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[RoyP]

Thanks for responses to my initial request under the heading ‘What would you suggest please’.

On Tuesday of this week I also Emailed 6 suppliers/shops regarding boat kits and what they would suggest a first time effort, to date I have only received one reply, is this the norm because it was a bit disappointing.

I am also dithering because I have read from many sites that a lot of the well advertised kits seem to have various build problems and weak instructions and this goes a bit against my experience in constructing many railway kits of which the majority were fine.

A friend has also told me of his one and only experience of a boat kit purchased a few years ago. This was from a well known provider and he found all sorts of problems, plan not to scale, measurements incorrect, white metal fittings very rough, parts missing and some not fit for purpose in the end he gave up.

Is this what kit building is really like?

I am sorry to be having a good moan, but paying out £250/300 for a kit would be a lot of cash to me and I would like to make sure that I have a chance of completing the project.

[DickyD]

Try Model Slipway they are excellent.

Study their web site, tells you all you need to know.

www.modelslipway.com

[Reade Models]

RoyP

Rather than have to read the recommendations of a whole variety of Forum contributors that will surely follow your original post, most of whom have differing opinions regarding the quality of the vast variety of kits on the market (and can't normally agree on what day it is today, never mind anything else  ), why not try to get to one or two of the model boat shows if you'e UK based, and ask the manufacturers themselves?

You would be able to see the kits for yourself, ask all the questions you want, and probably buy your choice at a 'special' show price, likely as not?

Most of the upcoming shows are listed at the bottom of the Forum front page, Beale Park this weekend,  Blackpool is the next big one in the north, and Leamington Spa (Warwick) in the south Midlands (apologies if I've not included any other local shows).

The shows are generally a good day out, relatively cheap to attend (normally less then a Tenner) and well worth a visit.

Malc

[Martin (Admin)]

Yes, heartily agree with Malc, the shows are the best place to see the products.
Can you get along to the Warwick show? - http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12542.msg119093#msg119093

Importantly, pick a subject that you are interested in as it will help you throughout the darkest hours of the build....! :)

[John W E]

hi there Roy

I wonder, have you ever thought of building from a Plan, that is another Option.   For every one choice of kit you have - there must be a choice of four plans.    From very basic and easy to do, right the way through the scale.   Always something else to consider.    I doubt you would be stuck for advice, on the Forum here, to help you build it.

aye
John e
bluebird

[White Ensign]

Roy, I´d also recommend to visit a show and then get in contact with a local club. Sorts out your problem in many ways:

- you`ll have a nice day out and it`s cheaper than to listen to recommendations, which you might not follow the different expectations of other modelers (sorry boys, don`t want to blame it on you- just want to say that we all have different expectations in quality of a kit. One mans meat is another mans poison?)
- what you get is what you see. You can check out the items of interest and charge them on your own
- contacting a club would probably give you some clues and likeminded shipmates, to help you out if you fail anyway

Hope that was out of any help,
Jörg

[polobeer]

Hello RoyP!

I've just posted some info under your other thread about the "Amaranth" kit, plus some thoughts in relation to your question here.

Simon  :)