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New Model Shop Under Construction

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Spars

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I'm trying to decide which ship to christen my new 'shop' with. After my boy's surgery there will be time I think. Maybe VICTORY signallingl his victory over this sarcanoma in his nasal passages. Suggestions. How the shop progresses depends on this buy. Price don't matter at this point. Gotta dlo something for myself.
 
Hmmm... How's about a road 'less' traveled? There has to be at least 10,000,000 Victory model kits sold and maybe a million of them actually built... with the rest laying on some shelf, unfinished, gathering dust and being forgotten in a dark corner of someone's shed or garage. Maybe you could be different than most and build something not so common! This would likely send you into the realm of scratch building, but that's okay. Scratch building isn't a dark, magical art that is limited to special individuals with unusual abilities. It's no different than building a high-end kit... only 'you' have to make the parts for that kit yourself! What's wrong with 'that'? It's not that hard to do if you scratch build based upon someone else's research and drafting. It can be done with limited hand tools, or you can get fancy and buy a mill, a lathe, etc. Just bear in mind that some of the best museum quality model ships ever made were once built long before anyone ever even dreamed of having this modern thing called electricity to plug a machine into! If 'they' could do it with what they had back then, you can do it today! Be different and boldly go where few modelers go today! Don't just be another face in the crowd... be the reason "for that crowd!" How's 'that' for a celebratory salute to your son's victory! :)

Speaking of 'scratch-building'. Look at the above DIY 'soapbox' I just built from nothing but a thought, a few electron blips on a computer monitor, and the desire to do so!
 
MThomas said:
Hmmm... How's about a road 'less' traveled? There has to be at least 10,000,000 Victory model kits sold and maybe a million of them actually built... with the rest laying on some shelf, unfinished, gathering dust and being forgotten in a dark corner of someone's shed or garage. Maybe you could be different than most and build something not so common! This would likely send you into the realm of scratch building, but that's okay. Scratch building isn't a dark, magical art that is limited to special individuals with unusual abilities. It's no different than building a high-end kit... only 'you' have to make the parts for that kit yourself! What's wrong with 'that'? It's not that hard to do if you scratch build based upon someone else's research and drafting. It can be done with limited hand tools, or you can get fancy and buy a mill, a lathe, etc. Just bear in mind that some of the best museum quality model ships ever made were once built long before anyone ever even dreamed of having this modern thing called electricity to plug a machine into! If 'they' could do it with what they had back then, you can do it today! Be different and boldly go where few modelers go today! Don't just be another face in the crowd... be the reason "for that crowd!" How's 'that' for a celebratory salute to your son's victory! :)

Speaking of 'scratch-building'. Look at the above DIY 'soapbox' I just built from nothing but a thought, a few electron blips on a computer monitor, and the desire to do so!
Click to expand...
That's interestng. I haven't had time to set up my shop yet so my 'boatyartd' is the kitchen table. Does scratch start with plans?
 
Spars said:
Does scratch start with plans?
Click to expand...
It 'actually' starts with you deciding upon what type of model you wish to build, followed by some research as to how such a ship would have been built... then comes a set of line drawings for reference for the ship, followed by a set of plans either pre-made/purchased or you can draw up your own plans once you have enough information and data to do so.

You can also go to Seawatch Books and purchase plans and practicums from some extremely fine builders such as Ed Tosti and David Antscherl. There are lots of options. You first need to decide on a subject, then go from there. ;)

​

 
MThomas said:
It 'actually' starts with you deciding upon what type of model you wish to build, followed by some research as to how such a ship would have been built... then comes a set of line drawings for reference for the ship, followed by a set of plans either pre-made/purchased or you can draw up your own plans once you have enough information and data to do so.

You can also go to Seawatch Books and purchase plans and practicums from some extremely fine builders such as Ed Tosti and David Antscherl. There are lots of options. You first need to decide on a subject, then go from there. ;)

​

Click to expand...
When I read hyour first post Seawatch came to mind almost immediately. I do not have a precision saw-yet. I know nothing about taking lines from drawings. gues the next step is visiting Seawatch. Sine my boy's surgery is in mid july I have some time. He'll be in for lessn than a week if all goes well.
 
