Ship Models from the Age of Sail

Most period ship models are built from kits, usually primarily of wood?with some?ready-made fittings. Although these commercial offerings have?improved significantly?in recent years, all of them can be enhanced in accuracy or detail by?an experienced?model maker. This book, by an expert ship?modeler, distills lessons gleaned?from a lifetime?practicing?the hobby to the highest standards, setting out methods of?improving basic kits and gradually developing the skills and confidence to tackle the?construction of a model from scratch.?Using a variety of kits as the starting point, each chapter demonstrates a technique that?can be readily improved or a feature that can be replaced to the advantage of the finished?model. Topics include hull planking, representing copper sheathing, many aspects of more?accurate masting and rigging, and how to replace kit parts and fittings from scratch.?The impact of a period model depends on its accuracy, and this book?provides guidance on plans and references, including where to find them and how they are best?used.?The plank-on-frame model, sometimes with exposed frames in the Navy Board style, has?always been considered the crowning achievement of period ship modeling, and this book?concludes with coverage of the very latest kits that put fully framed models within the?reach of ordinary mortals. Offering advice, expertise and inspiration,?Ship Models from the?Age of Sail?has something for anyone interested in building a period ship model,?whatever their?level of skill.?