Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: chris.lilley123 on December 09, 2012, 07:14:14 pm
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Hi
Being a complete novice can anybody tell me the best plan to buy and any tips like what material to use and other basic stuff. I dont mind what type of craft it is as i want to eventually build one of Nelsons ships but i do understand that is some way off.
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Hello and welcome!
You might well be advised to get a copy of Model Boat magazine and build whatever free plan is featured in the edition. That way you'll get a simple project with a detailed walk through of how to go about it.
Trying to answer your question on here is rather a tall order as model boat building is a big field...although I'm sure we're all more than willing to help if we can.
Cheers!
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have a look here
Under the Marine Plans menu, they have 50 Easy to Build model plans
http://www.trapletshop.com/gb/c/1221/easy-to-build
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See if you can get hold of the Model Boats winter special:
http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/model-boats-winter-special-2012/13562
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Hi Chris,
Just how much of a novice are you? Ever built an Airfix kit? Done any woodwork at school or at home? Made other scratch models but not boats? It's tricky to advise without a bit of a clue who we're talking to. If you really are a complete novice (never done a model of anything before) then any of the models on the Traplet list suggested by tigertiger will give you an introduction to boatbuilding. Or try a simple kit rather than a scratch build to give yourself a flying start. One like this perhaps? http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/midwest-yacht-skiff.html
Personally I think a simple kit would give you a good idea of suitable materials and construction techniques without needing all the scratch building skills at the outset. Some people then practice scratch building by reproducing kit parts from raw materials and building from those.
If you are reasonably adept with your hands and are definitely fixed on an 18th century warship then you might consider a plank on bulkhead kit of a small rigged boat such as this as a start - http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/artesania-latina-bountys-jolly-boat-19004-p-39490.html.
Most of all, I suggest you read the various build logs of ships similar to those you want to build. There is a vast amount of information there and it will save you from re-learning all the lessons already learnt. As well as Model Boat Mayhem, I would suggest the kit and scratch build logs of Model Ship World - http://modelshipworld.com/phpBB2/index.php.
Good luck and let us know how you get on. :-))
Greg
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Welcome to the group and I have found the group very helpful
As Martin has already said get hold of a copy of the winter special as its a cracking little boat and going to be my first model %%
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Personally I think a simple kit would give you a good idea of suitable materials and construction techniques without needing all the scratch building skills at the outset. Some people then practice scratch building by reproducing kit parts from raw materials and building from those.
100% agree for a novice. It will give you the confidence in the building, as you know everything is there and it has been done by others, and the confidence to go on and do a scratch build.
I would also suggest you go for a 'beginner's' level kit, as some are for experts.
If you are thinking you are only testing out the hobby and scratch build will be cheaper, unless you already have the tools, and a scrap bin (to make some parts) it may actually be cheaper to buy a kit.
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To all who have replied thanks ever so much for the help. I will check out what you say (SailorGreg) and leave a few notes around for the wife, as xmas is just around the corner :-) . TigerTiger I thought scratch build would be cheaper and if you make a mistake its easier to hide(I think) but as you agree a small model to start to hone the skills is the best start. Also SailorGreg I have checked out the logs of model ship world and will keep reading these to instill some knowledge into me head.
Thanks again its nice to know people are here if you need advice even as simple as my silly question :-))
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BTW
Beginner level kits don't have to be small.
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Please don't fall into that trap Chris,
NO Question is silly!
Everyone has to start somewhere and if you can be guided away from the pitfalls and "Shelved" project before it reaches that point . . . . .
Regards Ian.
Surprised he hasn't been on yet but have a glance at this site :- http://modelboats.hobby-site.com/ (http://modelboats.hobby-site.com/)
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Surprised he hasn't been on yet but have a glance at this site :- http://modelboats.hobby-site.com/ (http://modelboats.hobby-site.com/)
Macafee doesn't like this site, it may have been hacked.
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McAfee, doesn't always get it right.
My anti-virus has no problem with any of his sites
cheers
vnkiwi
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Avast and Mambam don't have a problem Dougal.
Regards Ian
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Just how much of a novice are you? Ever built an Airfix kit?
Very important question!
To build models, you have to be of a practical vent. Good with your hands and adept at making things .. good at DIY, etc.
Some fellas can, some can't knock a nail in.