I'm a strong (some have said too strong ROTF) advocate of scratch building, but I certainly would not advise anyone who has never built a ship model to start with (another) Victory! I wouldn't even advise a novice to start with a square-rigged vessel of any kind and certainly not an 18th Century 104 cannon three-decker ship-of-the-line! Consider a fore-and-aft rigged merchant ship for a first challenge, if not the Model Shipways three model beginner's kit model building set. (See: https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-...-Series-with-Tools-Glue-and-Paint_p_5290.html)

A guy's gotta learn to walk before he runs and, as Dirty Harry said, "A man's gotta know his limitations." I don't want to discourage anyone's building models from scratch, but it takes a considerable amount of study and experience to model from scratch and tackling complex fully framed models like those in practicums such as Ed Tosti's Young America should only be attempted by master modelers with decades of experience and extensively equipped workshops (which isn't to say that there isn't much to be learned from such books, even if one doesn't built their subjects.)

Before you start building a workshop or even buying tools, I'd suggest you buy some basic books and read up on ship modeling in general and scratch building in particular, which will also provide you with valuable information for kit building if that's the way you end up going. Most of these are available used online at considerable savings. Consider one or more of these:

The Ship Model Builder's Assistant by Charles G. Davis,
The Built Up Ship Model by Charles G. Davis, https://www.amazon.com/Built-Up-Ship-Model-Dover-Woodworking/dp/0486261743/ref=sr_1_4?crid=6VH2ARJDMO22&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FzfZx1zACnu0-rPP7lJoZ3v0jsfEnifusp4FkHdvRqHH0rL5ybCqji0o-htnI5POJZKk4Ffe4YN8trs64XVLJlUf8nYeIRPltgSjAQObvWZybptxMImscr0NmOcjiksfDpEtX8tieI3YqwrJfp5Mcx6AQPoYfR-LnAaF5VyLTr0jZ21Wpf8sCNiqp8JcnNkPGYXwy9D86SnoHjlwlGQfg6NPLjhT1DoMC--IKkefEX8.s8ew9Tqs-n7rAs9F0CsvfvL522h818zjfsNaFa3Qgj0&dib_tag=se&keywords=books+by+charles+g.+davis&qid=1749589793&s=books&sprefix=books+by+charles+g.+dav,stripbooks,173&sr=1-4

Plank on Frame Models and Scale Masting and Rigging (2 Volume Set) by Harold A. Underhill, https://www.amazon.com/Plank-Frame-Models-Masting-Rigging/dp/B000KF4ATC/ref=sr_1_6?crid=4U7ZDG43W47P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YawdD3nogdeg_8qAhfc3zVEZZm_N7ePXTTk7r3hb3jh5iIRAZGelc_n_qHM_-PGZlF0aNgWoyKjMIbE8R0SAdf1TuXQpL_3pN7ewjGxwgru4PWyvjjgH0NWqQPayWBqrXBqU2o3LuS1GhjtgreUTEtqMM4LzXavWsLZWYAIzXTjZl8sGhFU_clVHaYUysAuwpr_CiboCwZeHMTjGYjLfjBadAFV_E0_eh22vUJUCiGw.15mn408ICXAlN-ox2kG263t-Jt8WSD5yCPCsVLHLgX4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Harold+Underhill&qid=1749590064&s=books&sprefix=harold+underhill,stripbooks,277&sr=1-6

Model Ships from Scratch by Scott Robertson, https://www.amazon.com/Model-Ships-...dsad&msclkid=1c8ca7cce3af15c0a70ccf847f9db61e

Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern by Milton Roth, https://www.amazon.com/Ship-Modelin...f6-a6ea-b8c11eab6f21&pd_rd_i=0830628444&psc=1

Boat Modeling with Dynamite Payson: A Step-By-Step Guide to Building Models of Small Craft by Harold H. Payson, https://www.amazon.com/Modeling-Dyn...4a-4ee5-a5b8-924e366efbf6&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Boat Modeling the Easy Way: A Scratch Builder's Guide, by Harold H. Payson, https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Modelin...4a-4ee5-a5b8-924e366efbf6&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Ship Modeling Simplified: Tips and Techniques for Moden Construction from Kits by Frank Mastini, https://www.amazon.com/Ship-Modelin...58-b865-2c0faabbc15c&pd_rd_i=0071558675&psc=1

These books will not only be of immediate interest, but, should you continue in the ship model building hobby, they will always be valued research reference books on your bookshelf. The measure of a serious ship modeler is not the number of model's they've built, but how many related books they have in their ship modeling library. If anybody asked me which tool they will need to start ship modeling, I'd have to say, "A bookshelf." :p

You're wise to pay some attention to "taking care of yourself" when caring for an ill family member. It takes a lot out of you, as I well know. Treat yourself well. You'll be just that more effective and valuable caregiver for you son when you do. Who knows? You and he may even discover a hobby to share for years to come! Best of luck to all of you with his surgery!
 
