Where do I start?

[steve wilson 3Participant @stevewilson3]

[steve wilson 3Participant @stevewilson3]

Hello All,

I'm new to model making so can you tell me where to start… how/where can I get plans…how/which tools do I need?

Do I need equipment to build the boats on?

All advice is welcome

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Steve,

Start by thinking about what type of model you wish to build and do you wish to build a kit or a scratch build from a plan. For a beginner a kit is ideal, some of the kit manufacturers have kits which are designed with the beginner in mind and it is well worth the time spent researching. There is not a great deal of cost difference, with a kit you will have a higher initial outlay, but with scratch building the on-going casts can mount up, with postage costs, parking/bus fares etc. when buying materials.

Try to find a model along the lines of what you would like to have, as a certain amount of time (and probably expense) will be required. As previous, research the what you would wish to build e.g. warship, cargo vessel, tug, yacht etc. Avoid difficult subjects at first e.g. submarines, paddle steamers, hovercraft, to name a few. Tugs and fishing boats make quite good beamy stable models.

Why not visit a local club and see what craft are popular? They are a really helpful bunch.

If you are keen to get on the water in a short time there are many RTR and ARTR models available. Sometimes these are reviewed in the magazine.

Just my thoughts, Tony

[steve wilson 3Participant @stevewilson3]

Many thanks Tony

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Steve, where are you ? a vist to your local pond/club is a good way to start. Ashley

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

If you click on this link, then click on "Technical Stuff" on the Menu there's a piece on Starting in Model Boats. It's a bit lightweight and flippant in places but there is some very good advice in there too. **LINK**

Dave M

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Welcome Steve,

As Tony stated , with his good advice, start with a simple build and plan ,

check out model boats for info, have built any sought of model..?…

if you have, you have the basic tools, like craft knife , steel rule , matt board , small saw, access to a printer,

add to that a small david plane , sand paper , paints , brushes , swan morton knife, pins , clamps ,

a small vice , a good under standing of drawings, a steady hand , and a helping hand from the forum,

the list of boats types is endless , a fast entry is to a second hand , or join a club or see whats on the local pool , dont be frightend to ask questions i have never kick any body in the pool so far,..…

by the way where are you based ..?…..there is a good model show at Warwick this weekend

loads of stuff there , and advice, hope this as been some help cheers Larry…

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

If you are new to the hobby and are looking for a kit model then Model Slipway can be a good place to start as many of their products are aimed at beginners. You can also telephone them for advice as they are very helpful.

http://www.modelslipway.com/

Colin

Edited By Colin Bishop, Website Editor on 07/11/2013 18:12:50

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Steve

Welcome to the forum

Paul

[Andy CParticipant @andyc56856]

Hi Steve

You also can't go wrong with a Glynn Guest plan. Model Boats has featured a few of his simple builds and they can look very nice once finished.

Dare I say it but you could also build from Paul's very own plans for his sea Spray of other cabin choice.

Have a look through the back issues of the mag for inspiration.

Regards

Andy

[Dave_PParticipant @dave_p]

Hi Steve,

I agree with Andy, Glynn Guest plans and build articles are well worth studying. You will see you don't need loads of expensive tools to get started and can produce a very nice model without spending a small fortune.

Again, as Andy has pointed out, have a read through the Ellie thread this will give you a good insight into the design and building of a model.

Have a go and hopefully the bug may bite

Dave

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Steve stick with this site for info, and model boat mag,…..

you say you fancy a go at a fishing type boat, Glynn Guest as put a plan of a simple one on a free

plan , balsa build and a instruction guide may be Colin can help with which issue it was…

or there all ways Bobby another easy build with little outlay ,….

hope this helps….Larry..

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

You can see a list of Glynn Guest plans here: http://www.myhobbystore.co.uk/sector/2/model-boats?ItemsPerPage=48&SortOrder=0&sg=0&min=&max=

Just click on Glynn Guest on the left hand side of the page. As the others have said, his designs look good, are straightforward to build and very suitable for the beginner.

If you decide to choose one then it should also be possible to get a copy of the accompanying build article. Alternatively, if the back issue of the magazine is still available it may contain the free plan.

Colin

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

OR, a very simple build, and one that would enable you ta participate in any number of…events.. next year is a small landing craft! Very cheap, plans available see D-Day thread and includes construction guide and picture of finished article.

This would be an ideal beginners project, quick, and teaches the basics. Inexpensive running gear, can accessorise with readily available kits etc and a great base from which to customise. Needs almost nothing more that a workmate , a sharp saw and sand paper. A drill migt be useful. Glue of course and grey primer.

Ashley

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