Just starting building static models

[AlandlaneyParticipant @alandlaney]

[AlandlaneyParticipant @alandlaney]

Hi all,

finally decided to start building static display models.

Are there any specific magazines dealing with these – I know Model Boats & Marine Modelling have a couple of pages in each issue covering the subject but they have to cover alot of different interests within each issue.

What books, Websites would people recommend?

Am looking around for my first kit. Majority of kits seem to be sailboat/ galleon type. I am more interested in more modern commercial ships:- tankers, bulk carriers, cargo & container ships from 1960, 70's & 80's ( Was marine engineer serving on these types.) Not many kits around for this type of ship – lots of tugs etc. Could anyone can recommend a suitable kit?

I will probably invest in a galleon type kit first to start gaining experience etc

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

A. Sorry , this sort of post has to be answered with questions first.

What size of ship do you envisage building? being a radio control biased site, many people are familiar with larger scale ships made for proper sailing and the companies that make them. The boats are big (ish) commensurate with their role and thus may be a bit big to put on a shelf as a static exhibition.

If you down the scale a bit there are numerous plastic kits eg Airfix, for instance.

What sort of size are you aiming for?

i would NOT get a galleon as a first kit if you go down the larger ship route, or any route really if inexperienced. All those nasty masts, rigging and sails!! no fear.

Ashley

[AlandlaneyParticipant @alandlaney]

Would happily display a large model – 1m ish but not interested in R/c &floating my boat on a pond (at this stage).

From what I have seen of models available for R/C they tend to be royal Navy types or small boats..

My ideal model would be a large 1-1.2m model of a modern oil tanker / OBO type.

I don't want to have to start scratch building at this stage would prefer a kit

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Have a look at westbourne-model.co.uk (Westbourne models).

They have an extensive list of kits from the major manufacturers. If there is nothing there that takes your fancy, then it will have to be a fibreglass hull and then do-it-yourself for the upper works!

Ashley

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

There are plenty of kits of different types of vessel as Ashley points out. Even if they are intended for RC you don't have to fit them out as working models.

While there are a lot of kits of commercial models in the size range you mention, there are not very many of large ships as this would mean a relatively small scale with lots of delicate fittings and the market is much less than for small to medium type vessels where the model and fittings will be more robust and therefore better suited to a working model. Also cargo ships from the 60s-80s are not subjects that would really sell well as kits which would mean scratchbuilding from plans.

There are however a few large plastic kits of large vessels around such as the Revell Queen Mary 2 at 34 inches long.

Alternatively you could consider the range from Deans Marine which does include a range of merchant ships http://www.deansmarine.co.uk/shop/index.php/cPath/10_20 although some of these are not altogether beginners models as they use printed parts rather then cnc and laser cut components.

Colin

 

Edited By Colin Bishop, Website Editor on 03/05/2012 13:45:14

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

The US company Bluejacket shipcrafters offer an excellent good sized T-2 tanker and a Liberty ship. I can't find a supplier in the UK though.

http://www.bluejacketinc.com/ to find them look at Model Boat kits on the LH index, go to power vessels then Naval/Commercial.

Tony

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Aren't those Bluejacket kits gorgeous? And what a wonderful website too.

You know, if your'e prepared to pay a bit more, you can order things from the States. You end up paying a bit of import tax- usually 2 or 3%- then shipping- then VAT on all of it. It does mount up a bit- but once you've seen it and want it, it's the only way!!

I ordered a kit from Dumas in Tucson once and have enjoyed it ever since- partly because I know I won't meet another one coming down the pond at me.

Good luck with your search.

Ian

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