Hi all,
Me - I'm 30, married with a 6 month old and two dogs. I work with computers and wanted to start a new hobby that wasn't so virtual! I thought I'd give model ship building a go. Initially I was attracted by the wonderful tall ships, specifically the HMS Bounty, but realised I should start smaller! A lot smaller.

I've read this site (http://www.modelboatyard.com/) which recommends the Midwest model line. I was looking at the dinghy - any opinions?

Any other builders based in the UK??

Gareth

Hi Gareth, Welcome Aboard!

It certainly looks like a good kit to start with Gareth. Several of the forum members are working on the Phantom and Sultana these are good starter kits from Model Expo (http://www.modelexpo-online.com/cgi-bin/sgsh0101.exe?SKW=TWMF@&FNM=00&UID=!+USID!) and you would find a lot of help here on the forum.

In the mean while you may want to check these out :
1 - Questions for newbies that may be undecided as to where to start in the hobby (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/home.htm)
2 - GUIDE FOR THE BEGINNER WOOD MODEL SHIPWRIGHT (Part One) (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/articles47.html)
3 - Forums' FAQ (Still under construction) (http://shipmodeling.net/faq/)
4 - List of recommended modeling_books (http://shipmodeling.net/faq/faq.php?&cat_name=A---Preparation&answer=20&question=What-ship-modeling-books-do-you-recommend?&category_id=9#20)

If you have any specific questions, or need any help, just post it here in the Scuttlebutt (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/forum5.html)

Don

Gareth,
You've got the right idea with starting small, and if you can get your hands on a Midwest kit in the UK, I'd definitely recommend it. They are really geared towards beginners. Personally, I'd pick one with some rigging...just to get the whole ship modeling experience, but any of the Midwest kits would be good. One of the other benefits is that you don't need a lot of tools to build a Midwest kit...don't go overboard in buying tools for your first kit. The instructions in your first kit will give you a list of the tools you'll need.

Hi both,

Thanks for the advice. I've decided to stick with the Dinghy - the Lobster Smack was the other option but that was £16 more! I've saved that money for tools instead!

I'm going to try to write a build log as well - it'll be a nice reminder for me when I finish it as well as hopefully helping other beginners in future...

Right, now to order it (I couldn't find a hobby shop local to me that stocked it but I have found another hobby shop that also has a website so I am helping them to keep going - it's just that they're 212 miles away!!)

Gareth

Gareth,

You said "I'm going to try to write a build log ", well you are in luck and this will save you time. On this Forum, go to DOWNLOADS the click SPREADSHEETS, three will appear, download MODEL HOUR LOG. I started using this and have become more respectful of my modeling and fellow modelers after seeing the numbers.

Cheers

Charlie