first model

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sebastian

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hello everyone , Im new to this type of modeling , I have built RC models as Dumas PT 109 also car models , and RC off-road stuff like that , I have always been interested in building a wood ship model
My question is what are good models to pick as a novice , I have seen Blue Jacket and Model Expo sites , but I just dont know how to pick something right size for me challenging but not over my head . Here are a few I been thinking of Emma C Berry by model expo , Mayflower by model expo, America 1/8th bluejacket , Herreshoff by bluejacket , their have been others but the models from non american companies , make me nervous , because of instructions and how their translated to English , worse enough that Im a novice let alone get stuck with instructions I just dont understand because of translation problems , Ok I think thats it and I been reading two books that have help me so far "how to build first-rate ship models" by Ben lankford , also " the ship model builders assistant "by Charles G Davis , both of those books have been a great help , so I hope you sail me into the right winds , glad to meet all of you
sebastian
 
Hi Sebastian, tough question given that a lot of the appeal of model making is subjective. Basically any beginner kit from all the major brands including the European ones have something to offer. Just choose a boat you like and the level of instruction that is suitable. I would not recommend the Emma C Berry as a beginner kit. Can be a tricky build from what I have read. I have it and being plank on frame is far more difficult to build than the usual plank on bulkhead kits. Quality of materials is not so good either.
 
I came from antoher craft as well. For books, I found Ship Modeling Simplified by Frank Mastini an easy reference. It is not too dated.

For my first model, I followed what ADC said--a good beginner model. Mine was the Vrigina ay AL. It was cheap ($89), so my hopes were not set too high.

As for instructions, if you get stuck or not sure what too do, then post in the forms. You can also look at other instructions on the web, someone pointed me tot he Rattlesnake build instructions for info about planking. Myself, I just prefer high quality pics that are to a scale where I can directly measure or just do the math.
 
Hi Sebastian. I am now on my second build of a Caldercraft kit and find them fine regarding the instructions and plans. In truth, unless you get a model with step-by-step instructions accompanied by lots of photos you will need to study the plans closely because the instructions of most kits seem to be quite general. Hence, well drawn plans are, I believe, very important. Your first build will be a learning curve and Caldercraft can throw at you the highly complex (e.g. the Victory) to the reasonably straightforward (e.g. the Pickle). My first build was a little Boston Fishing Smack; solid hull (so no planking), but invaluable experience on woodworking and shaping, rigging knots and sewing sails. I am not a Caldercraft salesman (!), just passing on my experiences as something you might consider. Similarly, my last build was a Mantua/Panart kit and I would not touch another one of those with a barge pole - if that had been my first build it would probably have ended up on eBay as an unfinished project as so many do. I look forward to seeing what you finally settle on and hope that you can start a build log. Regards.
 
Hi Sebastien,

I've been building model ships for over 30 years. 15 years ago I started a small business because I got laid off and couldn't find a new job. It has been my experience that new modelers do well with the Model Shipways kit, Armed Virginia Sloop or their Bluenose kit. I would recommend either of those kits which I have also built myself.

Take care,

Bob Hunt
 
Also Model Shipways has good instructions and plans,I would advice you too to start with a MS beginner kit.

Zoltan
 
Danish company Billing boats has a section of "starter kits" Check them out. Thet might not be the cheapest kits around but they have a goos reputation over here.
 
I can recommend Jotika / Caldercraft models, which have a better quality with very good instructions as well plans.
F.e the Cutter Sherbourne, Yacht Chatham in scale 1:64 or even better the Gunboat William in scale 1:32 (for the beginning it is easier with a bigger scale to start)
I think important is, that the hull is not so complicated for easier learning of the planking works. It is also better to start with a model which has a first and also a second planking, so it is a little bit easier to get positive results.......the world is full of half finished ship models from the beginners which got deperate of the planking works and finaly stoped due to the "boring" works.
In addition helpfull is also, if the rigging is not so complicated, so only one mast is helping......it is important to get used to making knots, insatlling blocks etc.
So do not start with a HMS Victory......smaller is better
 
Sebastian, I'd also recommend both the MS Bluenose - got it for father-in-law as a first build and he did a good job on it - or the AL Virginia. The advantage of the Virginia is that she is double-planked. The first layer of planking is the thick planks that give it strength, the second-layer is almost paper thin and is easier to put down. It allows you to cover up any mistakes made with the first layer. I'd also recommend the Mastini book, which I found helped me a lot when I was starting out. My final piece of advice is to sign up for Model Expo emails. The prices on their website are kind of high, but they always have sales, so the emails are very important. Also check out Cornwall Model Boats in England. Their prices are very good and the shipping is about what you paid in the U.S. Good luck!
 
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