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I let my Admiral choose my new kit !

What a nice introduction, Mike. And as a great PF fan I like your avatar.
And this quote is for me like ‘Living on the Dark Side of the Moon’:
Capt. Quint said:
3 days later... the Admiral informed me that the kit was purchased from Amazon, but wouldn't tell me which one !
Click to expand...
What great faith you have in your Admiral.:) With the necessary preparation, so the shock won't be too great.;)
Hopefully the package will arrive soon.
And about staring with a big model ……. I did the same with my ‘Le Mirage’, adjusted the rigging myself and designed and made the sails. With your added point in you resume I am sure you will make it.
As the others mentioned, start a build-log and you will get all the help you probably need.
Regards, Peter
 
Last edited:
Thanks Peter & Jim.

While we are talking about Pink Floyd, here is an interesting fact about me that I can add to my resume... I got permanent hearing damage from a 1984 Van Halen Concert ! True statement.

I was 20 feet away from Eddy Van Halen & also 20 feet away from several GIANT floor & hanging speakers. I was 19 years old. My ears rang for three days. My Mom finally said, I'm taking you to the Dr. I replied "What" ? The hearing test confirmed it. ROTF

I cannot hear "low tones" especially in peoples voices. Last year, my Admiral & I had to quit going to a church we really liked because the Preacher spoke in a very low tone & I couldn't understand a word he was saying. Luckily, I am still getting by without hearing aides. It was a very minor setback in my life & instead of complaining about it, I have always made light of it. Life is full of curve balls. By the way, the VH concert was amazing !

Eddy Van Halen (RIP) could make a guitar talk, David Gilmore of Pink Floyd can make a guitar sing.
 
Mike-H2O said:
Thanks Peter & Jim.

While we are talking about Pink Floyd, here is an interesting fact about me that I can add to my resume... I got permanent hearing damage from a 1984 Van Halen Concert ! True statement.

I was 20 feet away from Eddy Van Halen & also 20 feet away from several GIANT floor & hanging speakers. I was 19 years old. My ears rang for three days. My Mom finally said, I'm taking you to the Dr. I replied "What" ? The hearing test confirmed it. ROTF

I cannot hear "low tones" especially in peoples voices. Last year, my Admiral & I had to quit going to a church we really liked because the Preacher spoke in a very low tone & I couldn't understand a word he was saying. Luckily, I am still getting by without hearing aides. It was a very minor setback in my life & instead of complaining about it, I have always made light of it. Life is full of curve balls. By the way, the VH concert was amazing !

Eddy Van Halen (RIP) could make a guitar talk, David Gilmore of Pink Floyd can make a guitar sing.
Click to expand...
What a story! Van Halen must have been absolutely incredible up close like that, though the “souvenir” they left you with was definitely not the best one. Life really does throw curve balls, my friend.
And since we’re talking Pink Floyd… in my case, wanting to hear Gilmour’s guitar sing in all its beauty is exactly what pushed me to get hearing aids. Priorities, right?

Music like that is worth hearing properly, even if technology has to give us a little boost.
 
Got home & was greeted by the Admiral. She said, "before you open your package, this is your Christmas & birthday presents for the next several years ! Plus, you need a boost, a challenge & something to look forward to." She is right. I have been kinda depressed & down for the last several months. I had a knee replacement not too long ago, followed by a hip replacement 3 months ago. I have been delegated to my recliner since last April. That's why I have able to do so much research & watch build logs on SOS & YouTube.
(I should have made my user name "The Terminator") !

FYI... A hip replacement is a "paper cut" compared to a knee replacement. If anyone is curious or wants first hand knowledge of either, shoot me a PM.

The box was big & heavy. I carefully opened it & immediately had an OH S**T moment, followed by several seconds of awkward silence. I said "Babe, you were supposed to pick between the 3 choices we looked at". She replied, "I know, and the very last thing you said to me was pick which one I want". That comment was followed by another awkward silence.
:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

As the warden told Paul Newman in the old classic movie, Cool Hand Luke...
"What we've got here, is, failure to communicate" !!!!!!!




IMG_1070.jpg

IMG_1071.jpg

Shock & Awe ! I wasn't expecting this. I guess the Admiral has confidence in me. She finally said "Do what you need to learn how to build this boat and for Heaven's sake, HAVE FUN !" I said "OK Babe, thank you so much, I love You, but You're Killing Me !"

She is a research person like myself & even though Occre is sold out of this kit, she found 3 left in the US & 4 in Canada from their distributers. She didn't look overseas. If anyone else wants one, you better jump on it, quick. This one came from an Amazon supplier & they supposedly have 1 more left.

