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Old-timer needing advice for future model and direction.

David Rice

David Rice

Joined
Jul 5, 2020
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I am in my 70's. I have a very rare disease/condition called Stiff Person Syndrome. I have been fighting the disease for over 25 years. I am currently trying to finish my 1:64 scale USS Syren Brig. Over the years my vision has gotten poorer, and my dexterity isn't what it used to be. I am really struggling trying to finish the Syren. Rigging guns, sails, and small detail work. I do not want to stop modeling. I need help and want suggestions for choosing my next model based upon my physical limitations, which will continue to deteriorate over time. Which scale? Type of ship? Stay with wood? Move to plastic?
 
Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I would definitely suggest a bigger scale. 1:24 or 1:16. Choose a project for a few weeks and a small number of parts. Most parts in plastic kits don't require additional fabrication, whereas wooden kits may require some additional processing (sanding, cutting, drilling).

Hope this might help, get well soon!
 
Jimsky said:
Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I would definitely suggest a bigger scale. 1:24 or 1:16. Choose a project for a few weeks and a small number of parts. Most parts in plastic kits don't require additional fabrication, whereas wooden kits may require some additional processing (sanding, cutting, drilling).

Hope this might help, get well soon!
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David Rice said:
I am in my 70's. I have a very rare disease/condition called Stiff Person Syndrome. I have been fighting the disease for over 25 years. I am currently trying to finish my 1:64 scale USS Syren Brig. Over the years my vision has gotten poorer, and my dexterity isn't what it used to be. I am really struggling trying to finish the Syren. Rigging guns, sails, and small detail work. I do not want to stop modeling. I need help and want suggestions for choosing my next model based upon my physical limitations, which will continue to deteriorate over time. Which scale? Type of ship? Stay with wood? Move to plastic?
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Getting old is a bit of a PIA but the alternative is unacceptable. I moved from wood to plastic a couple of years ago mostly because of my old system doesn't tolerate dust. Plastics are much different than when we were kids. If you do 1/350 or 1/200 you will still have small parts but you only have to use what you can handle and still enjoy the hobby. I'm 85 and currently working on a 1/350 DE (destroyer escort)
Cheers, Harley
 
I am in my 80's and have switched from modeling ships to modeling boats to stay busy, finish relatively quickly, and not take up a lot of space in the house. Rigging is minimal for sloops and schooners and there are no guns to install and rig. I've posted pictures of a number of these builds in the Completed Models forum and here is just one to give you an idea of what I am talking about.
First Effort1.jpegFirst Effort 3.jpeg
 
danielsje said:
Another idea is to move forward in time to more modern ship models…no masts as such. Smaller ship models such as tug boats, smacks, cargo ships etc. Take a look at Bluejacket in Maine for ideas…
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David,
I am a fan of the Bluejacket fittings, and they have very nice, helpful people to deal with. However, I have found that their kits require a lot of carving (the solid hull models leave a lot of meat on the bone) the plank on frame/bulkhead models do not go together easily and are very fiddly. From what I have seen of their kits much scratch work is required. Perhaps Daniel is aware of some of their kits that are not as difficult as I have seen. Or you could call them up and Nic, the owner, would probably be happy to recommend something tailored to your needs. You can be perfectly transparent with him concerning your needs, desires and limitations. Bluejacket Ship Crafters: 1-800-448-5567, Nic is a very accommodating, pleasantly approachable guy.
I'm 77, with osteo arthritis, atherosclerosis and chronic lumbar pain, etc. (Ad nauseum) I keep pushing forward until something (so far temporarily) cripples me. Then wash, rinse and repeat.
Lately I have discovered the virtue of "dockyard style" presentation of sailing ships. Stub masts, very little rigging, a nice-looking model when you're done. Larger definitely is better, if you have the space for it. Work boats, coastal craft, modest fishing boats and small yachts are all nice subjects.
Projects with a foreseeable completion date can be very satisfying: Model Shipways is reintroducing the Midwest line of models. All modest in scope and ambition with very satisfying results. You won't feel like you have to "dumb down" your standards in order to achieve something to be proud of.
I am seated in front of the desktop PC with a heating pad strapped to my lower back, doing the single thing I'm able to currently, noodling around on Ships of Scale because I screwed the pooch yesterday morning trying vainly to move heavy things around in the basement workshop. Getting old is not for the faint of heart.
I hate that you are experiencing irreversible physical limitation. :mad: I hate it that I am too. Cautious I hope you will join me in doing the very best we can, given the hand we've been dealt. I plan to stay in the game as long as I can by whatever means available. There's a chair next to mine here at the table, with your name on it. Have a seat and aBeer.
PS Have you considered half models? Those are pretty cool. Not too demanding physically and make nice wall displays. Bluejacket has a couple of nice half model kits. Plus, they aren't too demanding to scratch build from plans. You can really explore doing models of your favorite ships without getting overwhelmed.

