I build some back when I was in the Navy. My favorite brand was Marine Model Company, now defunct I believe. I was into all things sailing. My kits that were successful were solid hulled that needed minor amounts of wood shaping and carving (but much sanding!) I particularly enjoyed 1) replacing pot-metal parts that represented wooden structures with scratch-built wooden structures. 2) doing the rigging as neatly and accurately as possible, and 3) scratch-building additional realistic features.
I tried a few kits that were intended to be built like a real ship: keel, frames, and planking. Different kits simulated this in different ways, I never managed to succeed with these.
And I never tried a full-rigged ship model until I bought another Marine Model Co kit, the clipper ship Swordfish. This was in 1977. I barely got started, but was diverted into other activities (like working on my actual sailboat.) Now, after 43 years and several moves, it still sits on shelf in its box, with all parts, plans, and even extra fittings for some of my customization. But I've not worked on it since perhaps 1979. I would love to find it a good home.
Andrew, are you interested? If not, maybe other HM members are interested? I'm not looking to make much on it, just cover shipping and maybe $20 more. (It was $80+ back in '77.)
Greg in Escondido
