Basics of Ship Modeling: The Illustrated Guide (Paperback)

by Mike Ashey (Author) "To have a successful experience building plastic ship kits it's important to study the instructions first and become familiar with all the parts and assembly..." (more)
Key Phrases: photoetched railings, pour plugs, photoetched parts, Gold Medal Models, Classic Warships, Mike Ashey (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
""Basics of Ship Modeling: The Illustrated Guide"

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890243727
• ISBN-13: 978-0890243725
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #58,049 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mike Ashley is a great modeler; this is a helpful guide, August 8, 2007

By	William A. Hensler (Holt, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mike Ashley is a very good ship modeler. He is a writer for Fine Scale Modeler magazine. Also, Mike blogs at steelnavy.com; he's a nice guy and will answer modeling questions if you put them to him directly. I'm one of his bigger fans and buy nearly every issue of FSM that he writes in.

Now, is this book worth it? Yes, it's a four star book. Mike give several models types to review. They range from resin ships to some classic ships, such as the Glenco's USS Oregon or very tried and true USS Arizona of the Revell line. Pretty much all the "classic ships" have to be updated. Some, such as the Revell Buckley class destroyers in (about) 1/250th scale, will need serious updates to their guns, debth charges, and torpedo tubes. Mike gives clear instructions on how to improve the old kits. Just for the scratch building instructions this book is worth about twenty dollars. Mike builds a resin 1/350th scale USS Tennessee. He does a good job but the kit's a little weird. The 1/350th scale Kingfisher scout plane looks like a cross between a Kingfisher and an F6F Hellcat. Yuck. Conversely, Mike makes an excellent cagemast for the Tennessee out of the Gold Medal photo etch parts that come with the kit. What is the lesson, fix a bad mistake because it will detract from an other wise excellent model.

Mike makes it clear that the basics work in making a model. If you're going to build the Oregon then the modeler should install railing on the ship. Mike shows that "jigs" are the only possible way this can be done on a consistant basis. You have to paint a ship to add realism. Ships must have flags to "bring them to life".

Also, Mike writes all the items that a modeler will need. A punch tool is most necessary. Why? There are all sorts of things that can be made with punched disks, from portholes to aircraft tires. With the new Trumpeteer USS Hornet, Lexington, and Essex 1/350th scale model kits it's necessary to put a lot of work in your aircraft. It's insanity to make a beautiful ship and not put the effort into improving the aircraft. Anyway, Mike give the list of "stuff" you'll need to build a model. You would be wise to follow it.

Mike also covers "Photo Etch". Let's be honest. If you make a ship that's 1/700th scale or larger then it needs railings. That means a modeler will need photo etch. Mike has clear instructions on how to cut, fold, bend, and mount photo etch on a ship.

Now, a bad thing about this book is it has not been updated. So, you need to know at least two web links. First, a good modeler should go to Steelnavy.com. You'll see some of the best ship models that are made in the world. Second, you'll get links to some fantastic sites that sell ship models or supplies. The second best place on the web for ship modelers is [...].

So, fellow ship modeler, this book is worth its money. It's well written and shows a person how to 1. correct parts; 2. put the model together; 3. work with resin; 4. work with photo etch; 5. paint; 6. add-the-small-stuff; 7. make a proper display base.

Yes, I took a star for it's not being upto date. There isn't a review of one modern 1/350th scale kits. Hasegawa will be coming out with the 1/350th scale Akagi in late 2007. Mike, update your book!!! :)

5.0 out of 5 stars Ship Modeling, May 16, 2009

By	Sam Snavely - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After viewing the "Basic Ship Modeling guide" it is probably the most detailed book on the market. It takes you through step by step on how to build a plastic model ship. There are 110 pages of pictures to explain details. It explains from basic steps to scratch building, photo-etched parts, painting and more. I would highly recommend this book for a beginner or advanced modeler. I would rate this book as a 9 as 10 being the highest. I noticed that the publication was in 2000. My only recommendition, with newer products on the market and approaching 2010, it could be updated to represent the current modeling industry and products.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars a disappointment, August 11, 2008

By	Sean "John S." (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

Admittedly, I am new to modeling and I was hoping Mr. Ashey's "Basics of Ship Modeling" was a bit more, well... basic. There is little explanation of terms and equipment. Best take the book to the Hobby Store and ask the store clerk what Ashey is referring to. The store clerk was gentle referring to Kalmbach Books as 'a bit of a rip-off.' Poor design and faded photos do not help in the overall impression.