My first model build ever (Buccaneer by Occre)

[mzak]

This is my first-ever model build. Before this, I had never built a plastic or wooden model.

About two years ago, I was going through a difficult period in my life and needed something to keep my mind occupied. I had always wanted to build model ships, but never took the first step. So I finally decided to give it a try.

Here I am 1.5 years later, with the ship finished and a display case that I also built completely from scratch.
I'd love to hear your honest opinions and constructive feedback. What do you think I did well, and what could I improve on for my next build?

Cheers!

 

[Peter Schaap]

Hi, A warm welcome to our forum.
To be honest, I hope my build turns out as neat as your Buccaneer!

 

[g8rfan99]

Not just your first wooden ship, but your first model ever?! Very impressive. You should be very proud of what you produced here and I look forward to seeing your next build.
Welcome to the forum

 

[mzak]

Not just your first wooden ship, but your first model ever?! Very impressive. You should be very proud of what you produced here and I look forward to seeing your next build.
Welcome to the forum

Thanks a lot, I really liked the outcome too, you have any suggestions for a bigger and little more advanced model?

 

[g8rfan99]

Believe it or not, I'm a newbie as well, at least to the wooden ship world. Built many plastic models when I was younger, including the Constitution, which unfortunately was accidentally destroyed before I finished rigging her. That model was nowhere near as detailed as the one I'm building now. Anyway, I am not the person to really recommend a next build for you, although I know most here would have suggested starting with something simpler than what you have already done. Obviously, you have some hidden talents to have done such a superb job on your first ship. I would not recommend the constitution. It is a very complicated build and I was absolutely nuts for taking it on as my first build. There are many folks here who can offer advice on an appropriate next build for you. In fact there was a very recent thread where someone else was asking the same question

Beginner suggestion

Hi All, I am wondering, can anyone suggest a ship model for a beginner into this venue? I've been plastic scale modeling for the past 15 yrs and want to explore wood ship building. I have mostly built WWII aircraft and war ships. I would like any suggestion on an inexpensive, (less than $100)...

shipsofscale.com

There were many good suggestions you may be interested in. Good luck with it.

 

[AllanKP69]

What do you think I did well, and what could I improve on for my next build?

Welcome Mzak
It looks like you did fantastic job of construction on your first build.

For a second build, what are your priorities?
Price, quality of materals, quality of instructions, historical accuracy, scale, &c.
Without knowing these most of us would recommend something based on our own priorities and they vary a lot. There is no right or wrong, it all depends on what YOU find to be important.
Allan

 

[mzak]

Welcome Mzak
It looks like you did fantastic job of construction on your first build.

For a second build, what are your priorities?
Price, quality of materals, quality of instructions, historical accuracy, scale, &c.
Without knowing these most of us would recommend something based on our own priorities and they vary a lot. There is no right or wrong, it all depends on what YOU find to be important.
Allan

Hey Allan, thanks a lot!
Well I am looking for a quality kit i like quality materials a bit bigger than this one, not too advanced (am still a newbie) I like 17-18th century ships, historical accuracy doesn't really matter a lot and I don't care much about the price.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Great looking ship for your first ever build!

 

[Lorenzo]

You've done a great job.
My first kit is so ugly, I've put it out of sight.

 

[AllanKP69]

I like 17-18th century ships, historical accuracy doesn't really matter a lot

For high quality look at Modelship Dockyard and Vanguard brands for the era you like. There are others that I am sure members will recommend to buy or avoid.
Allan

 

[RussF]

Welcome to the forum! Wow, you've done a wonderful job on that model. I would never have guessed that it was a first time build. Well done!