I started building ship models with no real knowledge of the craft. I built the Billing Boats St. Roch, and to my surprise it turned out rather well - it challenged both my mental and physical skills and the end result surprised me. Virtually no instructions are provided with this kit so I had to make up everything as I went along and I used the build logs from SOS extensively. When I looked to see what was available to build next, the Model Shipways kit with the Dory, Pram and Smack was suggested by an SOS member. It was also suggested that I post a build log for this.
It took a long time to get hold of this kit. I bought it from Great Hobbies in Toronto where in mid November it was on back order. I received it on January 6, 2023.
Looking at this kit I realize I made the right choice. There are good instructions which will teach me techniques that I should have known about when I started the St. Roch. Three instruction booklets are provided, one for each model, and each contains step by step instructions and colour illustrations. The dory is a kit for beginners which is where I should have started in the first place!! The kit also provides some of the tools that are required.