| Building models can be a great hobby. There | | | | builder. |
| are all kinds of models to choose from | | | | |
| including: cars, trucks, plane, trains, and | | | | The first ship you buy should be relatively |
| ships. For those that have a connection to | | | | easy. Leave the complicated models for when |
| the sea, it seems only natural to choose to | | | | you've got more experience. You don't want to |
| build model ships. | | | | get discouraged and give up on the hobby. |
| | | | |
| You might start by purchasing a model kit | | | | Models come in different scale sizes. The |
| online and waiting for it to arrive. You're | | | | larger the scale the more the model will |
| probably excited and can't wait to get | | | | cost. It doesn't make a better model; it just |
| started. The kit arrives, you open it, and | | | | makes a bigger model. Start with a small |
| are overwhelmed by the number of pieces. You | | | | scale, low cost model. These kits won't be as |
| open the plans, which appear to be written in | | | | detailed as high priced kits, but what they |
| a language you cannot understand, and you | | | | will do is provide you with a great learning |
| wonder if your choice was wise. Not to | | | | experience and a finished product that is |
| worry!! You'll have that model together in no | | | | nice overall. |
| time. | | | | |
| | | | Once you've completed your first model, you |
| Chances are you've chosen model ships because | | | | can move up to a model that's a little more |
| you have a connection to the sea and boats, | | | | detailed and costs a bit more. As your skills |
| which means you are familiar with some of the | | | | grow you can progress in the types of ship |
| nautical terms like deck, bulkhead, stern, | | | | models you choose to buy. Most models |
| port and starboard, caulk a plank, and even | | | | indicate the skill level required for |
| some of the decorative knots that are used. | | | | completion. |
| If you aren't familiar with these terms, you | | | | |
| can quickly become familiar just by doing a | | | | You'll want a work area that's adequate. The |
| little research online. | | | | larger the table or work area the better, and |
| | | | it's always nice to hang your plans for easy |
| When you are ready to start building, there | | | | referral. You also need good lighting with no |
| are many online sites that offer classes on | | | | shadows. Your work area should be broken into |
| how to build model boats and model ships. | | | | areas such as preassembly, working on, and |
| Some cater to a specific level of building or | | | | waiting to dry. It will make the process much |
| a specific type of boat. You'll be able to | | | | easier. |
| find classes for the beginner along with | | | | |
| classes for people who are more advanced. | | | | Always read your plans in advance of starting |
| | | | to work on an area. That way you'll know |
| These sites also offer forums where you can | | | | exactly where you are headed. It might take a |
| discuss building with others, get help, and | | | | couple of reads to makes sense of the |
| solve problems. Some also have live chat | | | | directions, but be patient - you'll get it. |
| available with staff that can assist you with | | | | |
| specific questions or problems you have. | | | | There are all kinds of model ships - tall |
| | | | ships, cruise ships, sailboats, speedboats, |
| There are also some excellent model ship | | | | wooden boats, and antique boats are some |
| building books on the market. Again, there | | | | examples. So whatever you fancy, you'll find |
| are books that cater to the beginner and | | | | plenty of model ships to choose from. |
| those that cater to the more experienced | | | | |