Pete:cool:
 
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Hello Dave and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one with physical things holding me back. Arthritis abd cataracts are my main problems but I've been able to continue my model making by getting into the larger scales as several people have suggested. So far that has worked well for me and most likely would work for you too. I wish you good luck and many happy modeling days ahead. Pete 81YO
 
Norgale said:
Hello Dave and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one with physical things holding me back. Arthritis and cataracts are my main problems but I've been able to continue my model making by getting into the larger scales as several people have suggested. So far that has worked well for me and most likely would work for you too. I wish you good luck and many happy modeling days ahead. Pete 81YO
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Looks like we're forming a club. Nice to know we're not alone. Thanks, from me to you, Norgale.Thumbsup
 
Hello! I bow to your efforts! And I want you to support and say that it is very necessary for you to communicate with us, share your experience with us. We are following in your footsteps. We need your knowledge and experience. In answer to your question, I want to say that you can build the simplest ships, you can try plastic models. They look really cool! The main thing is to continue to act! I wish you health and strength in solving very difficult problems. And always hold your tail like a gun!! (Joke)!
 
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Norgale said:
Hello Dave and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one with physical things holding me back. Arthritis abd cataracts are my main problems but I've been able to continue my model making by getting into the larger scales as several people have suggested. So far that has worked well for me and most likely would work for you too. I wish you good luck and many happy modeling days ahead. Pete 81YO
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Cataract surgery makes ALL the difference in the world. Replacing your clouded lenses with IOL's restores your vision. Brought me from 20/400 to 20/20 and colors are once again vibrant! Give some thought to the procedures (and it is painless).
 
David Rice said:
I am in my 70's. I have a very rare disease/condition called Stiff Person Syndrome. I have been fighting the disease for over 25 years. I am currently trying to finish my 1:64 scale USS Syren Brig. Over the years my vision has gotten poorer, and my dexterity isn't what it used to be. I am really struggling trying to finish the Syren. Rigging guns, sails, and small detail work. I do not want to stop modeling. I need help and want suggestions for choosing my next model based upon my physical limitations, which will continue to deteriorate over time. Which scale? Type of ship? Stay with wood? Move to plastic?
Click to expand...
Develop some work-arounds. Such as doing as much as you can outside the ship before moving small assemblies into their places. One thing that really helps me is a good selection of LONG tweezers. They let me reach places my fingers could never reach. (I'm 77 btw)
 
I use looooong tweezers and pieces of wire with different hooks filed to the ends for handling rigging. Everything else is built in smaller assemblies which are then combined to make larger ,easy to handle assemblies that get applied to the model. There are still lots of tiny little dodads to manipulate into position so it ain't all roses. I've even used spit to hold a wood part on a hobby knife tip to place on the deck while I apply glue with a piece of wire. It's amazing how clever I have become since I got older. Maybe a thread on "Tiny tools for old goats" would be nice. Ha!
 
Whatever gets ya thru th' night... :rolleyes: Beer
After a certain age conversations devolve into organ recitals.
 
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Peter Gutterman said:
Looks like we're forming a club. Nice to know we're not alone. Thanks, from me to you, Norgale.Thumbsup
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Not the club I wanted to join at 78 but I'm in. Thumbsup I'm pretty happy with 1:48 scale but I will no doubt change my mind when I get to the rigging. Perhaps we could call our club the Jerry Atricks and occasionally share a whinge about our health while we show our progress with the build.

Keep going David . You will find plenty of assistance and encouragement on here.
 
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