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[asimmd]

Hi All

In trying to decide my first model,I am torn between these two manufacturers.

Could someone please give your opinion as to which may be the better of the two,and why.

I haven't built a boat for 25 years,but I guess it's like riding a bike,I just need a bit of practise
and hopefully it will all come back to me?

Thanks

Alan

[Martin (Admin)]

Not so much the manufacturer more the actual model or type of vessel you want to build, any idea of kit yet?

[Bunkerbarge]

I think it is unfair and unreasonable to expect anyone to compare manufacturers on an open forum like this.

A far more positive approach is to evaluate specific models so it would be better to start with suggesting what type of models appeal to you.  If you are interested in WWII destroyers Deans have a couple in thier range but if you prefer a WWII steam tug then the Model Slipway Assurance or Envoy class models might be more of interest.

There are also many other manufacturers to consider no matter what category you decide on so starting by stating your interests would be useful.

[westcoaster]

I've not built a Deans Marine kit so can't comment. What I do know, however is that Model Slipway are great people to deal with and my experience of building a Maggie M, small Rescue Boat and now working on an Our Lass kit has been all good. Dicky D has posted some excellent build threads on Model Slipway kits on here and I'd suggest you have a look at them.

[asimmd]

Thank you for the replies

It is not my intention to start a which is better thread,and I don't think it unfair for someone who has
experience of both manufacturers to reply saying something like,both manufacturers kits are excellent but
for a first model after such a long layoff,I would recommend Brand X,then after you regain experience
Brand Y would offer more of a challenge.

My interest is in Merchant Ships and Tugs,though Modelslipways Loyal Class is quite appealing.

Apopogies if I upset anyone but I thought it a reasonable question.

Alan

[bigH]

Hi Alan and welcome back to to model marine world.   You dfo not say where your
location is but I am sure that wherever you are there must be a club or organisation
within reach, why not pop along to one of these ? and see what the localls are using
and talk to them as to why they are using their models.    that way you will get a
number of informed views and info first hand, as well as meeting some of the finest
friendliest people you can get to know along with considerable help, tips and advice.
 All this combined with the biggest and best forum you will find will make your return
a joy  and pleasure.
   All the very best   .........    big H

[snowwolflair]

The best advice is to look at the kits open the boxes and read the instructions. 

Shows are good for this as you can usually speak to the manufacturer direct and they will tell you which of their own kits are best for beginners.

[Colin Bishop]

Both Deans and Model Slipway, and indeed other manufacturers offer kits of varying complexity for different ability levels.

As has been said earlier, it's a case of finding something that appeals to you which falls into your skills bracket.

There have been many reviews published in the modelling magazines over the years. Model Slipway do in fact publish some of these on their website. If you are a subscriber to Model Boats magazine you can look at all the back issues online back to January 2007 and these include many kit reviews. I believe you can search the contents lists of Marine Modelling magazine as well. Both magazines offer back issues to purchase.

Colin

[Bunkerbarge]

Thank you for the replies

It is not my intention to start a which is better thread,and I don't think it unfair for someone who has
experience of both manufacturers to reply saying something like,both manufacturers kits are excellent but
for a first model after such a long layoff,I would recommend Brand X,then after you regain experience
Brand Y would offer more of a challenge.

My interest is in Merchant Ships and Tugs,though Modelslipways Loyal Class is quite appealing.

Apopogies if I upset anyone but I thought it a reasonable question.

Alan

I don't think you upset anyone Alan we were simply suggesting a more positive approach rather than invite someone to possibly share negative feedback which would not be appreciated by the vendor.  

Now we know you are into Merchant ships and tugs you have quite a range to choose from.  After a long time away from the hobby maybe something smaller to cut your teeth on and get you back into things such as the Caldercraft Joffre?  That is quite a popular model and has the added advantage of being easy to carry around in the car.

Excellent advice is to join a club and attend some shows to get a feel for what to expect.  There may also be some value in buying a second hand model and stripping it down to get a feel for what the kit includes.  This is also a good way to learn a bit more about just what is available while you possibly also build yourself a kit, which could be many months away from seeing the water.

[asimmd]

I am a member of my local club and I have asked the question there as well.

Problem is that everyone has a different answer and a different take on things.
One person will recommend a certain kit then someone else will say don't get that one.

My initial thought was that, as I have built boats previously,but 25 years ago I would be able to just
choose something I like and away I go but it seems not to be.

My first choice was Modelslipways AZIZ,but it seems it's not a beginners model, but after having experience
of building and even scratch building,am I still a beginner?

It has been suggested I buy something ready built,just to tide me over until I build my own,I missed a
lovely model last week by 20 mins,but I will be there again this week to see if there are any more on offer.

I see Howes Models sell RTR boats,and at very reasonable prices,maybe that's the way to go.

I have this terrible urge to start cutting out,I think I need help or is it a bug?

Very confusing.

Alan

[HS93 (RIP)]

the problem is different makes of kits appeal to different modelers you will find some modellers have built most if not all of the slipway range and some twice there are othere's that build nothing but deans its personal preference, if you get the two kits along side each other you would possably look and see something in one of them that catches your eye good or bad and that would sway you to that make of kit. try a good model shop that stocks both and have a look inside. all kits have + and -  to an individual
just go and look.


peter

[oldiron]

I

My initial thought was that, as I have built boats previously,but 25 years ago I would be able to just
choose something I like and away I go but it seems not to be.


