Getting Started

[jwander]

I am very interested in getting started in carving solid models but am not sure just where to start.  I have been building and flying model airplanes for almost 70 years.  I actually started the hobby carving solid models and building stick models.  I have gone from gliders to rubber, free flight, control line and currently fly build and fly RC models.  In addition to model building I am also a wood carver and familiar with basswood, tupelo and jelutong woods so I have the tools and skill to carve solid models.  I just need to know where to start.  I have many questions such as where to get plans, how to make canopy's, are there suppliers that cater to solid model builders and many more questions.

Thanks for any help you can give me.   

 

[Oceaneer99]

Jwander,

Welcome to our group!  It sounds like you have plenty of useful skills for making solids (including experience building solids).  Borrowing the term from the model rocket folks, that makes you a "born-again solid modeller".

We have a gallery with the old ID model construction guide (in PDF) from the 1940s:

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-36

The file itself is at:

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/thumb_manual.jpg

Our gallery also has many, many plans, including all of the Navy ID model plans from WW II.

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/index.php

You do not need to register in the gallery to browse or download plans or photos.  Our members have all skill levels and specialties.  They are always happy to answer questions.

Members have posted photos of every imaginable type of model: aircraft, ships, spaceships, tanks, cars, ranging from simple profile models through ID models to museum-quality scale models.

Garet
Seattle, Washington

[jwander]

Jwander,

Welcome to our group!  It sounds like you have plenty of useful skills for making solids (including experience building solids).  Borrowing the term from the model rocket folks, that makes you a "born-again solid modeller".

We have a gallery with the old ID model construction guide (in PDF) from the 1940s:

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-36

The file itself is at:

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/thumb_manual.jpg

Our gallery also has many, many plans, including all of the Navy ID model plans from WW II.

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/index.php

You do not need to register in the gallery to browse or download plans or photos.  Our members have all skill levels and specialties.  They are always happy to answer questions.

Members have posted photos of every imaginable type of model: aircraft, ships, spaceships, tanks, cars, ranging from simple profile models through ID models to museum-quality scale models.

Garet
Seattle, Washington

Thanks for your help.  I'm sure we will be communicating as I get started.  I personally prefer building WWII and earlier planes.

[lastvautour]

Welcome to the group. First what shall we call you as most people either use their first name or a nickname of some sort. As Garet mentioned, you can get lots of help from all of us but from what I see of your background, it may very well be us who will be asking questions.

Again Welcome.
Lou

[Balsabasher]

Welcome JW,like yourself I have done most types of model building over the years but have returned to my roots with good old solid models,there is just nothing better and more relaxing than carving a solid and my advice is to go for it using those ID model basic instructions provided in the gallery pages,the basics of building hold fast whether you are building a simple solid or a museum quality replica,with your skills then you will be sailing along.
The friendship shown in this group goes without saying,it never ceases to amaze me the variety of subjects shown in the gallery pages,pick a subject that appeals to you,get out some suitable wood and start carving using that guide,and above all lets see the results of your labours of love,best of luck to you.
Balsabasher.