This is how you can figure out what is your favourite all time ship - plastic modeling

[Carrier_Junyo]

 

I've recently decided to build a plastic model of a ship, and I've found one one interesting fact. As it turns out, I found that in order to figure out what ship that I would want to build, I have to ask myself "Which is your all time favorite ship?". 

 

The reason for this is, in the process of building the ship, I will be digging deep into the ship's history to make it as accurate as possible, and also, to be able to explain to any guests that come to my living room the deep history behind the ship they are seeing displayed. 

 

It turns out, 2 ships made it to the top of the list immediately for my first  ship I want to build. 

 

USS Enterprise CV-6

USS Essex (or any Essex class who served in WWII)

 

With these two at top of list for second ship I'd want to build. 

 

USS Enterprise CV-65 

IJN Akagi

 

So, to me it made it clear, the above are my favorite ships of all time, as they are the ones I'd chose to build first. No BBs, no DDs or CAs, just the most powerful Naval weapons that changed the course of history and became Naval legends (man do I sound like WG's videos lol). 

 

What was (or would be) your first plastic model ship you would build?

 

 

 

[CAPTMUDDXX]

my first back in the 60s was the Golden Hind

[SubTender_Taigei]

My first ship model is a Nagato that I'm still working on.

I also found out that I'm a bad painter from this experience 

[TTK_Aegis]

I was a plane builder when I was young. I'd love to build ships now but I lack the paint booth facilities I had back then. Just can't bring myself to paint with standard brush after having an airbrush for so many years. I actually have a model of the Hatsuzuki which will be my first one I build waiting for when I can use an airbrush again.

[Tachnechdorus]

How come the planes are not painted blue?

[Amogussy]

How come the planes are not painted blue?

 

They looks more like a light bluish grey, which is historically accurate for them in the earlier stages of the war (If the planes are F4F Wildcats)

[Skramjet]

I'd build Enterprise.

[Fog_Battlecruiser_Haruna]

cant find a good model of the Kongo class......

[irishgreek]

My first build was the USS Ticonderoga (CG-47).  It was probably back early nineties.

 

Now, It would either be a WWII US light or heavy cruiser from the the Battle of Tassafaronga (or other naval battle of Guadacanal ships).  Leaning towards USS Minneapolis or the USS Honolulu.  Those fights just stir my imagination and am so impressed by the fighting spirit of both sides out there.

[Kitakami_]

My first ship was a 1/700 Yuugumo, but I wish I could re-build it. Its quality is... discerning.

[Lorenzo_Ruiz]

See, I was never really into this. I don't have the patience for it. Though I have a ship which I became enamored by the name, and design, when I was a kid. Actually irishgreek and I kinda think alike in that regard. It's the USS Northampton.

[Guest]

I should definitely consider modelling Naval Warships, out of curiosity, what is a good starter ship to begin with? 

[Carrier_Junyo]

I should definitely consider modelling Naval Warships, out of curiosity, what is a good starter ship to begin with? 

 

Not sure honestly. I heard Carriers are tougher than other classes of ships, but I love CVs more than anything, so I'm gonna be stubborn and do a CV.

 

Perhaps, number of parts and scale make a difference. Some sites say "Level 1 or 2 or 3" or " Advanced/Intermediate etc" for modeling difficulty. 

 

I'd assume, that the higher the number of parts, the more difficult it is to build. 

 

I'm considering doing a 1/700 model, which is cheaper, before tackling a 1/350 model. 

[AnIcePhoenix]

This looks nice! Did you also have to assemble and paint the planes as well as the ship itself? 

[irishgreek]

On most model carriers (especially newer 1/350 ones by Trumpeter), you do have to assemble the planes.  Really small wheels! 

 

Anyhow, 1/700 ones can be easier if your eyesight is still good and sometimes cruisers are easier because of a lower part count.  BBs are often pretty easy too.  I really all depends how much work you want to put into them.  Some people do all the rigging and railings on all the decks.  That does add a lot of complexity.  But to just build and paint, it is much easier.

 

Best of luck to all who go for it! 

 

Edit: by the way, I have often seen some of the 1/700 Trumpeter and Hobbyboss ship kits on sale for <$20 US at a webstore called Squadron.  I have no benefit from mentioning their name.