Anyone build wooden model ships???

[ckarotka]

My son was fascinated by the "Tall Ships" that came to our city this fall. The Niagara is one of them that makes birth here. He showed a strong interest in them and when I asked him if he would like to build a model together..........well "YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY CAN WE CAN WE CAN WE!"

He is 6 and I have good carpentry kills so I thought for xmas why not. So I'm looking for an entry to mid level ship to build. Nothing big for the first one or expensive. I need a name of a good model making company that you get quality parts from. I would like to get 2, one for him and one for me and do a side by side build.

Thanks,
Charlie

 

[soupy1957]

Outside of the belief that you can find a model shop in your local area (try Googling it), ......I like THIS site:

(broken link removed to http://www.naturecoast.com/hobby/catalog.htm)

-Soupy1957

 

[ckarotka]

I've done the google thing. I don't know which companies are realiable. I've purchased other kits to find horrible instructions and worse quality parts. Every model shop around here has closed or only deals in RC. Just wanted some opinions from obsessed wood gatherer's becase if you care that much about your wood, it transfers to the rest of your hobbies.

 

[TresK3]

(this is cool... a topic I actually know something about...)

Have you tried WoodeBoat magazine (www.woodenboat.com)? Anything they offer from their store will be top notch. Mostly you'll find models of smaller dinghies, but they do have some larger boats (though I don't think there's anything quite like a full-fledged "tall ship" in their line up). The most recent issue of the magazine (Sept-Oct, 2010) has an article about building a radio control boat from plans. This may not be what you have in mind, but I think there were resources or contacts listed that might help. Also, I think their web site has a forum that might have model discussion section.

Good luck!
TresK3

 

[ckarotka]

Cool, Thanks

I bought my son a bow today for xmas(nothing fancy being his first, a re-curve). I would like to start building these myself, thanks again.

 

[fraxinus]

Here's a source for a very large number of wooden kits: http:www.modelexpo-online.com. In general, the American kits from Midwest and Model Shipways will have much better materials and, especially, instructions than the European ones. Blue Jacket Ships (http:www.bluejacketinc.com) in Maine also has high quality wooden kits some of which would be very suitable for a beginner.