#1
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Wooden ship model kits
All this talk about retirement!
I’m 1-2 years out (depending on how my Company stock does) and am not wanting for activities and interests. So this thread is more investigatory. I’ve never been a woodworker. I have an interest in building ship models for a couple of reasons:
Who else is building ship and boat models from kits? Any special skills required? Tools? What is your source for kits and is there a “ladder to success” for beginners? Thanks! |
#2
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I have an acquaintance who builds ships in bottles. He shares pictures of them in another internet forum that I do not belong to or recall offhand. He did mention that he'd read a book by Jack Needham called "Modeling Ships in Bottles" that came highly recommended by others in that community. I have no idea if there are any kits or the like but I'm sure the tools and materials are more easily accessible at your local arts and crafts store. I recall that my acquaintance was in search of better bottles to use.
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(2006) Larrivee OM-03R, (2009) Martin D-16GT, (1998) Fender Am Std Ash Stratocaster, (2013) McKnight McUke, (1989) Kramer Striker ST600, a couple of DIY builds (2013, 2023) |
#3
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I built several many years ago - I liken it to working on a jigsaw puzzle, you do little bits at a time. here are some thoughts:
And have fun. BTW, if you have cats in the house, know that they love nibbling on spars and completed rigging. Final score - Cats 5 --Old Ironsides 0
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#4
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Not been involved for many years but Artesania Latina and Billings used to be two of the biggest kit makers (in Europe anyway), offering anything from a punt to incredibly ornate galleons such as Sovereign of the Seas, a Titanic lifeboat to US Constellation (1:84] or the Robert E Lee (1:150). Prices from a few tens to several hundred dollars.
Artesania Latina are Italian (or perhaps were, it’s anybody’s guess who owns them now) and they and another Italian maker, Amati, seemed to vie to see who could produce the glossiest, most beautifully photographed brochures. As for skills, can vary a lot, a large multi-masted plank-on-frame type is quite a challenge, but the biggest requirement is patience. Do not underestimate the sheer number of hours involved in one of these builds. If you can dedicate an area for it, for the duration of the build, I believe you are more likely to finish it. Hope that kelps, Clive. Last edited by NotALuth; 02-09-2020 at 09:09 AM. Reason: Correct typo |
#5
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Yes you may want to start with a solid hull kit like this Scientific Sark.Then go on to a plank on bulkhead kit.
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#7
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A hint: get a glass case for your model really quickly. My dad built a lovely sloop back in the '60s as well as several beautiful, accurate, scratch-built cannons. One day my mother decided to dust it. I will probably inherit the box of parts that are left from the encounter.
Also, do yourself a favor. If you get the chance, go to the Mariner's Museum in Newport News, VA. and see the Crabtree Collection of scratch-built ship models. I've spent hours gazing at these models, starting on my first visit back in the early '60s. Bob
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"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#8
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Yes might be a goid idea but could be expensive!
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#9
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#10
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My first assignment in the reserves after active duty was on a wooden "ship", the USS Pledge MSO-492, a minesweeper. Mostly wood so as to not attract magnetic mines.
Of course this was the first thing I thought of when I saw your title: |
#11
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Slot head,
Built some whale boats many years ago and currently working on one. First one sat on a book shelf for many hears with small hand crafted axe, knife, buckets, coiled ropes, small shovel, water cask, oars and harpoons, etc. They were placed in the boat and not glued in. Two weeks later, woman that cleaned our house told my wife that she tried to get the dust off the little boat. When I looked, all small items were gone......she used the vacuum. Tore apart the bag but she had replaced it and it was gone. Just have plenty of patience and a secluded area that no one will disturb so you don't have to put it away every day. Like the guitar, if it's out and visible, you tend to work with/on it. Don't rush. Take your time and if possible have a source for thin balsa sheets, everyone makes mistakes. BTW........ as BW said..... the glass case is a really good idea. P426, did you build those? john |
#12
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As usual Philo, nice looking work.
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Joe White ( o)===::: |
#13
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Sure did!I also recommend that he join the Modelshipworld forum!
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#14
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#15
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