rethinking the first model

T

tball4217

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I was log ago an unhappy victim of the Racehorse kit like many others.

I have been deliving into my photography for a long time now, and have thought that instead of focusing on the miseries inflicted by the photographic industry, i could do something better with my time and focus on things that make me happy. Photography and models.

SInce my last post here, i tried getting back into models via plastic airplanes. That was a fiasco.. wont delve into that, but boy can people be really nuts on forums. The best i have out of that fiasco is a few vintage airplane model kits, and a nice air compressor and a decent airbrush, both of witch were never used to paint a model.

a "hunter" or le renard would be really nice first kits. SO would a hms perigrine despite the crappy castings and inaccuracies in scale..

but in the real world i know i dont have that finger and hand mobility to deal with hms perigrine yet. And something small is better anyway.

I was looking at the new midwest lineup, and was wondering what ones are actually worth trying.

always liked fair american, the lobster smack, midwest lobster smack, sakonnet daysailer, large yacht skiff, skipjack,

billings dragen, henriette marie becaue its so similar to a model plan sheet i tried downloading for a week in college, mayflower if still planked in two seperate halves

corel hms perigrine, half moon

mamoli hunter , alert, yacht mary

dusek le cerf, san martin,
 
tball4217 said:
a "hunter" or le renard would be really nice first kits. SO would a hms perigrine despite the crappy castings and inaccuracies in scale..
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Why would you settle for something you know is, as you say, crappy?
How many wooden ship models have you built? If none, or one or two start simple and develop your skills. Consider your priorities as well. For example is the scale/size of the model a consideration? If you are the type of person that prefers accuracy there are kits that will meet your needs and those that will not. And the list goes on. Only you know your priorities, so give them consideration in making a choice.

If this is a first time wooden endeavor seriously consider the three vessels series from Model Expo. They were originally developed by a master of the trade and author David Antscherl and have received high praise from any that started out with one or more of these.


Allan
 
Hi, I'd suggest taking another go with the Mantua Race Horse. It's not that bad for a starter kit, and you already know how and where you messed it up last time. OK, it's not an accurate replica of an actual ship, and the kit certainly has its shortcomings. But it's totally OK to run into trouble every now and then, that's how you learn modelling, or any other craft. You just to need to learn patience, to find ways around your problems, and to continue. There is no one waiting for you to finish your model as fast as you possibly can, so take your time. And, just for the record, no kit is meant to be like a jigsaw puzzle with numbered and nicely pre-sorted pieces that immediately fit together on the first try. Now just go and have fun.
 
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The racehorse needs more work then the model shipways Fair American does... and i dont want to purchase that kit again. I never got past the first layer of hull planking and the deck planking. I have all the rest of the wood from the kit still.

The hull, the badly misshapen hull,,, graced my outdoor wood stove almost 2 decades ago.


other brands exist, and have nice kits. but alot of the makers are really doing the model car trick "this kit is the 1959 dodge 4 door sedan, and each of the 5 kit versions we have has a different paint color, and different tires. And the 6th one we have comes with authentic rubber material tires"
 
Pepite 1/60 said:
Hi, I'd suggest taking another go with the Mantua Race Horse. It's not that bad for a starter kit, and you already know how and where you messed it up last time. OK, it's not an accurate replica of an actual ship, and the kit certainly has its shortcomings. But it's totally OK to run into trouble every now and then, that's how you learn modelling, or any other craft. You just to need to learn patience, to find ways around your problems, and to continue. There is no one waiting for you to finish your model as fast as you possibly can, so take your time. And, just for the record, no kit is meant to be like a jigsaw puzzle with numbered and nicely pre-sorted pieces that immediately fit together on the first try. Now just go and have fun.
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seen some reviews of the china made kits that really do seem to be a complete pre cut 3d puzzle.
 
tball4217 said:
seen some reviews of the china made kits that really do seem to be a complete pre cut 3d puzzle.
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Yes, I know these things are out there. Largely out of my league, mostly much too big and/or costly. I am now in the finishing stage of the Amati "Coca", with a few personal touches included. Next in line is a vintage kit from the 60-ties, a Steingraeber "Atropos" I found on E-bay. Well, speaking of 'crap kits', this is certainly one of the worst ever produced, but also a beauty once finished (to MY standards, whatever they may be when I get there!). I just like it that way. Start with cutting out the keel and frames with an old hand jigsaw, with the deck line of at least one frame out of line... Like you, I started her when I was around 20, and also completely messed her up right from the start. Now I want to give her another chance.
 
I have never built one of their models but I suggest that you check out Bluejacket. They are an American company, located in Maine. They have an impressive line of kits, and not just the usual suspects. BTW don’t be afraid to tackle a solid hull kit. .These can result in very nice models without the frustration of planking. Careful work will result in a very accurate hull.

If I were to build a model from a kit, I would select one of theirs instead of the imported POB ones.

Roger
 
The third boat in the series appears to what was also called a Friendship Sloop. This model could be “dressed up” with some scratch built additions. There should be information on the web as these became quite popular with yachtsmen.

Roger
 
tball4217 said:
ordered the model shipways 3 model set.. i need the relearning..

I spent much time looking over the le renard and the hunter kits... far more scratchbuilding then I am ready to do any time soon.
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You made a good choice.... I started with models that were over my head- had to back up and start over- these kits are a great way to do it!
 
MarTay6 said:
You made a good choice.... I started with models that were over my head- had to back up and start over- these kits are a great way to do it!
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The fact that they were designed by someone who is considered a person of skill and knowledge in model building helped with it.. Unlike just about any other ship model it seems
 
tball4217 said:
I was log ago an unhappy victim of the Racehorse kit like many others.

I have been deliving into my photography for a long time now, and have thought that instead of focusing on the miseries inflicted by the photographic industry, i could do something better with my time and focus on things that make me happy. Photography and models.

SInce my last post here, i tried getting back into models via plastic airplanes. That was a fiasco.. wont delve into that, but boy can people be really nuts on forums. The best i have out of that fiasco is a few vintage airplane model kits, and a nice air compressor and a decent airbrush, both of witch were never used to paint a model.

a "hunter" or le renard would be really nice first kits. SO would a hms perigrine despite the crappy castings and inaccuracies in scale..

but in the real world i know i dont have that finger and hand mobility to deal with hms perigrine yet. And something small is better anyway.

I was looking at the new midwest lineup, and was wondering what ones are actually worth trying.

always liked fair american, the lobster smack, midwest lobster smack, sakonnet daysailer, large yacht skiff, skipjack,

billings dragen, henriette marie becaue its so similar to a model plan sheet i tried downloading for a week in college, mayflower if still planked in two seperate halves

corel hms perigrine, half moon

mamoli hunter , alert, yacht mary

dusek le cerf, san martin,
Click to expand...
Consider Model Expo's starting kits which turn out to very nice models and provide a nice learning curve. But as you mention photography why dont you go aroungd searching for an adequate model on dry land and then duplicate it as much as possible. I routinely stroll trough ports and document boats that I like. I have done several fishing boats in this way. This process develops your mind thinking out what accesories you need rather than having everythingn in a box like a jigsaw puzzle.
 
tball4217 said:
ordered the model shipways 3 model set.. i need the relearning..
Click to expand...

Put an inspirational sign above your workbench: "Do the common thing uncommonly well."

If you focus on doing a perfect a job on those less complex models, you will learn the discipline necessary to do a complex one well thereafter. You'll also have three very attractive models for your collection. Don't rush. Treat every incremental task as a "model in itself." Experience begins when you start.
 
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