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Novice seeking expert opinion

C

covertedfromplastictowood

Joined
Aug 28, 2025
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I am converting from dedicated plastic kit modelling (aircraft) and entering the new world of wooden model boat building, any hints for the complete novice on achieving best results for planking etc. As per normal with my modelling I disregarded all advice on starting simple and jumped in at the 'deep end' and purchased Amati Xebec (looks interesting and hopefully not over complicated) any hints on build would e much appreciated. Thanks
 
Namabiiru said:
Welcome to SoS!

Not sure how to respond to your request for advice, when the next sentence says you normally disregard all advice. ROTF
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Did not word it well did I :( Ignoring advice only meant on starting with a simple kit and learning to 'walk before you run' , not ignoring advice on best method of construction.......see myself digging a deep hole here for myself.....any help from established boat builders would be greatly appreciated from this amateur
 
Well, the first word of advice you would have gotten here would have been to start simple and move up, but it seems that bird’s flown. The next word of advice you’ll typically get is to start a build log and when you’re not sure about something search the other build logs (they are legion!) and ask the group for input.
 
Namabiiru said:
Well, the first word of advice you would have gotten here would have been to start simple and move up, but it seems that bird’s flown. The next word of advice you’ll typically get is to start a build log and when you’re not sure about something search the other build logs (they are legion!) and ask the group for input.
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Thank you :)
 
Namabiiru said:
Well, the first word of advice you would have gotten here would have been to start simple and move up, but it seems that bird’s flown. The next word of advice you’ll typically get is to start a build log and when you’re not sure about something search the other build logs (they are legion!) and ask the group for input.
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The third word is: if you hit a stump, and you will, just use your common sense to get around it. All ships were, and still are, build from bits of wood and with loads of common sense. So are model ships.
 
Go slow, read build logs, watch videos, ask questions, and the sit and ponder sometimes. All these have been helpful to me since I started in February of this year
 
perhaps learning how to use the search feature of this site. im sure all your concerns have been covered here at one time or another.

then there are the forums... ask your questions, post pictures of your bump in the road, dont hesitate to use the collective of the hive... resistance is futile. Alien

since you are going kit, like your plastic models... read the instructions, learn the jargon.

now which kit are you eyeing? are you kit bashing, scratch building..etc.... each has its own techniques and work arounds.

then to remind you... when you get stuck, walk away n think it through. research, its part of the fun of the hobby. ships were built to be practicle and share almost standard methods to achieve work.
 
Welcome aboard! As mentioned there are videos on planking but be aware, some show planking that are unlike anything seen on any a real ship. IF you want to plank like on an actual ship you first need to line off the hull to determine the breath of each strake of planking. Look at some planking expansion drawings and you will see that both the shape and breath of each strake is dynamic across its entire length. Once the hull is lined off you can determine the breath of the planks and then you can spile the planks or you can try to edge bend with a jig fixture and wind up with proper planking. The planking tutorial by David Antscherl is one of the best if you are going to spile planks. If you want to go with edge bending, the four-part video by Chuck Passaro is very helpful.


Allan
 

Xebec. An Amati model by Mike Dowling [COMPLETED BUILD]

Greetings fellow masochists!! This is my first build log on this forum. I had been using another site but it was all getting a bit prissy and perfectionist for me so I thought I would give this one a try. I have made a lot of models now so I won't list them all on a completed page. Suffice to...
shipsofscale.com
You should check message 17, if you have the same mismatch i your kit.

As you already know from plastic kits you should read through the whole manual and study all drawings before thinking of touching the glue. :)
 
covertedfromplastictowood said:
I am converting from dedicated plastic kit modelling (aircraft) and entering the new world of wooden model boat building, any hints for the complete novice on achieving best results for planking etc. As per normal with my modelling I disregarded all advice on starting simple and jumped in at the 'deep end' and purchased Amati Xebec (looks interesting and hopefully not over complicated) any hints on build would e much appreciated. Thanks
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You can always put your current build on hold and start with something a bit easier like this dory

Lowell Grand Banks Dory

I am new to modeling with wood any and all critiques are most welcme. I was excited to receive my kits from Model ShipWays I have to say they was very prompt and informative with thier ahipping of my kits. I am starting with the Dory as I want to make it enjoyable. When I was able to I opened...
shipsofscale.com

That being said, there are many build logs and you tube videos to peruse.

Welcome aboard from Connecticut!

Rob
 
Come on you guys, you all can do better than that helping a guy that is new. Especially those that are new to the forum and might not know how to use it. Lets not just throw new people to the wolves with a few snarly remarks - I am the founder of SOS and that is not what I founded this forum on.

I think the Xebec is not that complicated of a model. I also think there are plenty of other Build Logs here that people are documenting their efforts. Planking the Deck and Planking the Hull are quite different from each other. I know that is not saying much since you are new to wood.
My first question is this: Did the kit come with a pictorial type of manual? Some companies have a instruction manual that shows basic step by step with photos progression. Next, where did you buy the boat? Also, how many sheets of plans come with the boat and do they show a detail of the planking scheme?

