I haven't been on any ships modelled by Len, as far as I'm aware.
But I use family connections as one theme, It can either be places I've lived and worked or family names. The Clan Line is fertile ground for the latter. Union Castle for places, but it's surprising how many connections you can make in either category if you try. Although I haven't found an SS/HMS Stoke-On-Trent yet!
My Grandad worked in shipyards in Glasgow and lived next door to Fairfields which is an area I'm saving for the future, Ships my grandad might have worked on. At th moment I have a few half finished things to complete are a brak for summer.