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There's a lot to be said for what Bob Cleek mentions. I was under the assumption that your desires to build a 'Victory' meant that you had previous experience and also knew that you were into this hobby for the long haul. If that is not the case, pay attention to the well-founded advice that Mr. Cleek just offered!
 
Bob Cleek said:
I'm a strong (some have said too strong ROTF) advocate of scratch building, but I certainly would not advise anyone who has never built a ship model to start with (another) Victory! I wouldn't even advise a novice to start with a square-rigged vessel of any kind and certainly not an 18th Century 104 cannon three-decker ship-of-the-line! Consider a fore-and-aft rigged merchant ship for a first challenge, if not the Model Shipways three model beginner's kit model building set. (See: https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-...-Series-with-Tools-Glue-and-Paint_p_5290.html)

A guy's gotta learn to walk before he runs and, as Dirty Harry said, "A man's gotta know his limitations." I don't want to discourage anyone's building models from scratch, but it takes a considerable amount of study and experience to model from scratch and tackling complex fully framed models like those in practicums such as Ed Tosti's Young America should only be attempted by master modelers with decades of experience and extensively equipped workshops (which isn't to say that there isn't much to be learned from such books, even if one doesn't built their subjects.)

Before you start building a workshop or even buying tools, I'd suggest you buy some basic books and read up on ship modeling in general and scratch building in particular, which will also provide you with valuable information for kit building if that's the way you end up going. Most of these are available used online at considerable savings. Consider one or more of these:

The Ship Model Builder's Assistant by Charles G. Davis,
The Built Up Ship Model by Charles G. Davis, https://www.amazon.com/Built-Up-Ship-Model-Dover-Woodworking/dp/0486261743/ref=sr_1_4?crid=6VH2ARJDMO22&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FzfZx1zACnu0-rPP7lJoZ3v0jsfEnifusp4FkHdvRqHH0rL5ybCqji0o-htnI5POJZKk4Ffe4YN8trs64XVLJlUf8nYeIRPltgSjAQObvWZybptxMImscr0NmOcjiksfDpEtX8tieI3YqwrJfp5Mcx6AQPoYfR-LnAaF5VyLTr0jZ21Wpf8sCNiqp8JcnNkPGYXwy9D86SnoHjlwlGQfg6NPLjhT1DoMC--IKkefEX8.s8ew9Tqs-n7rAs9F0CsvfvL522h818zjfsNaFa3Qgj0&dib_tag=se&keywords=books+by+charles+g.+davis&qid=1749589793&s=books&sprefix=books+by+charles+g.+dav,stripbooks,173&sr=1-4

Plank on Frame Models and Scale Masting and Rigging (2 Volume Set) by Harold A. Underhill, https://www.amazon.com/Plank-Frame-Models-Masting-Rigging/dp/B000KF4ATC/ref=sr_1_6?crid=4U7ZDG43W47P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YawdD3nogdeg_8qAhfc3zVEZZm_N7ePXTTk7r3hb3jh5iIRAZGelc_n_qHM_-PGZlF0aNgWoyKjMIbE8R0SAdf1TuXQpL_3pN7ewjGxwgru4PWyvjjgH0NWqQPayWBqrXBqU2o3LuS1GhjtgreUTEtqMM4LzXavWsLZWYAIzXTjZl8sGhFU_clVHaYUysAuwpr_CiboCwZeHMTjGYjLfjBadAFV_E0_eh22vUJUCiGw.15mn408ICXAlN-ox2kG263t-Jt8WSD5yCPCsVLHLgX4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Harold+Underhill&qid=1749590064&s=books&sprefix=harold+underhill,stripbooks,277&sr=1-6

Model Ships from Scratch by Scott Robertson, https://www.amazon.com/Model-Ships-...dsad&msclkid=1c8ca7cce3af15c0a70ccf847f9db61e

Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern by Milton Roth, https://www.amazon.com/Ship-Modelin...f6-a6ea-b8c11eab6f21&pd_rd_i=0830628444&psc=1

Boat Modeling with Dynamite Payson: A Step-By-Step Guide to Building Models of Small Craft by Harold H. Payson, https://www.amazon.com/Modeling-Dyn...4a-4ee5-a5b8-924e366efbf6&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Boat Modeling the Easy Way: A Scratch Builder's Guide, by Harold H. Payson, https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Modelin...4a-4ee5-a5b8-924e366efbf6&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Ship Modeling Simplified: Tips and Techniques for Moden Construction from Kits by Frank Mastini, https://www.amazon.com/Ship-Modelin...58-b865-2c0faabbc15c&pd_rd_i=0071558675&psc=1

