Hi everyone,
My name is Jorge Negrete, and I’m from Madrid/Majadahonda (Spain)
I got into modeling when I was 15. My father introduced me to it, and I learned alongside him.
I built small kits—like Constructo’s *Juan Sebastián Elcano* and a small *Bounty*—and I also got into control-line model aviation. I used to design my own planes for that... though they didn't always fly very well...
For Three Kings' Day when I was 17, my father gave me the *Urca Derfflinger* kit by Art Amb Fusta (a great line of kits from a Spanish company that no longer exists).
We worked on it together (mostly me, though) until he passed away when I was 18.
Back then, I left the ship unfinished—he was the last person to touch it—and I gave up modeling.
I had started a demanding engineering degree and had to work weekends... basically, I just didn't have the time.
But I promised myself I’d finish it one day.
The ship survived at least three moves, two daughters, and three storage units...
It even suffered a couple of accidents during those moves.
A couple of years ago, I was given the *Western Stagecoach* kit by Artesanía Latina.
That’s when I picked up my old hobby again... I set up a small workshop in the space under the stairs, bought some tools, and got to work on it.
I finished it (I’ll post some photos) and decided to restore/rebuild the *Urca*.
I was missing parts, as I hadn't kept anything from the kit other than what was already built—or destroyed. I had no rigging or sails, just the masts.
So, I set to work on it. A year later, I finished it, and I feel truly proud of the result, given what the project meant to me.
That’s the reason for this long-winded story. I love modeling—especially ship modeling—but I took a 42-year hiatus.
So, I’m essentially relearning the craft. Nowadays, with the internet and forums like this one, it’s all much more exciting; you can pick up ideas from people here that make the whole experience far more rewarding.
After the *Urca*, I switched gears and built Occre’s Mississippi steamboat.
For the past month, I’ve been working on Occre’s *HMS Victory*. I’ve noticed that others here (like @Crypton ) have it too. I am looking into those threads and I have taken good ideas, like the small frame clamps.
It’s a pleasure to be welcomed into the forum. I look forward to sharing experiences and ship models with you all.
My name is Jorge Negrete, and I’m from Madrid/Majadahonda (Spain)
I got into modeling when I was 15. My father introduced me to it, and I learned alongside him.
I built small kits—like Constructo’s *Juan Sebastián Elcano* and a small *Bounty*—and I also got into control-line model aviation. I used to design my own planes for that... though they didn't always fly very well...
For Three Kings' Day when I was 17, my father gave me the *Urca Derfflinger* kit by Art Amb Fusta (a great line of kits from a Spanish company that no longer exists).
We worked on it together (mostly me, though) until he passed away when I was 18.
Back then, I left the ship unfinished—he was the last person to touch it—and I gave up modeling.
I had started a demanding engineering degree and had to work weekends... basically, I just didn't have the time.
But I promised myself I’d finish it one day.
The ship survived at least three moves, two daughters, and three storage units...
It even suffered a couple of accidents during those moves.
A couple of years ago, I was given the *Western Stagecoach* kit by Artesanía Latina.
That’s when I picked up my old hobby again... I set up a small workshop in the space under the stairs, bought some tools, and got to work on it.
I finished it (I’ll post some photos) and decided to restore/rebuild the *Urca*.
I was missing parts, as I hadn't kept anything from the kit other than what was already built—or destroyed. I had no rigging or sails, just the masts.
So, I set to work on it. A year later, I finished it, and I feel truly proud of the result, given what the project meant to me.
That’s the reason for this long-winded story. I love modeling—especially ship modeling—but I took a 42-year hiatus.
So, I’m essentially relearning the craft. Nowadays, with the internet and forums like this one, it’s all much more exciting; you can pick up ideas from people here that make the whole experience far more rewarding.
After the *Urca*, I switched gears and built Occre’s Mississippi steamboat.
For the past month, I’ve been working on Occre’s *HMS Victory*. I’ve noticed that others here (like @Crypton ) have it too. I am looking into those threads and I have taken good ideas, like the small frame clamps.
It’s a pleasure to be welcomed into the forum. I look forward to sharing experiences and ship models with you all.