I'm not ready to punt, but the only thing I can think to do at the moment is to "Buy a Vowel"


Mike
 
I understood immediately when I read your first post which boat she would order. :)

I suggest that you now order Vanguard's Sherbourne as a practice before you take on Victory.
Then you will not only learn how to build a ship but also what good materials look like.

vanguardmodels.co.uk

HM Armed Cutter Sherbourne – 1763

Explore high-quality wooden model ship kits, fittings, and accessories designed by Chris Watton. Perfect for beginners to experienced modellers. Shop online today.
vanguardmodels.co.uk vanguardmodels.co.uk
 
After calming down & sleeping on it, I think it's time to change tactics & my thought process. I was extremely confident in starting & completing the San Felipe or Belle Poule. Not so much with this Victory. I'm feeling guilty as to the amount of $$ my wife spent on this kit, especially with me being out of work since April with no income coming in. If I jump in guns-a-blazin' with this Victory kit & fail because of over confidence, the sting will be much worse than the guilt I am feeling now. I thought $500 for one of the other kits was a big "ouch". I still need to buy/build a desk/work station, lighting of some sort, all supplies & especially magnifiers. Luckily, I already have most of the tools needed to start.

I'm very excited with my gift and really want to dive in, but... reality has set in.

Opinions please: How about Occre's Santisima Trinidad Cross Section ? Would that be a good kit to practice on to build skills & confidence ? I'm all ears.


Mike
 
ubjs said:
I understood immediately when I read your first post which boat she would order. :)

I suggest that you now order Vanguard's Sherbourne as a practice before you take on Victory.
Then you will not only learn how to build a ship but also what good materials look like.

vanguardmodels.co.uk

HM Armed Cutter Sherbourne – 1763

Explore high-quality wooden model ship kits, fittings, and accessories designed by Chris Watton. Perfect for beginners to experienced modellers. Shop online today.
vanguardmodels.co.uk vanguardmodels.co.uk
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion. I like it.
 
Mike-H2O said:
After calming down & sleeping on it, I think it's time to change tactics & my thought process. I was extremely confident in starting & completing the San Felipe or Belle Poule. Not so much with this Victory. I'm feeling guilty as to the amount of $$ my wife spent on this kit, especially with me being out of work since April with no income coming in. If I jump in guns-a-blazin' with this Victory kit & fail because of over confidence, the sting will be much worse than the guilt I am feeling now. I thought $500 for one of the other kits was a big "ouch". I still need to buy/build a desk/work station, lighting of some sort, all supplies & especially magnifiers. Luckily, I already have most of the tools needed to start.

I'm very excited with my gift and really want to dive in, but... reality has set in.

Opinions please: How about Occre's Santisima Trinidad Cross Section ? Would that be a good kit to practice on to build skills & confidence ? I'm all ears.


Mike
Click to expand...

A great gift, and a wonderful Admiral, too.
As a carpenter or wood worker, you shouldn't have any problem building this ship.
I think you're overreacting; it's not all difficult, Admirality style without bottom planking.
Jump in water.

If you're not entirely sure about the construction...
You won't learn anything on the Santisima cross-section model, you'll need to learn how to sand chamfer on the frames.
The Buccaneer is even better, you can build it in 150-170 hours, and has everything you need to learn.
 
Please stop the whining and give your admiral a very big hug! Then start your building with the ships boats, mast tops and/or other details prior to the big lump. That should give you all the practise you possibly need.
 
I agree with Kuba91nt. Go for it
I reckon the really tricky step of a ship model is the planking below the water line which places demands on previous experience. As the OcCre Victory has bare frames at that level then it is not an issue. Follow the (usually good) OcCre instructions, browse this forum and make your Admiral deservedly happy by seeing you embark on this project with enthusiasm. Good Luck
 
Mike-H2O said:
Got home & was greeted by the Admiral. She said, "before you open your package, this is your Christmas & birthday presents for the next several years ! Plus, you need a boost, a challenge & something to look forward to." She is right. I have been kinda depressed & down for the last several months. I had a knee replacement not too long ago, followed by a hip replacement 3 months ago. I have been delegated to my recliner since last April. That's why I have able to do so much research & watch build logs on SOS & YouTube.
(I should have made my user name "The Terminator") !

FYI... A hip replacement is a "paper cut" compared to a knee replacement. If anyone is curious or wants first hand knowledge of either, shoot me a PM.

The box was big & heavy. I carefully opened it & immediately had an OH S**T moment, followed by several seconds of awkward silence. I said "Babe, you were supposed to pick between the 3 choices we looked at". She replied, "I know, and the very last thing you said to me was pick which one I want". That comment was followed by another awkward silence.
:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

As the warden told Paul Newman in the old classic movie, Cool Hand Luke...
"What we've got here, is, failure to communicate" !!!!!!!




View attachment 557922

View attachment 557923

Shock & Awe ! I wasn't expecting this. I guess the Admiral has confidence in me. She finally said "Do what you need to learn how to build this boat and for Heaven's sake, HAVE FUN !" I said "OK Babe, thank you so much, I love You, but You're Killing Me !"

