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Welcome, and where is USA do you hail from, we have members all about, and if you let us know, someone may be near you to provide advise or assistance.
Please start a build log on your ship when you start so we can follow along and provide assistance if you have questions or issues.
Use the search tool to see if anyone else has posted on the ship kit and see what they have done. It often saves you time if you have same issues.
I'm sure you will like the OcOre Essex. The second ship I built was the OcOre Endurance. The kit went together without any problems (that I didn't create) and the videos do help a lot.
A warm welcome to you Budda. Don't be afraid to ask questions during your journey. As you have never built a wooden ship model you may want to consider setting your Essex aside for a few weeks and build one or more of the high quality three boats designed by David Antscherl available at
Welcome aboard from Connecticut (formally from Dix Hills). I strongly agree with Alan. I had done plastic modeling for at least 15 years before I started wooden ships. Even with all that plastic work, the learning curve for this hobby is steep. I would strongly encourage you to start with the Dory kit. It is inexpensive and has a well written manual that teaches you a lot of tricks of the trade. I did that after buying a model expo constitution cross section kit. I am very glad I did that kit and the Norwegian sailing pram. Both were fun and taught me how to handle the wood.
Now I really need an explanation for this Model shipway beginner series thing. Everyone here praising it, do you really have any idea what it is?
I have bought the Norwegian Pram and it is a bad kit with a bad fit and pretty bad instructions with small pictures and no drawing.
Instructions certainly work for those who want 1000 words and unclear pictures. I prefer the reverse, good clear pictures and drawings and less chatter.
Look at the Occres Polaris instructions and compare.
Then I think that building a dory does not give much practice before building a ship. If you want to practice a little, you can buy some wood and build anything, a model of a house for example, then you can practice woodworking without having to spend a lot of money unnecessarily.
Everyone can compare, for example, Occre Polaris and Model Shipways Lowell Grand Banks dory, the instructions can be read online before buying.
Welcome to the forum. I'm a great fan of Melville and Moby Dick, so I built thr Essex too. I found the kit from Occre, that had good materials and is quite simple to assemble. Good work!
Welcome aboard. Start with the ship you want, if you find your self in a spot, than just post a question here. Everyone on the site are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and very courteous. Congrats on retirement!
Now I really need an explanation for this Model shipway beginner series thing. Everyone here praising it, do you really have any idea what it is?
I have bought the Norwegian Pram and it is a bad kit with a bad fit and pretty bad instructions with small pictures and no drawing.
Instructions certainly work for those who want 1000 words and unclear pictures. I prefer the reverse, good clear pictures and drawings and less chatter.
Look at the Occres Polaris instructions and compare.
Then I think that building a dory does not give much practice before building a ship. If you want to practice a little, you can buy some wood and build anything, a model of a house for example, then you can practice woodworking without having to spend a lot of money unnecessarily.
Everyone can compare, for example, Occre Polaris and Model Shipways Lowell Grand Banks dory, the instructions can be read online before buying.
Yes I have done the model shipways Dory then the pram and then the Maine peapod which I found at a deep discount. I think building a model house is not the same. Planking the hull itself for example is an art that has so many different way of doing it. I looked briefly at the instructions for the Polaris and I did not notice any emphasis on making sure the frame were perfectly square with the spine of the ship. This is crucial for a good outcome. It is better to make your mistakes on a less expensive model before you do the one you really want
I also encourage you to look at the different build logs here for construction of the models. You Tube is also a valuable resource.
My build log for the Norwegian Sailing Pram (with my mistakes) and the Maine Peapod
This is my first building log. This is the second wooden ship I have built. I have done plastic models for many years. I found the Ship of Scales site and decided to dip my toe in after reading for a few months. My first build was the Grand Banks Dory, which I found to be a lot of fun. My...
This will be my second build log. I have already completed the Grand Banks Dory and Norwegian Sailing Pram. I saw the Peapod at half price so I picked it up. According to the instruction manual, the peapods originated in Maine in the 1800's and were used for one man lobster work until the...
Welcome to the group,I'm sure you'll find this to be a wonderful bunch of hobbyists. I to am a realitive nubie and have enjoyed the conversation with other members.
I'll join the ranks of others and offer my sincere welcome aboard as well. As one member noted, it's a bit of a rabbit hole, and every project I undertake seems in involve me buying at least one more tool. lol Joking aside, it's a great hobby, and a wonderful way to spend winter days and evenings. I look forward to following your build log for the OcCre Essex.
Welcome to the forum. I'm a great fan of Melville and Moby Dick, so I built thr Essex too. I found the kit from Occre, that had good materials and is quite simple to assemble. Good work! View attachment 484532
Hi Ismaele
Super job on The Essex !
Last summer my wife and I were at Martha's Vineyard, I bought this book and I it was great, it kinda got me back into reading again so naturally I got right into "In The Heart Of The Sea" and then "Moby Dick". Well you can see where this is going, Next summer it will be Nantucket and on the way stop off at Mystic Seaport to see the Charles W Morgan !!!!!
Mike
Hi Ismaele
Super job on The Essex !
Last summer my wife and I were at Martha's Vineyard, I bought this book and I it was great, it kinda got me back into reading again so naturally I got right into "In The Heart Of The Sea" and then "Moby Dick". Well you can see where this is going, Next summer it will be Nantucket and on the way stop off at Mystic Seaport to see the Charles W Morgan !!!!!
Mike
Belated but hearty welcome, Budda!! I started with those same plastic kits back when I was 16 also. Now I’m tackling 17th century men of war with full rigging and sails at age 60 after a lifetime doing other things.
Awesome! Welcome indeed! My experience is two fold…it is only wood…break it make a new part. Second, any model ship, big or small, is truly one part at a time! Don’t get caught up in all the pieces/parts in the box…that can be daunting…concentrate on the one piece at a time. You will do well and find a rewarding hobby and a world of fellow enthusiasts to help.