Sailing Ship Models

Sorry about the double posting, I am still a newbie on this list.

Brian,

For a first effort I would suggest a domestic manufacturer such as BlueJacket ShipCrafters, Midwest or Model Shipways Division of Model Expo. Some of the problems I and other modelers have talked about are the poor quality of plans, directions and (some of) the materials in the imported kits. The prices for these kits are intriguing but many of have ffound that the the old adage "You get what you pay for" is sad but true. As for the language(s) used in the plans/directions, many are only in spanish or italian with the occasional poor translation.

Al Blevins

QUOTE: Originally posted by Darth Homer Not trying to hijack the thread or anything. I have been very interested in building a wooden sailing ship for about the past year. But I have been apprehensive about ordering one. Which companies are the good ones to order from? Amati? Mamoli? Model Shipways? I heard that on some brands the instructions only come in Spanish? Is this true? I have been looking at Model Expos new wooden ship catalog for the past few days and there are quite a few kits I would love to build, but the above questions always come up. anyone have any advice for a newbie? thanks. Brian

If you're serious about wooden ship building, you really should check out www.seaways.com .

I think you've made a good choice. I've built two Bluenoses but not from the AL kit. Check out the Bluenose web site, there are some good photos of her as well as other neat things including a plans book of Bluenose 2.
Regards,
Bruce

I did a more searching on the forum for more info, found some great stuff!

Well, last night I ordered Artesania Latina's Bluenose II from Model-Expo. My land lord has the video...so I was able to save 10 bucks. I also picked up the book "How to Build First-Rate Ship Models from Kits." I figured this would get me started in the right direction. Once the ship comes in, I'll take a look and see if I need any new tools or anything.

Can't wait.

Brian

Welcome Brian, hope you have fun.

Scott

Brian:
Go back a page or two and check out the threads started by Dbl6north (Dave). He is at the same point you are.

At the risk of sounding monotonous, I recommend a small sloop, yawl, or schooner to get your feet wet with.

Come back and ask some more questions if the other threads leave you hanging.
Regards,
Bruce

Not trying to hijack the thread or anything. I have been very interested in building a wooden sailing ship for about the past year. But I have been apprehensive about ordering one.

Which companies are the good ones to order from? Amati? Mamoli? Model Shipways?

I heard that on some brands the instructions only come in Spanish? Is this true?

I have been looking at Model Expos new wooden ship catalog for the past few days and there are quite a few kits I would love to build, but the above questions always come up. anyone have any advice for a newbie?

thanks.

Brian

What is the overall quality of the LB kit???? I'm tired of building Cuttysarks and Thermopolys. I built the Scientific kit of the SW many years ago and it was a sleek looking ship.

The only LB I have built have been the "Pirate Ship" because it is a woderful example of a French 32 gun frigate. However, I had to scratch built the masts and spars due to poor quality of the plastic.

No flashing though, not nearly as much as what Airfix has.
Scott

Rob Guru,

On the SW, are you doing the old Aurora or lindberg kit? The LB made you drill the belaying pin holes in the parts. I have the Sw by Aurora and made it as a lower hull model only.

Jake

Sounds like there's a good group of sailing ship modelers here. Mind if I add myself to the list?

I'm afraid I can't compete with Millard and B. LeCren, but I'll be learning hopefully. I just started building. I'm working on a Lindberg 1:96 Sea Witch. Just taking my time and trying to be intuitive regarding how to do some stuff.

I will enjoy hearing of other folk's projects and seeing pictures when available.

Thanks Jake
I appreciate The kind words. I'm working on a Greek Triera 1/72 scale right now.
I'll post a photo when I'm done.
Rod

Welcome dlee:
I also do wooden ships, my scale is 1:48 and I usually build from scratch. I moved a few years ago and the completed models I had were either sold or given away.
Right now I'm into a bit of a departure in that I am scratching out a Flower corvette in styrene, and certainly learning a lot about transferring wood skills to plastic!
My next ship will be a similar build, an East Coast salvage tug.
I am researching an East Indiaman to follow on after those, so I will be returning to wood!
Hope you enjoy it here,
Bruce

Millard,

I took a look at your models, from what I can see they look great, You're no amature.

Jake

Hi There
I also do Sailing ships. I'm in to the plastic modeling. I do make my own mast and yards. Most of my models are weathered to look like they have been at sea. Thats just my outlook on how my models should look. Some of my models can be seen at the IPMS USA web site under 2003 Nationals.
Rod

HI Dleeharrison,

I too am an avide builder of sailing ships, as of the first of the year i have been getting rid of most of my models that are not ships. I should post a list and offer them to the board but I have so manu (300) I just have not gotten around to it. I have modeled the Revell line and all of the other major brands over the past 25 years. ANY question or problems just post away we get fixed up right quick.

You can email me direct and we can trade a few pictures.

Jake

dleeharrison,

Welcome!! I just got into Tall Ships myself and have found this forum to be the most informative and the folks here have made me feel welcome from my very first post. Hope you find the same.

I started modeling when I was about 10 and have done a lot of trains, planes and automobiles. I have always looked at the old wooden ships and said "some day I want to build one of those." Now retired and very little to do I've decided to jump in and tackle one. I agree with you, the nostalgia of square riggers is exciting. I decided to go 1:96 scale and just bought my first kit, the clipper ship Flying Cloud. With more than 1,700 hull planks and what looks like miles and miles of rigging I look forward to the challenge of building my first Tall Ship.

Again, Welcome to the world of Tall Ships.

Welcome, I too specialize in sailing ships.

Scott