As for kits, I've always been partial to Model Shipways. The instructions are clear, the plans done well, and most kits are designed and produced by some of the more notable model shipwrights of our time.
It can be hard to figure out what model one would like to do. I've always gone with my gut feeling. I don't like to stick with one particular style of vessel. One of my last models was of a Roman Bireme. It's nice to try out different types of ships, and apply your skills to vessels from different eras.
John

 

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Ok, wirewolf, what is your next project? I'm still kicking around my next project idea, maybe you can help.

I like Model Shipways kits for their instructions and completness and I will return to them but for now I want to try a foreign kit.
I have 5 kits, 4 from A/L and 1 from Panart, plus I don't want to run out and buy a very expensive kit until I can do them justice.

A/L: Clara May, Independence, San Giovanni Batista, San Juan Nep
Panart: Royal Caroline

I feel that the Bluenose has given me the confidence to try a more complicated kit so I'm leaning toward the San Giovanni or San Juan. Or should I just forge ahead and feed the hunger and build the San Felipe? Who would have thought, I feel like a kid in a candy store again.

Dave

 

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I am building two kits from latine, i sticked with latina because then i know what i get. Mostly i dont use the written manual, but build using the supplied pictures and some good books about ship modeling and planking. The manuals are pretty useless, except for the layout of the tech sheets.

I will probaly move to another brand after the second ship, because latina is just like porn, u build one you've build them all, same woods same fittings. But i would recommend latina because they have nice kits and none off the parts are missing at least from my kits. Plenty of spare wood too. The kits are very forgiving in case of minor errors. The entry models can be build without any ship knowledge, but building more complex ships and the modeling books are mandatory.

 

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Do what I did once. I had about ten kits sitting on a shelf in my shop. I wrote down the names on a piece of paper, tacked it to the wall, closed my eyes and threw a dart at the paper
I missed the paper with the list of the models and hit the Playboy Calendar hanging on the wall next to it (I think it was Miss April ). Any way, turned out her name was Cristina and she was from the UK. So I took that as a omen. Cristina (Christian Fletcher) and UK (England - HMS). So I went out and bought a kit for the HMS Bounty.
I still have a few of those kits sitting on the shelf after ten years However, I do change the calendar every year!
So, you have a choice. Hang up a list of the kits you have on the wall or a Playboy Calendar and start throwing darts. If your wife asks why you have a Playboy Calendar hanging on the wall, just tell her you are trying to decide which 'Model' to build next.
I'm sure she'll understand

Seriously Dave, go with your gut feeling. Most kits are decent, but I have found that a lot of the foreign kits are not documented very well. But you did a great job with the Bluenose, and you've done the hardest part of ship modeling - hull planking. Line up the kits you have and/or photos of the other ones you are considering, and see which one catches your eye. Try to imagine how the finished ship would look on your mantle piece or on a shelf in you living room.

 

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Would you beleive that movie was on TV last night. San-da Floor

 

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