Ship Modeling Simplified: Tips and Techniques for Model Construction from Kits

"The only problem with this book is that it should have come out years ago. This book is invaluable to the kit builder."—Model Ship Builder

Here is the advice you need for a troublefree start in an exciting hobby, including:

Choosing the right kit
Deciphering complicated plans
Setting up and efficient workbench and buying the right tools
Keeping sane while working with miniature blocks, lines, and planking
Painting, decorating, and displaying your finished model

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part I — SETTING UP SHOP

Selecting a kit | Making your choice | What to look for in a model | Building a workplace

Part II — BUILDING THE HULL

Sequence for building the hull | Assembling bulkhead-on-keel hulls | Gunports | Planking the hull and deck | Planking the hull — The first layer | Handling items on deck | Setting the hull on the display base

Part III — MASTING and RIGGING

Getting started | Masting and rigging sequence | Building masts | Rigging the spars | Stepping the masts and bowsprit | Rigging it all to the hull

Part IV — FINISHING HER UP

Boats, andchors, paint, and flags | Italian-English dictionary | Useful terms | Suggested reading list | Index

About the Author

Frank Mastini acquired a lifelong curiosity about the sea and its historic sailing vessels as a youngster in Italy. A graduate of the Italian Naval Academy, Mastini honed his seamanship skills aboard the 270-foot, square-rigged training vessel, Amerigo Vespucci.

He began his professional model building career in 1961, developing a clientele of collectors for whom he still builds on commission. Mastini recently finished a scratch-built model of the Mary and John, a ship that carried a group of Pilgrims from England to Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1630. He is the author of a series of articles for Ships in Scale magazine and is in frequent demand as a coach for beginning modelers.

When not on the telephone discussing modeling problems, Mastini can be found at his Hartsdale, New York workbench, enjoying retirement.