In the past thirty years the world of model kits has undergone a veritable revolution. New techniques in injection moulding have improved the scale accuracy and surface detail of the humble plastic kit, while many specialist companies now produce top-quality resin models, vastly broadening the range of subjects on the market. However, the really radical change has been the advent of photo-etched brass fret, which allows the finest detail to be reproduced to scale. In ship modelling, this has resulted in a new form of the hobby, mid-way between traditional build-from-the-box simplicity and the time-consuming demands of fabricating everything from scratch. These new materials have prompted innovative techniques, which are comprehensively demonstrated in this new manual. Designed for those wishing to achieve the best results from their ship kits in the 1:700 to 1:350 range of scales, it uses step by step photographs to take the reader through the building of two models, one in plastic and one in resin, from basic construction, fittings and detailing, to painting, finishing and display. Written by a highly experienced, award-winning ship modeller, the book is a showcase for the contemporary approach to the hobby.

Shows how to turn an average ship model into a highly detailed masterpiece. Provides hundreds of simple techniques for building, detailing, scratchbuilding, and modifying scale model ships. Includes hundreds of close-up photographs and tips on scratchbuilding detailed parts, seam removal, weathering, and much more. By Mike Ashey. 8 1/4 x 10 3/4; 112 pgs.; 240 bandw and 32 color photos; softcover.

Building a model from a kit is an excellent way to develop your modeling skills. But once you've mastered the basics, where do you go? If you're looking for a challenge, you move on to scratchbuilding. And that can be imposing: With a kit, you worked with someone else's plans, materials, and building instructions. Scratchbuilding makes you master of your own fate. You do the research, choose the subject, the scale, the material. The choices are limited only by your enthusiasm. Edwin B. Leaf scratchbuilt his first model--a Baltimore clipper--nearly fifty years ago, and he's been refining and building on his skills ever since. In Ship Modeling from Scratch he lays out the principles--from concept to construction to display--on which scratchbuilding is based. In clear, concise language complemented by detailed illustrations he tells how to interpret existing drawings or create your own, what materials to choose, what tools to buy, and what techniques to use to build everything from plank-on-frame, plank-on-bulkhead, or modern steel hulls to creating sharp and properly scaled details--paint to portholes. Building a model from scratch is a singular pursuit that requires patience, confidence, and ingenuity. With Ship Modeling from Scratch open on your workbench, you have your own private tutor guiding you through the troublespots. Ship Modeling from Scratch expands the horizon of any kit builder looking for a challenge, including choosing the right subject finding and interpreting historical material building from plans drawing scaled plans from photographs buying tools and materials building everything from half models to plank-on-frame or plank-on-bulkhead versions of traditional sailing craft to modern steel cargo ships painting and displaying your model

The 'plank-on-frame' method is the pre-eminent ship modelling technique, which nearly all model shipwrights aspire to: this practical manual is the foremost guide to its intricacies. Taking as his example the two-masted sloop Cruiser of 1752, the author leads the reader through every stage of building a model of the vessel, from preliminary research and taking off lines to the actual construction of the hull and fittings, and its masting and rigging. Each clear, step-by-step stage is described in the text and illustrated with explanatory line drawings and photographs. Though a single ship is employed as an example, the techniques can equally well be applied to any wooden sailing ship. Since original publication in 1994 this volume has established itself as the standard work of reference for model hull construction and is indispensable for modelmakers who pride themselves on an accurate, elegant scratch-built technique.

A fully illustrated guide to rigging models of historic ships with confidence and accuracy, using a model of the eighteenth-century HMS Melampus. The rigging of period ship models is the ultimate challenge for any modeler. An eighteenth-century man-of-war boasted mile on mile of rigging, more than one thousand blocks, and acres of canvas. To reduce this in scale, and yet retain an accurate representation, is an awesome undertaking. In this classic work, Lennarth Peterson untangles the complexities of model rigging. Using some four hundred drawings, he shows how each separate item of rigging is fitted to the masts, yards, and sails. Each drawing deals with only one particular item so that it can be seen clearly in isolation. The lead of a particular halyard, the arrangement of a bracing line—these and every other detail are depicted with startling clarity. Based on the author’s research of numerous eighteenth-century models, each one with its contemporary rigging still extant, the information is both meticulous and accurate. The remarkable visual immediacy and clarity of this work makes it truly unique and essential for any period ship modeler. In addition, the book is a “must-have” reference work for all those involved in the rigging and repair of historic ships.

First published in 1808, this now-rare volume offers clear definitions and copious illustrations of the principles of rigging, tacking, use of a compass, splicing ropes, making sails, much more.

Covers the basics of building ships from kits. This skill-building how-to book offers you step-by-step photo instructions covering basic assembly of hulls, superstructures, guns, railings, anchors, and more. Also includes information on detailing and painting.