HA! HECEPOB! I love it!
Thanks, Bill!
New as I am to ship modeling, I'm trying to learn what I can from the experienced builders...but it really comes down to practice, and gaining experience on my own, I think. My intention was to go for something more ambitious next time around, but now I wonder if I should be cutting my teeth on a couple more of the simpler kits, before I move into the realm of super-detailed, skill-intensive setups (be they wood or plastic)...
It's a little daunting to be in the companty of so many informed and experienced builders...and honestly, being a neophyte amongst the many seeming experts/purists of the hobby, some of my questions and goals may seem far below the level (or the interest) of the contemporary contributors here.
My first ship was the Bonhomme Richard. I felt I did an alright job with it considering it was my first effort, but I'll admit I sort of half-assed (if you'll forgive the crude parlance) the rigging to a degree. Mainly, I think it was because I found myself dissatisfied with the look of the injection molded sails, and realized the kit would never look as good as I wanted because the sails looked fake, heavy, and out of scale. I don't have the inclination (or even the knowledge) to be be very concerned with details like the authentic accuracy of a kit, or other various particulars I've read about...but I do enjoy the look of old-time sailing ships, and I like to make things that look neat. Which is why I decided to try my hand at this in the first place.
I hope to gain enough of the skill, knowledge, and passion that I've seen demonstrated by some of the contributors, but for now I think it best to work slowly toward that end. I was considering going into something like the 1/96 *connie*, but now really think that would be premature. Instead, I saw the recently-released Revell 1/150 Vasa this morning, and I like the shape and style of it. Considering it is on par with the level of detail and skill level of my previous effort, I'm now leaning toward buying that kit, and giving it all the care and attention I can, while learning what I can along the way. Also, it has yardarms that are separate from the vac formed sails, so I think that means it can be assembled with rigging only, and without sails, which I think I would prefer.
Once I work my way through a couple more of the lower-level kits, I bet I'll have gotten myself to a level where I can decide if I want to tackle something major (larger, or even something wooden)....
Geez, I just realized I'm rambling like crazy!! Sorry, guys! I start getting interested in stuff, and I sometimes get carried away!
Cheers!