Wooden ship Models

model shipways

http://www.bluejacketinc.com

I'd recommend the Midwest kits.  Many hobby shops carry them, as does Model Expo for mail order.

The Midwest kits are designed with the beginner in mind, have excellent multi-page instructions (with photos), do not require you to take out a loan to buy them, and have most parts pre-cut.  They are only of smaller vessels, single mast and smaller two-masted stuff, but that is exactly what you need. Simple rigging lets you concentrate on hull and spars.  Lots of time later to do frigates, SoL, and clippers.

And, MIdwest is primarily a supplier of modeling woods, so the wood stock is top notch.

If you're just starting out with wooden kits I'd suggest a solid hull model.  Mamoli has a "Mini-Mamoli" line of smaller, basic kits that are fairly inexpensive ($40-$60). 

Model Expo also has several solid-hull kits that are good for beginners and occasionally offer some package deals including the kit and some materials (basic tools & paint).

There are definitely some different skills required as opposed to plastic; carving, bending, sanding, tapering, etc.  I enjoy both plastic and wooden modeling.  Wood definitely has an aesthetic appeal and I enjoy actually fabricating parts from wood stock.

Although there are a few wood modelers here, there are several other online forums that specialize in wooden ships that are a great source of information.

Here are some progress photos from a Mini-Mamoli "La Goleta" schooner that I'm finishing up.  It's a solid-hull model about 9" long with a planked deck. The kit comes with basic rigging, but I'm adding more based on my own research and actual sailing experience:

Good luck,

Mark

RedCorvette

If you're just starting out with wooden kits I'd suggest a solid hull model.  Mamoli has a "Mini-Mamoli" line of smaller, basic kits that are fairly inexpensive ($40-$60). 

Model Expo also has several solid-hull kits that are good for beginners and occasionally offer some package deals including the kit and some materials (basic tools & paint).

solid-hull model about 9" long with a planked deck. The kit comes with basic rigging, but I'm adding more based on my own research and actual sailing experience:

 

Good luck,

Mark

I generally agree.  I would start with a solid hull kit- except for the Midwest kits.  These have very simplified planking, most are hard-chined hulls. If any planking is required, the "planks" are die-cut to shape, eliminating a need for spiling.  And even the soft chine models feature only a handful of planks as they are of small craft.   If you insist on a frigate, large brig, or similar, then indeed go with the solid hull kits, but if you are willing to start with a small craft then Midwest built-up hulls are another option.

Take a look at the Phantom from Model Shipways. You can download a step by step practicum that will help you build a great model. Plus it is usually on sale, including times where they offer your money back as a store credit if you build it in 6 months or less.

JerryK

I am also looking at getting into wooden ship models. I am looking for something challenging yet  cost effective. Where and how should I start out.

  Plastic is a crutch for people who can’t cope with wood.

If you are looking for accuracy and fidelity of scale detail, go with Blue Jacket. Many of the Italian and Spanish kits are spurious at best in the accuracy, detail and scale department.

If you really take to building scale wooden boats and ships (culminating with TRUE plank on frame), you will eventually scratch build entirely from plans and forgo the kit path anyway.

Mike S.

 

If you really take to building scale wooden boats and ships (culminating with TRUE plank on frame), you will eventually scratch build entirely from plans and forgo the kit path anyway.

I agree.  Scratch building is a long established activity in ship modelers.  Of course, people have been building ship models from well before a hobby industry existed.  Ships in Scale, a magazine catering to ship modelers, almost always has a scratch project or two (most in several parts over several months).  It features mostly wooden ships but an occasional plastic kit project.

Here's few more shots of my Mini-Mamoli La Goleta.  It's almost finished here, mostly need to trim up some of the rigging.  One of the things I like about the Mamoli kits is that they're easy to build out of the box, but they also offer a platform to fabricate and add as much detail as you feel.  This kit comes with very basic rigging and sail material, but I decided to have some fun and add a lot more.  For reference, the hull is about 9" long; 12" including the bowsprit.  (And yes, that's a work-in-progress B-58 lurking in the background...).

Mark

Wooden ship modeling is fun! And the brands mentioned above all would work out fine starting out the hobby.

However, let me be the odd one out and urge you to look at the simpler plank on frame models. Planking is really not a rocket science type of thing and any way you look at it, planking is a essential skill to have building wooden ship models so why not go for it and go all the way if you will. I was terrified of it (planking) myself but the whole planking process (looking back at it) was really satisfying and rewarding to do.

My Artesania Latina "Virginia" has been immense fun to do, even though i have yet to complete the rigging.

I have even started out something of a build log for it back in the day on one of the bigger ship building forums. Being a starting out modeler the log may help you and/ or inspire you to go for it yourself:

http://modelshipworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7870&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

Good luck with your plans and i hope to see a pic or two in the future

Richard

kermit

 

However, let me be the odd one out and urge you to look at the simpler plank on frame models. 

My Artesania Latina "Virginia" has been immense fun to do, even though i have yet to complete the rigging.

Richard

Not to sound persnickety (although I am that, truth be told), what you have is a plank on bulkhead, not a plank on frame, kit.

I'll explain why I personally do not recommend a planked sailing ship for a first wood model.  There are two big tasks with these that are unique and not found in other genres of modeling.  That is, the planking and the rigging.  Both of these require special acquired skills and lots of patience.  I believe having to tackle both in a first (or second or even more) kit is one reason so many of them go unfinished.  One could either start with a planked power craft (steam, diesel or whatever) or else a solid hull sailing ship.

Again, the exception that I would recommend is Midwest's line.  Planking is simple, many are hard chined and planks are pre-cut- no spiling required.  And, they are simple one or two mast rigs, without hundreds and hundreds of ratlines and not that many lines of running rigging to belay.

Mike S.

 

kermit:

 

 

However, let me be the odd one out and urge you to look at the simpler plank on frame models. 

My Artesania Latina "Virginia" has been immense fun to do, even though i have yet to complete the rigging.

Richard

 

 

Not to sound persnickety (although I am that, truth be told), what you have is a plank on bulkhead, not a plank on frame, kit.

Mike,

Point well taken. I used an incorrect term in my previous post... There is indeed a distinct difference between the two. Yet i still feel strongly about my last statement: Why not go all the way with a double planked model first time off.

These spanish and italian manufacturers do take historical accuracy with a grain of salt and rigging plans usually are a joke (not to mention the abundant use of ugly metal parts like sternpieces like on the AL "Independence" i purchased after the "Virginia"), they still offer to teach you the most essential and basic skills needed to complete a more expensive and accurate model

Richard

Thanks again for all your guys info and advice. I am looking into a couple of ships,  The phantom,The Bluenose,Rattlesnake and the Dapper Tomand a couple more on the style of the Rattlesnake. I have the solid hulls and a couple plank on bulkhead. Like i said i want something to challeneg me but not scare me off either. Looking at a couple combo deals. Trying to get the best deal and ship i guess.