She is a research person like myself & even though Occre is sold out of this kit, she found 3 left in the US & 4 in Canada from their distributers. She didn't look overseas. If anyone else wants one, you better jump on it, quick. This one came from an Amazon supplier & they supposedly have 1 more left.

I'm not ready to punt, but the only thing I can think to do at the moment is to "Buy a Vowel"


Mike
Click to expand...
Then you have to call your Admiral and play you ‘Avatar’ now and set the volume on a big plus when this verse begint:
The lunatic is in my head
The lunatic is in my head
You raise the blade, you make the change
You re-arrange me 'til I'm sane​
I wish you a lot of fun with the build of the very nice kit!
Regards, Peter
 
Peter Voogt said:
Then you have to call your Admiral and play you ‘Avatar’ now and set the volume on a big plus when this verse begint:
The lunatic is in my head
The lunatic is in my head
You raise the blade, you make the change
You re-arrange me 'til I'm sane​
I wish you a lot of fun with the build of the very nice kit!
Regards, Peter
Click to expand...

There's someone in my head, but it's not me !
 
Mike-H2O said:
Greetings Folks,

My Admiral was my grade school & high school sweetheart. She used to help me build plastic model kits when we were kids. She knew back then that a scale wooden ship was on my bucket list.

I have been doing extensive research for about 6 months & have watched countless YouTube build logs & read hundreds of posts & build logs on SOS.

This will be my first wooden model ship build.
Here is my resume:

- Advanced wood worker with a specialty in scroll sawing & fretwork
- 35 yrs residential construction, drafting, blueprint reading & take-off experience
- Built over 150 new homes, including one that was $1 Million
- College degree with a minor in mathematics
- I measure 3 times & cut once
- Extremely Patient & strong attention to detail

With my resume, I "think" I would put my starting skill level as intermediate? My thought was that if I can build a $1M house, surely I can build a $500 ship model.
(I might change my tune once I start) !
My confidence level is extremely high except for the planking & rigging. I'm ready for a 3+ year build. I plan on messing up & having to purchase replacement materials. PLUS... the knowledge & willingness to help new builders on this site is my "Ace in the hole". This forum is amazing.

I picked an Occre kit, due to the 1:1 plans, build videos & recommendations from SOS. Last week, I informed my Admiral that I was ready to purchase & I wanted her to pick out the ship. She was extremely excited to pick the one to display in our home.

I gave her 4 choices from Occre. She watched every presentation video of each ship several times & every picture of each ship on their website. She was definitely "On Board".
Here were my choices:
- Endeavour
- Diana
- San Felipe
- Belle Poule

She really liked the rugged war ship San Felipe & thought the Belle Poule was very classy. For some reason she wasn't fond of the Endeavour. So, the choice was quickly narrowed down to 3.
Out of curiosity, She then spent parts of 2 days looking at ALL the choices from Occre & loved the Santisima Trinidad, Montanes & the new limited HMS Victory. I politely told her "I like them as well, but, NO", (a word she doesn't like to hear) and that those kits were not a first time build & the fact that the Victory was $1800 & already sold out, so... maybe one of those for my next build. She agreed.

3 days later... the Admiral informed me that the kit was purchased from Amazon, but wouldn't tell me which one ! I had to promise her that I would not get on our Amazon account & see the order status. Hmm... I don't care, as I love all 3. I am like a kid waiting for Christmas !

Kit should arrive in a few days. Stay tuned. I'll report back & then start a build log.
Which one did she choose ?:
- Diana
- San Felipe
- Belle Poule

Mike
Click to expand...
welcome aboard
 
The American writer O’Henry wrote a short story that I still find incredibly sad after reading it in high school way back when. A terribly poor couple faces Christmas. Husband pawns his pocket watch to buy an expensive clip for his wife’s beautiful long hair. Wife cuts her hair short and sells it to pay for a gold chain for husband’s pocket watch. Two expensive gifts wind up being useless.

I’m NOT suggesting that this is your exact situation. Your wife, however, understands your passion for building a model ship and has given great thought to giving a gift that she believes will make you happy. The money is a sunk cost. If you get busy and build the model and for some reason don’t complete it she will always remember how hard you worked on it and the enjoyment that it gave you. Buying another kit to practice will just cost more money. At this point what’s important is acknowledging her well meaning gift.

You are much better qualified than the average novice. Building Victory will not be that different than building a model of a smaller three masted sailing warship. Just more of the same.

Roger
 
I happen to agree with Roger (yes, @Roger Pellett, that surprised me too ROTF). A thoughtful approach will yield success on this Victory model. There are plenty of examples on the forum and since this is a more current release designed for the mass market, I would like to think the instructions are manageable for a first-time builder. This is the time to celebrate your bride's gift not to inadvertently suggest she made a mistake...
 
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