplied the wood himself. Sadly he died before he was able to finish it, but members of the Museum worked on it to its current finished display condition.

there you go MThomas (post #23); kind of up there with the building a boat you can sit in lol. All in good humor, I couldn't resist.
 
Jimsky said:
Ahoy friends,

At some point, we are that familiar and exciting crossroads, figuring out what the next model should be. Here we are in the position of recently wrapping up a build (or mostly wrapped it up, you know how it goes ;) ), and now the itch is back to start a new project. Let me know what’s been inspiring you lately, or what you'd pick if you were starting fresh!

I’d love to hear your thoughts:
– Are there any historical ships you think deserve more attention, while you choose another project?
– Any kits (or plans) you've enjoyed that surprised you in a good way?
– Are you open to scratch builds, so unusual hull forms or construction challenges are welcome too?
– Is there any scale-wise, flexible thought to keep things displayable without needing to annex another room?

Just a quick note on what I’d prefer NOT to turn this thread into:
  • A debate on kits vs. scratch building; there are plenty of threads on that already.
  • Arguments about how “easy” it is to start scratch building, not everyone’s looking for a philosophical journey right now ;)
  • Complaints about how bad or expensive kits are, I think we all know the pros and cons by now.

Let’s keep the focus on inspiration, ideas, and suggestions for interesting next builds, whether they’re kits, scratch, or something in between. What drives your decision when selecting your next model to build? Perhaps it's not even a ship model?
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Ha ha....... that age old question.......What next?

I have a feeling that I am an outlier on here in terms of builds - I am only interested in building models of ships that sail the great lakes or have sailed the region since say the 1950s to present - this would include older ships built and retired before I was born (1973). That being said, there are no kits available aside from a small generic laker by Sylvan Scale Models, but it is more for a railroad layout IMO. I see these ships as your every day worker who goes to work, does their job and contributes to society in a low key way and once they are gone are forgotten about by all but who are close to them. They are certainly not your movie stars, political leaders, etc types.

Knowing my topic of builds there are very historically significant ships aside from the obvious Edmund Fitzgerald, especially in regards to being known outside the great lakes region - yes there are well known wrecks, or 1sts, etc., but unless you are familiar with the region you probably wouldn't know, nor really care to.

The original post got me thinking.... As far as what to build next - I have kind of set myself what I consider to be a unique goal. Being in Canada and living my whole life a few blocks from the Detroit River - the ships have always been part of life, actually thought of pursuing a career on the lakes as a child, but never went that route. My goal is to build 1 ship from every Canadian great lakes company from say the early 1980s until present. This will be a challenge in many ways.... plans are not easy to come by, although I have built a small collection of shipyard plans. Old reference photos can be few and far between, especially pre-internet.

As mentioned by OP.......as I get to the finishing stages (OK....way early than that!) I am already planning on the next build. I have started the next one before the current one is done before as well.

Keeping in mind I build to either 1:200 or 1:192 scale...... so a 740ft ship is quite large still in model form. I currently have built 4 models at this size and already have the problem of where to display them. Small house, multiple cats, and not being a museum are constantly reminding me that I may need to slow down or stop. Earlier I mentioned my goal.... that would be roughly 11, 12 models, not including some small tanker fleets or older fleets. I have knocked off 3 since I started in the hobby in 2020.

I can almost certainly say I will not branch out into the wooden ship category - unless maybe the British HMS Detroit (1813), but who knows if there is any historical documentation on this - it has historical connection to my area as was built further down the Detroit River from where I live. I just don't have to patience, nor skill set to deal with rigging, sails, etc.

So......I have at least 2 more that are definately going to be built - the problem being........... where the heck am I going to display them???? I am working on building a collection of great lakes artifacts for lack of better term to make a marine room - however it is nowhere big enough for that many models - plus artifacts of great lakes ships are quite large - I am talking fleet flags, life rings, nav lights, not to mention books, etc.

Quick add on: I also have a small stockpile of a few plastic kits (3 are ships, one is built (Revell containter ship) the other 2 are the C3 and T2 kits from the '90s) and some planes that I want to do in Canadian Air Force livery (F35, Gripen) and some WWII planes significant to Canada (Mosquito, Spitfires Mk IX)
 
The age of ships I have built so far span the range 1492-1892 (Fram) with most periods represented. Wishing to stay with sail and multiple masts I need to go back into this range for my next model. I want something of historical significance and the two main contenders are Mayflower and Endeavour. Although the epic, heroic and perilous journey of Mayflower was historically important, the fact that it was engendered by futile religious conflicts is rather a negative. Also, the interpretations of the Mayflower design are not very different from Golden Hind and Revenge already built.
Leaving aside the issue of colonialism (common to both candidates) the aims of the Endeavour voyages seem much more positive: exploration, mapping and scientific studies. It seems that James Cook was a reasonably good egg for most of his life and took an interest in the welfare of his crew. So Endeavour it will probably be. The hull of a bluff-bowed ex collier might be an interesting challenge and may provide an excuse to buy some more plank bending kit.
 
As an aside..... it is interesting to see how ship names carry on over the ages too, and to totally different iterations.....

2 examples: Great Republic and Golden Hind - the first is what most would think of and build on here, the second is what comes to my mind first.......
old great republic.jpggolden hind old.jpg


new great republic.jpg1754590806191.png
 
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