I wrote an article on this recently. Here it is:
It's a fact most model makers start their career with a kit. In this world of the Internet, we have a wide variety of choices when it comes to buying kits. There is also a vast number of plans if you wish to build from scratch. There has never been so much access to information, products and tips.
Early kits were not much more than a collection of wood in a box which you had to mark out and cut. In about 1975, a friend of mine stayed with us and his father had given him a model speedboat in a kit. There were plans, a pile of balsa wood, a prop and shaft and a tiny little fuel tank. These days kits are already cut out precisely to the shapes required and it is a matter of putting it all together, which still can be a challenge. Some kits still have the same old timber in a box.
For a first model you should choose something that is fairly simple to put together. Small is not necessarily simple. Companies, like Midwest Products, give an idea of the skill level required for their kits. Another thing to consider is will your radio equipment and power supplies fit in the model. Very few kits include the drive motor and next to none include the radio gear. Usually the running hardware (which includes the propeller shaft, rudder and propeller) is included but not always. It's a good idea to check that the size of these components are fairly standard so that if you need to replace a propeller, for example, it won't be too hard to get. Often the fittings kit which includes all the details of the boat like lights, bollards, cleats and steering wheel, is not included.
If you build from scratch, you also need to know that your radio gear will fit within the planned size of the boat.
I just purchased the Fantail launch kit by Midwest Products. All the components are cut to size and the kit includes the running gear, but it does not include the steam engine. The steam engine comes in both pre-soldered ready to go in about an hour and as a kit engine which requires soldering. The right propeller for this engine is in the kit and the engine is the right size for the length of boat. The only trouble is that this engine is extremely hard to find in stock just at the moment.
You need to look at your skill level. Your skill level is governed by how much information you have or, in other words, it's about knowing exactly what to do. Doing it can be the less difficult bit. These days with forums and online publications, finding out what to do is less difficult and most things can be learnt. It's about having a go. I have found the boatbuilding community to be tremendously supportive and helpful. You just have to ask. I was editing an article for Duckworks today, and the writer of the article realised he should have asked more questions at the start instead of trying to work everything out himself. He put this in the things he learnt at the end of his article. (The article is called Blueskies and is coming up in early May.)
Another thing to consider is that you must be able to transport the model. A one metre yacht, for example, is hard to get into a sedan.
When you get the kit, and this applies to buying plans as well, read the plans and instructions carefully. This is obvious. But, what I like to do is to read, walk away, think on it and have a fresh look over the next few days. Don't stress, it will become clearer and quite often it becomes clear as you make a start. Try to check that you also have all the parts before you start. Do a dry run with the parts before you stick anything solid with glue. With newcomers the plans and instructions are a very important part of the kit. Manufacturers are aware that their plans and instructions will put their kit in a negative or positive light and so these days they take more care with these parts of the kit. The information that comes with the kit is the fun part. I may not be the best boat maker in the world, but I am good with the information side of the hobby. The more you get, the easier it is. (It was technology and information that played a huge part in World War II. Radar, sonar and code breaking were vital to the outcome.)
As far as plans go, there are so many on the Internet. For example, Model Boats Magazine has their plans on the site called MyHobbyStore. There is something for everyone. You just have to find it. You need to be aware that some plans can vary tremendously in quality and complexity. Many producers give plans a star grading system and you should be able to find something within your skills and abilities.
A hard chine hull is an easier type of hull to build for a beginner. It is also a cheaper form of construction. Round bilge hulls are a little bit more difficult to build. A round hull can be made from solid block, put together from laminated blocks or framed and strip planked. Stitch and glue is another option for model boats.
To build from kit or scratch? I think build a kit first so you get an idea of how a boat goes together. You could then build from plans using similar methods. This way you gradually build up your knowledge. Keep in mind though some kits are extremely complicated and challenging. You need to choose the right kit. Remember ask for advice on forums before buying. There is the list of forums on the bottom of my links page. The important thing is to make a start.
Mike John
http://www.rusticmodelboats.com/
Author
Topic: ADVICE ON WHAT TO MODEL FOR A NEW BOY, PLEASE. (Read 6082 times)