Customer Reviews

Finishing Scale Ship Models: Detailing and Painting Techniques

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have a confession-- my main interest is NOT in building ship models. I'm a model railroader and, since my planned layout will be built with an extensive harbor scene, I found myself in need of a small fleet of model vessels.

Discovering that the cost of such an armada in kit form was close to the national defense budget of Canada, I decided to try my hand at scratchbuilding. As with most things, and especially with model railroading, the devil is in the details. I understand how to weather a diesel locomotive or how to detail a decrepit boxcar, but I have almost NO understanding of how to do either to a ship model! And, frankly ship modellers, there is precious little out there in the literature about how to do either. This book helps remedy that lack.

It clearly and concisely explains the difference between, say, a binnacle and a windlass and shows examples-- both models and in real life-- of both. Similarly, it shows examples in real life and model format of weathering and explains some rudimentary techniques for achieving it.

Curiously, however, the book falls short in the modelling department. The author may show you numerous pictures of various deck winches, but provides almost no explanation of how to actually model one. And this holds true for each category of detail, as far as I can tell.

So, in short, if you're looking for examples of what one might actually see on the deck of a ship, this book is a big help. If you're expecting tips for building a model of these examples, you may want to look elsewhere. Is the book worth the money? Well, for me-- with only a sketchy idea of what the deck of a working ship might look like-- it was.

Now, if I could only find a book with tips on how to build a deck littered with capstans, bights, cargo winches, cranes, derricks, and coils of cable and rope, instead of just showing me what they look like!

I found this book extremely well written and presented, and very informative. It is sure to be a very handy reference when the all important job of finishing a model arrives. I highly recommend it.

The merchants sent this book out in great condition, in a timely manner, great packaging, and exactly as described. This is THE book to have if you are into creating models, vintage techniques, aging qualities on your art pieces. Highly recommended.

This book covers exactly what the title suggests. It teaches you how to make your ship models look more life-like and real, rather than just a competed model. It cover things like weathering, etc.

The text was almost exclusively about wooden ship models. Information on plastic injection molded and resin kits was lacking.