Customer Reviews

Thunderer: Building a Model Dreadnought

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Thunderer: Building A Model Dreadnought documents the contstrution, by author William Mowll, of a 1/96 scale display model of the World War I Orion class British Battleship. Based on Mowll's earlier works - he wrote two similar books covering models of the SS Great Britain and HMS Warrior - I was eagerly anticipating this latest volume. Once it arrived, I read it in two sittings.

This is a truly outstanding work. The model is very good - there are one or two areas where different choices could have been made, but this falls with the artistic scope of ship modeling. Even better, Mowll generously documents the construction with photos that illustrate many of the processes. Although this is not a step by step narrative, which would result in a book many times larger, but it does help understand most of the processes involved in the creation of such a large model.

Many techniques are covered, including hull making, planking, brass work, casting and painting; all useful skills for the advanced model shipbuilder. In particular, the metal work stands out and most modelers will learn a lot by reviewing the author's techniques.I have been building models for over 30 years, yet there were many "ah ha" moments when I read tips that I will shamelessly use on my future projects; these alone are worth the price of admission. A ship of this size and complexity will have many assemblies that would be rightly considered models in their own accord, such as the ship's boat, scout aircraft, even the mast, and these are comprehensively covered. It is a virtual master class on creating these details in a crisp, delicate, and lifelike manner.

The model of the Thunderer could be best described as static, but with enhancements. Mowll did not choose to make it an operational, radio control model, which was the only disappointment to me - it would have been grand to see her on the water, in her natural element, like his two earlier efforts. He did incorporate rotating turrets (via radio control) and a lighting scheme to add some life to the display, an interesting choice.

Following a series of photos showing the completed model very thoroughly, there is a chapter about the authors visit to the USS Texas, a very similar ship preserved in the United States. Here he discovered a connection to both ship and era, and his enthusiasm leaps off the page.

In all, this is a very well written, charming book on a very nice model. I highly recommend it to those interested in models of steel age battleships, or simply curious about why people spend so much time creating a work of art in miniature.

This merchant was excellent. Book arrived in a timely fashion, shipped in great condition, excellent packaging, product was just as described. I would buy from them again without hesitation.

Modeler or just a ship history buff, this is a must have. Lots of new and interesting techniques are shown through text and an extensive photograph collection