Here is a link to what seems a very nice build for you to folow:

Xebec of 1753 - Plank on Bulkhead Kit by Amati in 1/60 Scale - Build by Smithy

There's a page and a bit of looking at the contents of the box and general chatter before the glue pot gets uncorked. If you want to get straight to the actual building of the model, follow this LINK to post#27 Coming Soon! To a Screen Near You! Watch this space for further details... ;)
shipsofscale.com
 
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First, welcome to SoS! Second, the depth of knowledge in this group is staggering; there is seldom a topic that will not get multiple expert and very accurate answers. I recommend that you park the model you bought. Not trying to be rude, but you are not ready. I say this, as I am just a year into the hobby and was on your very road. Visit Model Expo and purchase the Model Shipways Shipwright 3 Kit Combo Series, which includes tools, Glue, and Paint. You will start with a simple Dory and work your way up to more complex models. Each model teaches several critical skills and builds on what you learned in the previous model. When you complete all three, then return to your larger model. This allows you to learn the basic skills, find the tools you need to be successful, and have the opportunity to build a significantly better first large model. Best of luck! I look forward to reading about your adventures in the group.
 
Also, if you like books, there are some great books for beginning modelers building wood ship models. They are not expensive. I would point you toward "Ship Modeling Simplified" by Mastini, "Historic Ship Models" by Mondfeld and "Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern" by Roth.
 
Donnie said:
Come on you guys, you all can do better than that helping a guy that is new. Especially those that are new to the forum and might not know how to use it. Lets not just throw new people to the wolves with a few snarly remarks - I am the founder of SOS and that is not what I founded this forum on.

I think the Xebec is not that complicated of a model. I also think there are plenty of other Build Logs here that people are documenting their efforts. Planking the Deck and Planking the Hull are quite different from each other. I know that is not saying much since you are new to wood.
My first question is this: Did the kit come with a pictorial type of manual? Some companies have a instruction manual that shows basic step by step with photos progression. Next, where did you buy the boat? Also, how many sheets of plans come with the boat and do they show a detail of the planking scheme?

Here is a link to what seems a very nice build for you to folow:

Xebec of 1753 - Plank on Bulkhead Kit by Amati in 1/60 Scale - Build by Smithy

There's a page and a bit of looking at the contents of the box and general chatter before the glue pot gets uncorked. If you want to get straight to the actual building of the model, follow this LINK to post#27 Coming Soon! To a Screen Near You! Watch this space for further details... ;)
shipsofscale.com
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Hi Donnie,

As one who was doing plastic modeling for many years and have also recently tried my hand at wooden ship modeling, I believe that it may be wiser to start with something a bit more forgiving. I found the Dory, lobster smack and Norwegian Sailing pram I first made before attempting my Constitution cross section was (at least for me) a good decision. I believe they all helped me learn about the differences of wood construction, without getting too frustrated.

Right now I am in the middle of ratlineing my first set of shrouds and If I had started out on my cross section first I may have given up by this point. However I have learned to treat each "subassembly " as its own small project and to try to be patient.

You are right that SOS has been a godsend of useful information and suggestions. For me at least it has made me feel like I am part of a community which in itself has been rewarding. The comments I have seen here seem to be supportive.

Rob
 
covertedfromplastictowood said:
I am converting from dedicated plastic kit modelling (aircraft) and entering the new world of wooden model boat building, any hints for the complete novice on achieving best results for planking etc. As per normal with my modelling I disregarded all advice on starting simple and jumped in at the 'deep end' and purchased Amati Xebec (looks interesting and hopefully not over complicated) any hints on build would e much appreciated. Thanks
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So, to start, I would recommend setting some scheduled time for working in your model and stick to it. You’ll need a lot of patience especially as you work on the small pieces.

I would recommend getting your tools as you need them. Many of your knives from plastic modeling will transfer over. You’ll need plenty of sand paper. I use all three grades of CA glue along with some accelerator.

Read the assembly directions before you start, when you open the box, inventory everything.

This will get you started. When you get stuck look at some YouTube videos.
 
covertedfromplastictowood said:
I am converting from dedicated plastic kit modelling (aircraft) and entering the new world of wooden model boat building, any hints for the complete novice on achieving best results for planking etc. As per
Click to expand...

covertedfromplastictowood said:
normal with my modelling I disregarded all advice on starting simple and jumped in at the 'deep end' and purchased Amati Xebec (looks interesting and hopefully not over complicated) any hints on build would e much appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
1. Buy a SIMPLE kit with GOOD directions.
2. Follow the directions.
3. Repeat 1. and 2. three times.
4. Buy a slightly more complex kit with good directions.
5. Follow the directions.
6. Repeat 4, and 5. three times.
6. etc etc etc.
 
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