A Guide to Building Model Ships

If you're interested in building model ships, the first thing you should do is educate yourself on the subject before proceeding. There are several different ways to participate in this popular pursuit.


Some people enjoy shipbuilding as a hobby in their spare time, while others devote a lot more time and effort. There are even guilds and groups where builders gather to work on a model together. This is often the case with larger, more extensive models or those that are being crafted from scratch without the use of a kit or factory-made plans. Although it is extremely involved and quite difficult for all but the very experienced, it is possible to build a ship model from raw materials. Joining an aforementioned group, doing web research and checking out some books on the subject can help you get started.

Maybe building a model with the use of a kit is more your style. Many hobbyists prefer using kits, as they include all the parts you need as well as detailed plans and instructions to be followed step-by-step. If you decide to use a kit, you will then need to choose between the many different types of kits available. Most kits are made from either plastic, wood or metal. Wood is the best choice for a tradtionalist seeking a challenge, although many beginners start off with plastic. In addition, you may hear about European kits as opposed to North American kits. What's the difference? Well, the basic difference at least with wood models is that the European kits often come with stained wood that can be left as is while North American kits usually have pieces that must be painted prior to assembly.

Yet another decision you'll need to make is the type of ship you want to build. There are lots of different choices out there from most every time period imaginable. For example, there are historic ships such as those that carried Columbus to the New World, famous military ships that participated in legendary naval battles, realistic Viking ships and even recreations of pirate ships -- to name a few! Maybe you are someone who enjoys sailing or yachting. If so, you can certainly choose to build a scale model of your favorite sailboat or yacht. If you're unsure of the type of ship you prefer, flip through some illustrated books for ideas.

Once you've chosen the type of kit you prefer, it's time to go shopping. Visit a hobby shop in your local area to see the kits in person, or consider shopping online. There are lots of online stores that carry ship model kits. Or, try Ebay if you're looking for a bargain. Make sure to read on the box of the kit to find out if there are any tools or materials you will need that are not included. After you have your kit, tools and materials, you're almost ready to get started. You just need to prepare your work area and organize your supplies. It's a good idea to always lay a tarp or plenty of newspaper down to protect your work surface. Also, when using glue and paint, always do so in a well-ventilated area that gets lots of fresh air. Finally, read over all the plans to get a broad idea of the process before you begin.

Building model ships can be rewarding and fun for all ages. Even kids can get in on the action thanks to the handy snap together plastic kits available these days. You may start off building your model as a hobby and find that it turns into an obsession. This is especially the case for many builders after they've completed their first ship. After you experience the pride and fulfillment of finishing a project, you will probably want to get started right away on another one. Just be sure you have plenty of room available on the mantle to showcase all your hard work!

Copyright 2007-2008 James D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved





Model Ship News:
The Indie Fund Offers An Alternative Model For Small Developers - MTV.com (blog)

The Indie Fund Offers An Alternative Model For Small Developers
MTV.com (blog)
"Once the game ships, the developer first repays the investment back into the fund, and then shares revenue with the fund for a limited time. .
The Indie Fund offers cash, wisdom to aspiring game devsArs Technica

all 2 news articles »
..


3D Design Software enables multiple model referencing. (ThomasNet)
SmartPlant 3D for design, construction, and operation of plants, ships, and offshore facilities, provides ability to copy 3D data either within model or to another model while maintaining relationships within design. It utilizes SmartPlant Review technology that allows referencing external data from many sources for visualization, clash detection, and routed systems connections. Integration ...


Eastern Europe: Cities to put spring in your step - Dubrovnik (Daily Telegraph)
Eastern Europe now offers unexpected riches to Western travellers on a weekend break...


Suggestions?? Boston Family Trip | United States Forum | Fodor's .
The Hart Nautical Gallery (ground floor of Building 5) - If the guys like model ships they will find this of interest. Models range from sailing ships to modern tankers. There is also an exhibit on ocean exploration. ...


Herschel's Hideaway - The Review

Herschel's Hideaway
The Review
While it is true that some items such as model ships and antique eyeglasses break the train details, everything in the room is a testament to Rubin's life, .

and more »
..

Analog Output Modules provide USB 2.0 based DAQ and control. (ThomasNet)
Available in 10 models, USB-AO Series I/O modules include up to 16 analog outputs with 12- or 16-bit resolution and up to two 16-bit analog inputs and 16 digital I/O lines. Analog output channels can be updated individually or simultaneously, with calibration performed via software utility. Micro-fit USB header connector, provided in parallel with type B connector, supports stacking/embedded ...


California Republican Party » Owning Wooden Model Ships
Having a scale ships model is an outstanding and lovely experience for you and your family. The valued wooden model ships become a family heirloom to be accepted and passed along from one generation to the next. Popularity: 1% [?] ...


Acclaimed Model Shipbuilder Recreates a Piece of History in ConstitutionEUR”All . - PRLog.Org (press release)

Acclaimed Model Shipbuilder Recreates a Piece of History in ConstitutionEUR”All .
PRLog.Org (press release)
As a young boy he began building model ships as a hobby, and today he is the only person known in the world who can duplicate and build museum-quality ship .

..


Comment on Canadian authorities reject Barbados investigation of .
[.] Canadian authorities reject Barbados investigation οf Concordia sinking « Barbados Free PrEUR¦ [.]..


More Ways to Win: WorldWinner Partners With WildTangent (Marketwire)
WorldWinner Cash Games Now Available Through WildTangent ORB(TM)..


HP's Windows 7 Slate Strikes at the iPad - Wired News

Wired News

HP's Windows 7 Slate Strikes at the iPad
Wired News
By the time the HP Slate ships (late 2010 is the earliest I've heard) this will be even less of an issue than it is now. Mobiles all have HTML5 and they all .

and more »
..


Owning Wooden Model Ships | Time To Deliver
The experience of owning a wooden model ship is splendidly pleasurable and stirring. Whether or not you are a keen collector of many superb wooden model ships...


Hometown Happenings 0310 - Tampa Tribune

Hometown Happenings 0310
Tampa Tribune
All modelers interested in building model ships and boats are invited. For more information, call Jim at 352-592-6419. Daughters of the American Revolution, .

and more »
..


North Texas Ship Modelers » Blog Archive Collecting Model Ships
Collecting model ships has a rather long history. They have been popular for centuries because of the beauty and satisfaction they bring into the home. It used to be that such models were only available to the rich, especially admirals ...


New SMART business solutions enhance meeting experiences (Zawya)
Dubai, UAE: SMART Technologies has announced that it has recently launched in the Middle East its new SMART business solutions, comprising integrated hardware and software products developed specifically to provide customers with easy-to-use tools that improve collaboration in interactive meeting spaces...


Tell The Truth » Blog Archive » Owning Wooden Model Ships
Whether or not you are a keen collector of many superb wooden model ships or a proletarian collector just building your fleet, the exhilaration and satisfaction of purchasing and having your own model ship is something you're going to ...


Kingston Digital Ships SDHC Class 10 Card High Capacity, Fast Card Perfect for Hi-Def Video Capture and Burst . (Thaipr.net)
Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of an SDHC Class 10 card. Shipping..


Bill Bell: Surgeon models success on international scale - Whittier Daily News

Bill Bell: Surgeon models success on international scale
Whittier Daily News
After two years with Harcourt, Bikhazi opened his own office and continues to practice in Whittier and in Newport Beach, He began building model ships in .

and more »
..




Model Ships

Technorati Tags: , ,