- Joined
- Jan 21, 2022
- Messages
- 667
- Points
- 353
You can make a wonderful model out of Mantua Le Superbe if you add some details on your own and don't follow instruction to the letter. This rule ofcourse applies to all model kits.Alternatively I would suggest HMS Surprise/La Gloire from Mamoli or Mercedes from Occre, quite interesting model is also La Belle Poule from Occre - the one from Napoleonic era. For a starter kit I suggest some one decker frigate - according to your own liking or some 2 mast brig. If you have some other questions I will gladly answer
It is difficult to quantify what constitutes simplicity or difficulty; "starter" or "advanced". A 16th century galleon (eg Revenge) has much simpler rigging than an 18th century frigate but the elemental steps are the same: shrouds, deadeyes, ratlines; running rigging from fixed points, through blocks to sails and yards. It's just that later ships have more of these basic steps.
Hull shape is factor. A ship with bluff bows is harder than one with a sharper bow: the planks need more tapering and bending in the former.
One of the easiest models I have built was the Amati Nina. The rigging was simple and the hull shape easy to plank.
A lot depends, too, on how soon you want a completed result or how many hours you wish to fill. And cost, of course. How patient are you? Do you want to mount 100+ cannon and gun port lids or would you prefer a minimum of repetitive tasks? A brigantine or cutter has fewer masts than a ship rig.
So, no specific answer to your question but a few basic points to consider.
Hull shape is factor. A ship with bluff bows is harder than one with a sharper bow: the planks need more tapering and bending in the former.
One of the easiest models I have built was the Amati Nina. The rigging was simple and the hull shape easy to plank.
A lot depends, too, on how soon you want a completed result or how many hours you wish to fill. And cost, of course. How patient are you? Do you want to mount 100+ cannon and gun port lids or would you prefer a minimum of repetitive tasks? A brigantine or cutter has fewer masts than a ship rig.
So, no specific answer to your question but a few basic points to consider.
A lot depends on your goals and what is important in your purchase.
1. Is this to learn proper techniques
2. Is accurate representation of reality important to you
3. How does the quality of instructions compete with others
4. How does the quality of materials compare to others
5 ??? Any other thoughts on this from members would be great.
Seeing many first time projects here at SoS and other active ship model sites, one of the most highly recommended beginner projects is the Model Shipways Shipwright 3 Kit Combo Series designed by David Antscherl as it has quality instructions, materials, and yields realistic representations.
Allan
1. Is this to learn proper techniques
2. Is accurate representation of reality important to you
3. How does the quality of instructions compete with others
4. How does the quality of materials compare to others
5 ??? Any other thoughts on this from members would be great.
Seeing many first time projects here at SoS and other active ship model sites, one of the most highly recommended beginner projects is the Model Shipways Shipwright 3 Kit Combo Series designed by David Antscherl as it has quality instructions, materials, and yields realistic representations.
Allan
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2021
- Messages
- 342
- Points
- 168
If it's truly a starter kit you're after, I really have to recommend any of the Midwest Productions kits now available through Model Shipways. They're very basic, but still enough to hammer home the fundamental lessons of patience and precision (while still being pretty forgiving). Like many aspiring wood ship modelers, MANY years ago I jumped in a little too deep too soon, which curbed my interest for a long time. On the other hand, if you're @dockattner you just find something massively impressive and go for it with spectacular results. 