New member introduction

[Thomaslambo]

Hello Everyone,

Great site, thanks for the awesome builds and I hope to contribute at some point.

Regards,

Boyd

 

[Donnie]

Hi Boyd,
I am glad that you found SoS. I am sure that the rest of the folks here will welcome you as well.

Donnie

 

[Thomaslambo]

Thanks Donnie,

I took a very close look at your Santisima Trinidad (ST) build thread, very impressive to say the least, and I'm also following what appears to be a close friend of yours ST build as well (donlong).

Can't tell you how helpful these threads are to beginners like me.

I've been building models for over 35 years (planes, boats, cars, etc), no wooden ships yet but now that I'm retired I'm going to give it a go.

The ST and HMS Victory are both on my build list....but first I'm going to finish a Mamoli Lexington model to get the hang of it so to speak (finished laying up the keel and I'm almost done with the first layer of planking...so far so good)

Boyd

 

[Donnie]

Boyd,
the main thing is that I am here to help any way I can. No problem there. I am sure that others will also dial in and add to this discussion. There are others that are somewhat adamant about what model to begin with. (meaning) that people that are newcomers would be fair to start out with a simple model - perhaps a solid hull and one with less rigging.
However, I have mixed thoughts and judgements about this. I have seen both ends of the spectrum: one choosing an advanced model like the ST, the Victory and be quite successful with it, then I have seen people give up building even the most simple model not willing to complete it.
I always say follow what you want to do. The argument is that the more advanced models will be too difficult. However, again, my thoughts are that its not so much the difficulty, it is the "time" investment.
The larger models can be easier to work with because the scale is much larger and easier to work with, but you have the factor of more work and more time. The smaller models might can be built quicker, but the scale is so small that everything is more or less "representative" of the real thing. Sometimes, It can be more difficult building a smaller model. But, just everything, everyone has different opinions. My Trinidad has about 5 1/2 years into it completion. It could have taken a lot less time. I work full time and do not have the luxury to work on the model everyday. Some days (or even weeks) I did not touch the Trinidad just being general tired and just burned out of everyday things. I think that the Trinidad could be built in about 3 years (if I had to do it all over again). One year to build the Hull which includes all the decking and furnitures, etc. One year to build the Mast and rig out the Shrouds, ect. The last third year to build the Yards and all running rigging. But, have never been down this road and VERY POOR instructions is what caused all my delays !!!
OcCres rigging instruction "Plates" were all about 85 % incorrect !!! The belaying pin layouts were about 85 % incorrect. Way too much time researching. This part is what almost burned me out.

Donnie
just email me donnie<at>shipsofscale.com for help the best I can do for now.

 

[GaryM]

Welcome. Glad you like the site as much as I do. There is a lot of information here and some great models.
What Donnie says about models is true. Usually, the larger the model, the more detail can be added to make the vessel a better representation of the original ship. Any kit will have errors and things that a person can improve on or add detail to. Usually, the more expensive a kit is, the more detailed it will be and the instructions become less. The time required to complete the project grows rapidly. Of course, this also means that you pride of completion and hopefully enjoyment does the same. Welcome to a great hobby.

 

[Donnie]

Gary,
it would interesting to make a "curve" or several curves converging showing all these factors that come into play and see what lines intersect as to what the "ideal" situation would be.

 

[Thomaslambo]

Thanks much guys.

My choice for the first build was really made for me by my wife (as the Lexington was a Xmas gift). So, I’m happy to build the model and get some valuable experience along the way.

The smaller Lexington seems to be more “representative” with less complexity than larger models as Donnie pointed out. The instructions could be better, but supplemented with all the threads and books I’ve read I’m making good progress so far.

I have a good eye for detail and tend to be very well organized as a result of my extensive background in Information Technology. LOL, my IT background brings to mind a couple of key leanings that definitely apply to Model Ship Building; “don’t re-invent the wheel” and “the Devil is in the details”

Regardless of which model I choose next, I’ll definitely start a build thread so I can share my experience as well as benefit from the help and support of other members.

Thanks for the kind words, and I look forward to a bright future in model ship building.

Boyd