| Building models can be a great hobby. There are all | | | | more experienced builder. |
| kinds of models to choose from including: cars, | | | | The first ship you buy should be relatively easy. |
| trucks, plane, trains, and ships. For those that have a | | | | Leave the complicated models for when you've got |
| connection to the sea, it seems only natural to | | | | more experience. You don't want to get discouraged |
| choose to build model ships. | | | | and give up on the hobby. |
| You might start by purchasing a model kit online and | | | | Models come in different scale sizes. The larger the |
| waiting for it to arrive. You're probably excited and | | | | scale the more the model will cost. It doesn't make a |
| can't wait to get started. The kit arrives, you open it, | | | | better model; it just makes a bigger model. Start |
| and are overwhelmed by the number of pieces. You | | | | with a small scale, low cost model. These kits won't |
| open the plans, which appear to be written in a | | | | be as detailed as high priced kits, but what they will |
| language you cannot understand, and you wonder if | | | | do is provide you with a great learning experience |
| your choice was wise. Not to worry!! You'll have that | | | | and a finished product that is nice overall. |
| model together in no time. | | | | Once you've completed your first model, you can |
| Chances are you've chosen model ships because you | | | | move up to a model that's a little more detailed and |
| have a connection to the sea and boats, which | | | | costs a bit more. As your skills grow you can |
| means you are familiar with some of the nautical | | | | progress in the types of ship models you choose to |
| terms like deck, bulkhead, stern, port and starboard, | | | | buy. Most models indicate the skill level required for |
| caulk a plank, and even some of the decorative | | | | completion. |
| knots that are used. If you aren't familiar with these | | | | You'll want a work area that's adequate. The larger |
| terms, you can quickly become familiar just by doing | | | | the table or work area the better, and it's always |
| a little research online. | | | | nice to hang your plans for easy referral. You also |
| When you are ready to start building, there are | | | | need good lighting with no shadows. Your work area |
| many online sites that offer classes on how to build | | | | should be broken into areas such as preassembly, |
| model boats and model ships. Some cater to a | | | | working on, and waiting to dry. It will make the |
| specific level of building or a specific type of boat. | | | | process much easier. |
| You'll be able to find classes for the beginner along | | | | Always read your plans in advance of starting to |
| with classes for people who are more advanced. | | | | work on an area. That way you'll know exactly |
| These sites also offer forums where you can discuss | | | | where you are headed. It might take a couple of |
| building with others, get help, and solve problems. | | | | reads to makes sense of the directions, but be |
| Some also have live chat available with staff that can | | | | patient - you'll get it. |
| assist you with specific questions or problems you | | | | There are all kinds of model ships - tall ships, cruise |
| have. | | | | ships, sailboats, speedboats, wooden boats, and |
| There are also some excellent model ship building | | | | antique boats are some examples. So whatever you |
| books on the market. Again, there are books that | | | | fancy, you'll find plenty of model ships to choose |
| cater to the beginner and those that cater to the | | | | from. |