In Ship Modeling Simplified, master model builder Frank Mastini puts to paper the methods he's developed over 30 years at the workbench to help novices take their first steps in an exciting pastime. You don't need the deftness of a surgeon or the vocabulary of an old salt to build a model. What you need is an understanding coach. Mastini leads readers from the mysteries of choosing a kit and setting up a workshop through deciphering complicated instructions and on to painting, decorating, and displaying finished models--with patience and clarity, not condescension. He reveals dozens of shortcuts: How to plank a hull "egg-shell tight"; how to build and rig complicated mast assmeblies without profanity; how to create sails that look like sails. . . . And along the way he points out things that beginners usually do wrong--beforehand, not after they've taken hammers to their projects. Ship Modeling Simplified even includes an Italian-English dictionary of nautical terms, the key to assembling the many high-quality Italian kits on the American market. Model building is fun, and not nearly as difficult as some experts would have you believe. Here is everything you'll ever need to get started in a hobby that will last a lifetime.

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.

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.

Instructions on the tools, materials, and techniques for constructing a display or working model ship of wood or plastic.

This illustrated guide presents step-by-step instructions and techniques for warship modelers ready for the challenge of building at larger scales. Many warship modelers who work in smaller scales are daunted by the challenge of tackling something larger. But in Large Scale Warship Models, expert modeler Kerry Jang demonstrates that it’s not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, any experienced modeler will already possess the basic skills required. This volume covers the essential new techniques for working in scales that capture the grandeur of actual ships. In the first part of the book, Jang discusses how to choose between a kit, a semi-kit or building from scratch. He also covers what conventional kit building skills are transferable to work on large-scale projects. Novel requirements like research, obtaining plans and sourcing material or fittings are also covered. The second part describes building methods, including the latest techniques like casting fittings in resin. These methods apply to both static and radio-controlled models. Original color photos illustrate each chapter, and the book concludes with a gallery of superb models intended to inspire the would-be large-scale warship modeler to take the plunge.