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Building a kit to give away, searching tips for simplified build

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ubjs

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I, like many others, have bought way too many kits. Unfortunately, I have also started most of them.
There are quite a few Billing boats where the details are not that high class.
At the same time, I know that relatives and friends would appreciate a boat to put as a decoration in a window, for example. Most people have no idea what real boats look like in detail, but just want something as an interior detail.
I am therefore looking for tips on how to build something suitable for this as simply as possible.
I imagine that instead of putting in 100 hours, I want to put in about 20.
For example, I have a number of schooners. One idea I have is to fill the space between the frames with foam, but then I would need some material that makes the hull a little durable. Some bendable plastic material or something that can be plastered over planks/foam, maybe?

Also looking for tips on other things that can be simplified, for example when it comes to rigging.
I have some Proxxon tools, their small saw, sanding tool with disc and a sanding belt tool. I also have access to the wood lathe.
The goal of this is to get rid of some kits so that I can concentrate on, for example, Master Korabel's Polotsk and Artesania Latina Vasa. Sure, I could throw away 5-10 kits, but if I can fix them up so that they can make someone else happy, that would be more fun.

I have planked the hulls of some of them here, so I don't feel that I have any great need to practice planking schooners.
 
It's a difficult question because as shipbuilders we put everything we have into a build. Personally I would have to answer the question -

How many corners am I prepared to cut and what detail am I prepared to exclude?

I know I couldn't do it, so good luck!
 
I understand that no one dares to answer after Graham's answer.
But if you can't ask this question here, which forum should I turn to?
It is only here that you know what a boat building kit is.
If you do not want to post in the thread so that everyone can see, please send a message via the message function.
 
ubjs said:
I understand that no one dares to answer after Graham's answer.
But if you can't ask this question here, which forum should I turn to?
It is only here that you know what a boat building kit is.
If you do not want to post in the thread so that everyone can see, please send a message via the message function.
Click to expand...

Greetings, The question isn't typical for a scale modeling forum. What you have typically described in the initial posts, is how to convert a mode kit into a souvenir. The reason why you didn't get so many replies, is that we are trying to avoid building souvenirs, at least from the kits. I am sure you have read many build logs, where members are trying to build various components as close as would be on real ships.

Building the souvenir simplifies all the processes, you don't have to use plans and follow the instructions. You can build a single plank hull and paint it. You can use any thread to make rigging and instead of using deadeyes, use nails to pin the rope. You can use paper for sails... etc. Use your imagination, to simplify the process, INHO
 
To build a kit to give away, pick a simple kit, and build to instructions.

If your not worried about how accurate it looks, then don't do any extra steps most of us take to provide a true shape to hulls or masts.

The old saying of KISS!
 
Jim, in your answer I think we have the gist that model ship building is a hobby in decline. I experience the hobby as very locked down and mostly inspired by an idea that you can only build model ships in one way, as detailed and realistic as possible.
I think this scares off more people than it appeals to. If I think about how I started building plastic models, at first I just glued the parts together without painting. Then I learned to spray paint in the 70s (then it was Badger). After a while we started building Tamiya's Formula 1 cars and super-detailing them with ignition cables and a lot of other details that we found in English motoring magazines. We followed race by race and the technical changes until everything came to a tragic end at Monza when Ronnie Petersson died.
If I had heard from the beginning that you have to build plastic models in a certain way, I hardly think I would have gotten this far with that hobby.

I think there is a silent majority on this forum who don't build super nice models and probably don't want to show their builds because several here have the stated goal of building better and better models.
It is of course not wrong that those who want to become better strive for it, but I think it is foolish to assume that everyone who enjoys building model ships has the same ambition.
 
ubjs said:
I know that relatives and friends would appreciate a boat to put as a decoration in a window
Click to expand...

Really? Ask them again and stress that you'll be spending 20 hours to build this ornament for their window. You might find that they were previously showing a polite interest without actually expecting you to put in the time for them. My family have been very supportive of my hobby but when I put the question to them, none of them wanted an old fashioned thing like a model boat in their minimalist houses.

ubjs said:
I have also started most of them.
Click to expand...
ubjs said:
Sure, I could throw away 5-10 kits, but if I can fix them up so that they can make someone else happy, that would be more fun.
Click to expand...

They weren't interesting enough for you to build for yourself. Will you really have fun building them in a hurry? :rolleyes:

Will you family like a boat model made from foam and plastic, plastered over? Sounds like the classic white elephant to me. They will hate them but won't be able to throw them away because you built the boats especially for them, albeit without much care. :D

Don't throw then away though, keep the wood and fittings and you'll have a precious store of materials to enhance something that you want to build for yourself.:D
 
ubjs said:
I think there is a silent majority on this forum who don't build super nice models and probably don't want to show their builds because several here have the stated goal of building better and better models.
It is of course not wrong that those who want to become better strive for it, but I think it is foolish to assume that everyone who enjoys building model ships has the same ambition.
Click to expand...
You are correct, though. For most of us, this is just a hobby. We have different skills and abilities. The purpose of a build log here (on SOS) is not to show off the skills, there is no competition here. We are trying to help each other, by giving suggestions and hints. I am not classifying models as super-nice, average, or bad. What could be for you the worst model, for another could be a gem. We build as we can, we learn as we want, but most importantly we have fun assemblin\building the models.
 
