A decent kit for a beginner

[Simon Moore 3Participant @simonmoore3]

Hi everyone

I'm looking at a different build to my usual modelling. I usually build etched brass 0 gauge steam engines so I'm not a beginner to modelling but totally new to ships.

I've been looking at model slipway ships & wondered if anyone could recommend a decent kit for a beginner that can be made & be confident it will sail afterwards.

I prefer commercial vessels to pleasure boats if the option is there.

[Simon Moore 3Participant @simonmoore3]

Model slipway

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Model Slipway kits build into superb models that sail well. Having said that, it helps enormously to have some boat model experience. Just an opinion, but something simpler and less complex might be a better start to give a working boat while easing the learning curve.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Model Slipway are certainly very good and the kits go together well but you haven't said what sort of preference you have as there are a vast range of subjects.

If you are going to put a fair bit of effort into a build, and more power to your elbow, then you need to find a subject which appeals to you.

A kit is an excellent introduction to boat modelling as the manufacturer has done all the design work and if you build to the instructions then you are virtually guaranteed to have a good model that performs well. And the experience will stand you in good stead for future projects.

If the Model Slipway subjects appeal to you then you will have seen their home page which makes recommendations for beginners or modellers with experience in other fields. Advice worth following.

**LINK**

All very good advice and you will get excellent after sales support if needed. People on this forum will be happy to offer additional advice if asked.

Colin

[Empire ParkstoneParticipant @empireparkstone]

whichever ones takes your Eye do a search on here or mayhem someone has probably built one

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

Simon

I have built the Aziz and Tamar by Model Slipway. Both built into nice models.

Don't remember any major problems. The kits I built used printed styrene for lots of the parts so you have be good at cutting them out. But it was a few years ago so they may have changed.

Tim

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

If it's of any guidance to you then Lawrie White – half of Model Slipway – always said that the Loyal Class fleet tender is a good model for a beginner. It's a single screw and 1/24 scale, which makes the fittings quite large and easy to handle. It performs very well and to my mind looks very much the part on the water.

Dave M

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Simon,

Have a look at the Sarik plans range for ideas, there are hundreds to choose from with some having hulls available if you don't want to scratch build?

Regards Ray

[Simon Moore 3Participant @simonmoore3]

Posted by Dave Milbourn on 11/08/2020 19:22:04:

If it's of any guidance to you then Lawrie White – half of Model Slipway – always said that the Loyal Class fleet tender is a good model for a beginner. It's a single screw and 1/24 scale, which makes the fittings quite large and easy to handle. It performs very well and to my mind looks very much the part on the water.

Dave M

Thank you for the replys gents.

I had my eye on th Aziz it's right up my street but having looked again I think I may invest in the loyal class & have a go. At worst I will have a very nice static model.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Simon

Aziz is big and impressive with loads of scale detail and twin motors, all of which makes it less suitable for a beginner. Loyal is an older kit and the instructions can be a trifle baffling in places but I've never seen a badly-built one and Jackie White is always there to help if required.

Dave M

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I agree with Dave, Aziz problably needs a bit more experience, In particular you need to ensure that the hatch in that big flat after deck doesn't let in water if the conditions become a bit bumpy. I have a classic set of photos of an Aziz sinking in those conditions!

Loyal would be an excellent choice to literally test the water. A very attractive and practical model plus choice of colour schemes. What's not to like?

Colin

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

Just worth mentioning if you are seriously thinking of a Slipway kit, on their web page it now announces that they will be ceasing trading on the 1st September 2020. They will be honouring all orders received before that date but there is already a significant backlog. I would give them a ring now if you are interested but do not wait until after the 1st September as you will not get one after that date.

Edited By Richard Simpson on 24/08/2020 08:15:12

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