How To Choose A Wooden Ship Model Kit
SHIP MODEL BUILDING - WHERE DO I BEGIN
At CAST YOUR ANCHOR, we are often asked a number of questions about ship model building from people who are interested in starting the hobby. We have compiled questions that are typically asked during the selection processes. Check out our web site at Cast Your Anchor.
What is the most important thing I should know before I start the hobby of model ship model building? The model building experience is meant to be fun not frustrating. By selecting the right model for your skill level you will achieve a piece of art that you will be very proud of. During the process, you will find that you will become very interested in learning both the construction techniques and the history of the model you have selected to build. The most important thing to remember though is to have fun.
What is a good starter kit? There are two somewhat challenging tasks when assembling a model. Construction of the hull and rigging. To begin with, look for a hull that is somewhat straight or square shaped. A schooner type boat is also a good entry level shape. Bending and tapering wood for these types of models can be done without any special tools. You want to have a model that has some rigging and even a few rat lines but not layers of rigging that you will have to contend with. Check out our challenging model ships for the enthusiast.
What is the difference between manufacturers of kits? Generally speaking, North American manufactured kits will have to be painted. The second layer of wood for planking the hull of a European kit will generally be a good quality veneer. This gives you the option to paint the model or leave the wood natural.
Why are some kits more expensive than others? Other than the size of the model, the quality and range of fittings and wood will be better in a kit that is more expansive. You can buy a less expensive kit and change out the fittings and wood to a higher quality if you wish.
What kind of tools do I need? We always recommend keeping the tool selection simple. First, look around your home to see what you already have or can adapt. A good hobby knife, small saw and miter box, glue and sandpaper will get you going. You can make many home made jigs that will help you in the construction of the model.
What are instructions like that come with the kits? North American kits come with reasonably good instructions. There can be issues with some of the European terminology. Entry level kit instructions are also fairly explicit. With intermediate level and ambitious kits, the instructions usually apply to the particular model itself as opposed to general modeling techniques. There are very good books on general model building that you can use to augment the instructions that come with the kit
What if I break a piece or run out of material that comes with the kit? We are able to obtain all material that comes with a kit. Extra wood, rigging and fittings are available so there should be no worries about running out of material.
How do I start the construction? Most kits are plank on frame. It is really important to build a good frame. The frame consists of a false keel, bulkheads and false decks. Although all of the pre-shaped pieces of wood are laser cut, they will require some sanding. With the frame built correctly, you won't have much trouble with the application of the planking materials.
Above all, have fun, enjoy the ship model building experience. Learn building techniques and the history of the ship that you are building. Remember that no matter what your children say to you today about your endeavours, they will appreciate your effort years from now.
At CAST YOUR ANCHOR, we are often asked a number of questions about ship model building from people who are interested in starting the hobby. We have compiled questions that are typically asked during the selection processes. Check out our web site at Cast Your Anchor.
What is the most important thing I should know before I start the hobby of model ship model building? The model building experience is meant to be fun not frustrating. By selecting the right model for your skill level you will achieve a piece of art that you will be very proud of. During the process, you will find that you will become very interested in learning both the construction techniques and the history of the model you have selected to build. The most important thing to remember though is to have fun.
What is a good starter kit? There are two somewhat challenging tasks when assembling a model. Construction of the hull and rigging. To begin with, look for a hull that is somewhat straight or square shaped. A schooner type boat is also a good entry level shape. Bending and tapering wood for these types of models can be done without any special tools. You want to have a model that has some rigging and even a few rat lines but not layers of rigging that you will have to contend with. Check out our challenging model ships for the enthusiast.
What is the difference between manufacturers of kits? Generally speaking, North American manufactured kits will have to be painted. The second layer of wood for planking the hull of a European kit will generally be a good quality veneer. This gives you the option to paint the model or leave the wood natural.
Why are some kits more expensive than others? Other than the size of the model, the quality and range of fittings and wood will be better in a kit that is more expansive. You can buy a less expensive kit and change out the fittings and wood to a higher quality if you wish.
What kind of tools do I need? We always recommend keeping the tool selection simple. First, look around your home to see what you already have or can adapt. A good hobby knife, small saw and miter box, glue and sandpaper will get you going. You can make many home made jigs that will help you in the construction of the model.
What are instructions like that come with the kits? North American kits come with reasonably good instructions. There can be issues with some of the European terminology. Entry level kit instructions are also fairly explicit. With intermediate level and ambitious kits, the instructions usually apply to the particular model itself as opposed to general modeling techniques. There are very good books on general model building that you can use to augment the instructions that come with the kit
What if I break a piece or run out of material that comes with the kit? We are able to obtain all material that comes with a kit. Extra wood, rigging and fittings are available so there should be no worries about running out of material.
How do I start the construction? Most kits are plank on frame. It is really important to build a good frame. The frame consists of a false keel, bulkheads and false decks. Although all of the pre-shaped pieces of wood are laser cut, they will require some sanding. With the frame built correctly, you won't have much trouble with the application of the planking materials.
Above all, have fun, enjoy the ship model building experience. Learn building techniques and the history of the ship that you are building. Remember that no matter what your children say to you today about your endeavours, they will appreciate your effort years from now.