Two approaches to "simplified" models are with stub masts and half-hull. Both have long histories. And they both have the advantages that they take up less space and friends and relatives will find them easier to care for. Fair winds!

sultana 1.jpgdapper tom 2.jpg
 
ubjs said:
I, like many others, have bought way too many kits. Unfortunately, I have also started most of them.
There are quite a few Billing boats where the details are not that high class.
At the same time, I know that relatives and friends would appreciate a boat to put as a decoration in a window, for example. Most people have no idea what real boats look like in detail, but just want something as an interior detail.
I am therefore looking for tips on how to build something suitable for this as simply as possible.
I imagine that instead of putting in 100 hours, I want to put in about 20.
For example, I have a number of schooners. One idea I have is to fill the space between the frames with foam, but then I would need some material that makes the hull a little durable. Some bendable plastic material or something that can be plastered over planks/foam, maybe?

Also looking for tips on other things that can be simplified, for example when it comes to rigging.
I have some Proxxon tools, their small saw, sanding tool with disc and a sanding belt tool. I also have access to the wood lathe.
The goal of this is to get rid of some kits so that I can concentrate on, for example, Master Korabel's Polotsk and Artesania Latina Vasa. Sure, I could throw away 5-10 kits, but if I can fix them up so that they can make someone else happy, that would be more fun.

I have planked the hulls of some of them here, so I don't feel that I have any great need to practice planking schooners.
Click to expand...
My brother admired the ship models that had finished mostly Top sail schooners and large scale gun boats. For a gift I built the Midwest daysailer for him. That was 42 years ago and it has been passed on to his kids. My choice was based on its simplicity and its large scale. Anything you build will be appreciated.
 
Once again, Jim stated it well. The skill spectrum is as wide as the reasons people take up and continue this hobby. But ultimately, and it cannot be overstated, modelers build for their own reasons. We set our own goals. Some to build historically accurate ships. Most of these skilled modelers are scratch-building from plans or monographs. Some may not have the skill to build scratch-build a ship, but can scratch modify using a kit as their foundation. Others enjoy building kits as they are packaged, historical accuracy aside. The SoS community is non-judgmental and supports everyone, regardless of the modeler's objectives.

Some modelers may not share their builds on the site for a variety of reasons, but it should never be because of the fear of being inadequate as a modeler or being judged. That's the opposite of what SoS is. There is so much knowledge here. The act of people sharing their methods and perhaps, more importantly, their mistakes and how they overcame them imparts knowledge to others, helping them from making the same types of mistakes, saving them time and frustration, and making the hobby more enjoyable.

I believe that people stop doing things in life, regardless of what it is, including model ship building, is simply because they don't enjoy it any longer.

For me, and I've said this before, it's not the "destination" of building a model ship, but the "journey" of getting there. Factors being, I've always been interested in the evolution of naval technology, especially during the golden age of sail. The need to work with my hands and after retiring find a way to keep my brain sharp, through problem-solving. However, sometimes I'm an overachiever when it comes to creating my problem-solving opportunities. :rolleyes:

Keep it fun, otherwise it's not.
 
At some point you have to balance the desire for perfection with the desire to complete the project. It sounds like you've looked at your kits long enough that your urge for completion is much stronger than your desire for perfection. I wouldn't recommend building the equivalent of a popsicle stick model, you can at least work at the level of finishing the instructions. Most kits can lead to something you can be proud of without bashing to build a museum piece.

I recommend you focus your energy on one kit that seems most realistic to finish but nice enough to display, follow the instructions, and finish it. You will have a great sense of great accomplishment, your love for the hobby will increase, and you will be a better modeller. And you won't be able to part with it unless it's someone you really care for.

If you don't think the other kits are worth the effort, scavenge for parts and chuck it. If you can let them go.

IMHO
 
I've got three models on the go, the first was a single plank longboat, the planks were easy to bend, but I had only one tool, a fine saw, plus a scalpel, so results were not satisfactory, the masts are not to scale.
and it is pretty much abandoned.
I've also gotten two under construction, but neither have good planking, I bought a plank tool, a sort of scissor thing with blade, not a great thing.
might have to buy a plank bender, I dont have the patience for planking. I've ordered another pin pusher as somehow the first one has a damaged probe. Do I have to remove the pins before the second planking,
I think they might look quite smart if used on the outside, even if not true to the ship. I like to adapt some things to make them a bit more lively.
PS if I get better, can I sell them, at cost, so I can make more? I'm in the UK, they don't have motors.
 
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It sounds like you might want to build some more fundamental skills and techniques. Have you seen the Model Shipwright series from Model Shipways? I built the three models included and walked away with some foundational skills from the great documentation. I have gone on to more advanced builds, but still display the Model Shipwright models prominently. I strongly recommend.

As for selling your models for cost, I wouldn't bet on it unless you are spectacular. But when you think of the time and enjoyment you get out of a single kit, you are definnitely getting your money's worth.
 
You in US do you know what these Model shipways kits cost in Europe?
Approx 100 euro each!
In US its something like half the price Europe.
 
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