Very confusing.

Alan

  Just because you've been out of the hobby for 25 years, with the kind of modeling background you have, doesn't mean you start over as a beginner. You have the skills, as you've already proven to yourself, some of the materials may have changed a bit in 25 years. The material changes have left open more options and the ability to do better models than was done 25 years ago. The rest is like riding a bicycle, you don't forget. I don't think you should have any problem handling whatever kit you choose to do.

John

[FullLeatherJacket]

OK - there's only so much political correctness I can take!
I must admit to being completely biased here as I designed the thing, but Slipway's 'Shamrock' was done with the specific aim of being an introduction to the skills and techniques of building a model boat kit with a GRP-moulded hull and styrene superstructure. It performs very nicely if built and equipped as presented in the kit.
Full details are on their website. Dave Brumstead's Kit Review concludes with the following comments:

"CONCLUSIONS: The model lives up to its promise. It is a straightforward build using plastic, fibreglass and white metal materials. Its semi-scale appearance has a well-balanced look to it and it is an excellent intermediate model that fits neatly into that grey area between beginner and expert. In fact the skills used to build this model readily transfer to building one of the more demanding models in the Model Slipway range. The greatest accolade must go to the instruction manual - fully comprehensive, virtually idiot proof (I only made a couple of mistakes!) It puts the offerings from some other manufacturers to shame."

(No offence to Ron Dean, but I can only write about what I know - and I've never built a Deans' kit.)

Suit yourself.
FLJ

[tony52]

Alan,

Why haven't you inlcluded other kit manufacturers eg Robbe, Graupner etc?

Robbe's 'Antje II' fishing boat looks a good re-introduction kit.

Just a thought,
Tony.

[DickyD]

Much as it grieves me to say, I agree with Dave, the Model Slipway instructions written by him are excellent.(brownie point please)

I have done 5 Model Slipway kits and they were great.

I haven't done a Deanes Marine one yet, though if you are prepared to wait I might be doing one shortly.

[barriew]

OK, I have built both Deans and MS kits. Deans have a wider range of models, with some interesting and unusual subjects, particularly if you want "grey funnel" subjects. MS have a more limited selection, mainly non-navy. Quality of the contents is similar, though I think the smaller MS range means more consistent quality. One area where MS excel is instructions, as has been noted quite a few times With all the Deans kits I have made, parts of the instructions were not specifically realted to the model I was building. Now this is not a major issue if you have built one or two models, but if you are looking for handholding step by step instructions, MS are better in my opinion. Having said that, I will no doubt build models from both these manufacturers, and others, in the future

Barrie

[asimmd]

Many thanks Guys

It doesn't get any easier does it.

I didn't include Graupner Robbe,because I like the models on offer from Slipway and Deans.

My favourite of all was a Sirmar Type 42 Destroyer,that was some hull,but sadly,I can't
find any info about them,not that I would start with that anyway,it would take far to long.

Ok,buy a ready built something either from a club member,or Howes.

I think I have decided it will be a Modelslipway Kit,though which one I have yet to decide,there
are quite a few such as AZIZ - Assurance Tug - Loyal Class Tender - Envoy Tug and possibly the Coaster.

Alan

[Martin (Admin)]

Loyal Class Tender  

Model Slipway every time........   or Deans Marine!  

[gingyer]

HI Alan,
I would recomend some of the model slipway models to start with.

With sirmar's Type 42 what info could you not find?

[Mark47]

Batch 3 Type 42

http://www.sirmarmodelships.com/showship.asp?ID=25

Batch 2 Type 42

http://www.sirmarmodelships.com/showship.asp?ID=14

[asimmd]

Thank you so much for the links to Sirmar.

Looking at the site brings back so many memories.

HMS Sheffield Type 42 Destroyer was the one I bought,but soon after buying the hull,I was made
redundant so I had to shelve the project as I couldn't afford the fittings.

As I said,I wouldn't go back to that as a first or even 3rd model,but I am so glad I know where they are,
I will be window shopping for ages,thank you.

Regarding the Loyal Class Tender,hopefully I will get to see one Wednesday.

Alan

[Bunkerbarge]

I can happily vouch for the Slipway Envoy class tug, mine is probably my favorite model.  Here is a good build thread worth reading through to give you an idea of what it involes:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344360&highlight=Envoy

[tassie48]

Bunkerbarge I am looking at the Envoy class my self as my next build as well how does it handle in a seaway with a good slop will read the thread and do some research work tassie48

[DickyD]

I was thinking of doing the Envoy class tug until I saw the weight, 25 lbs. I have just done the Maggie M at 22 lbs and that is heavy enough for me.

[Bunkerbarge]

Bunkerbarge I am looking at the Envoy class my self as my next build as well how does it handle in a seaway with a good slop will read the thread and do some research work tassie48

I bought my Envoy ready built but with no internals so I fitted it out and tried it on the water, as Dicky says it is heavy but on the plus side that prevents it from being blown about and it resists waves very realistically.  Mine is a bit low so it could well do with a bit less ballast but the handling is very good for a single screw and single rudder model.  In fact the first time on the water I came second in a steering competition so I was very pleased with it.  It does have a nice big hull so plenty or room for electronics, sounds, smoke makers etc as well as a nice big 12 v 7ah battery that keeps it going for a couple of hours.