These books will not only be of immediate interest, but, should you continue in the ship model building hobby, they will always be valued research reference books on your bookshelf. The measure of a serious ship modeler is not the number of model's they've built, but how many related books they have in their ship modeling library. If anybody asked me which tool they will need to start ship modeling, I'd have to say, "A bookshelf." :p

You're wise to pay some attention to "taking care of yourself" when caring for an ill family member. It takes a lot out of you, as I well know. Treat yourself well. You'll be just that more effective and valuable caregiver for you son when you do. Who knows? You and he may even discover a hobby to share for years to come! Best of luck to all of you with his surgery!
Click to expand...
Being not really new just out of practice. Go slow is my name folr this game.. I have many of the books you mention. Bought from Model Expo.
 
MThomas said:
There's a lot to be said for what Bob Cleek mentions. I was under the assumption that your desires to build a 'Victory' meant that you had previous experience and also knew that you were into this hobby for the long haul. If that is not the case, pay attention to the well-founded advice that Mr. Cleek just offered!
Click to expand...
Some experience, yes. Wood and model plastic. The kick for me is interrupting to care for my boy. He cannot be left alone. Gonna have to acquire some power tools. I think I begin with a power bench saw. The new shop will be folding type tables to start.
 
Spars said:
I think I begin with a power bench saw.
Click to expand...
A mini-table saw is one tool that I'd urge anyone not to skimp on. Bite the bullet and get a Byrnes table saw with the sliding table accessory. They are the universally acknowledged best of their type available by a large margin. As it turns out, you may be in luck. Another forum member just posted an inquiry for where to sell his Byrnes saw with all the accessories you'd require. Send him a PM and go for it! See: https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/...-sell-byrnes-table-saw-and-accessories.17083/

Otherwise, they are back in production following Jim Byrnes' passing. Their website is in need of updating, but you can order by telephoning the number on the website, or so they say. (See: https://byrnesmodelmachines.com/tablesaw5.html)

This saw has a small footprint and a very effective dust collection feature. Hook a small shop vacuum up to the port on the saw and it will suck up just about all of the sawdust, so it's useable in a house. It is relatively quiet in operation. It's also got a small footprint, so you can put it on a table for use and then store it out of sight. There are other small saws around, but their primary failing is their power is often insufficient to effectively cut through the tougher hardwoods, not to mention their accuracy. The Byrnes saw with the micrometer fence adjustment is accurate to a thousandth of an inch. Although the Byrnes costs more than the competition, you get a lot more bang for the buck and they hold their value if you ever want to part with it.
 
Bob Cleek said:
A mini-table saw is one tool that I'd urge anyone not to skimp on. Bite the bullet and get a Byrnes table saw with the sliding table accessory. They are the universally acknowledged best of their type available by a large margin. As it turns out, you may be in luck. Another forum member just posted an inquiry for where to sell his Byrnes saw with all the accessories you'd require. Send him a PM and go for it! See: https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/...-sell-byrnes-table-saw-and-accessories.17083/

Otherwise, they are back in production following Jim Byrnes' passing. Their website is in need of updating, but you can order by telephoning the number on the website, or so they say. (See: https://byrnesmodelmachines.com/tablesaw5.html)

This saw has a small footprint and a very effective dust collection feature. Hook a small shop vacuum up to the port on the saw and it will suck up just about all of the sawdust, so it's useable in a house. It is relatively quiet in operation. It's also got a small footprint, so you can put it on a table for use and then store it out of sight. There are other small saws around, but their primary failing is their power is often insufficient to effectively cut through the tougher hardwoods, not to mention their accuracy. The Byrnes saw with the micrometer fence adjustment is accurate to a thousandth of an inch. Although the Byrnes costs more than the competition, you get a lot more bang for the buck and they hold their value if you ever want to part with it.
Click to expand...
I checked online and the saw is not available according to thbe web site....
 
As I said, the Byrnes Model Machines website is long overdue for an update. Jim passed away twenty months ago now and as confirmed by various posts in many forums, they are back in full operation and producing new table saws. Jim's wife, Donna, is managing the business as always and I believe Jim's number two man is now in charge of production. No changes have been made in the products, which have their parts CNC machined and are assembled at the Model Machines plant.

Did you check out the used one that's available from a forum member? https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/...-sell-byrnes-table-saw-and-accessories.17083/
 
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