Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern

Rating:
Summary: Very good beginner/intermediate book on ship modeling
Review: I feel Dr. Roth has accomplished the majority of his objectives for this book. It's inspiring text, through discriptions, techniques and list of resources make it a must have for the beginner/intermediate level modeler in this age old art. The section titled "dandy funk" was quite helpfull in teaching the neophyte some "tricks" in making tools and gadgets. However, it falls short of the mark in the more advanced areas of model ship building such as plans development and scratchbuilding. Additionally, I would of liked to see a few more color photographs, as I would of been glad to pay the additional cost of color pictures in the book for a little inspiration. Lt Kevin Moravek

Rating:
Summary: A must have for ship modellers
Review: I find it difficult to describe how so many topics are so completely and well discussed. Dr. Roth has provided an easily read, thorough overview of a wide range of subjects, artfully blending full size and model ship design and construction techniques in a manner that provides both historical and "how to" information in a friendly, clear and concise manner.

His topics range from historical full size ship construction (choosing parts of a tree to make frames, mast and rigging sizing, cannon construction and rigging, hull colors) to modeling hints and tips (sail and flag making, simple ways to make rope coils, blocks, ladders, grates, ratlines and deadeyes).

Dr. Roth also includes home made special tools, easily understood rigging drawings, hull planking techniques. Has a section on kit types, adhesives, basic and advanced tools and workspace suggestions for beginning modelers. In addition, Dr. Roth provides dozens of additional references, manufacturers and resources.

If a next edition is in the offing (this one is dated 1988), the addition of more excellent color photos and website references for the "cyber modeler" would make this a candidate for the only reference a ship modeller would need.

This book is worthy of a prime spot in any ship modeler's library, and the only reason I rated it five stars is that six stars are not available.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent stimulant to aspiring modellers
Review: I found this to be a very informative collection of hints, tips and reference information for any modeller.
Unlike a previous reviewer, I only found one photo that might be classified as upside-down; the rest of the photos and diagrams are clear concise and very helpful.
Excellent sections on tools and adhesives plus 'why didn't I think of that...' tips; there are some nice tables not seen in other books and some excellent line drawings of rigging and sail tackle.

This is not intended to be a guide to building an 'Admiralty' model, or a faithful built-up model; what it does do is fire one's enthusiasm for building a reasonably accurate scale model - other books cover the finer points of fidelity.

I would recommend this to anyone starting to build model ships, it is not too detailed to put one off, nor is it dumbed-down.

Rating:
Summary: Take a "Bow"...
Review: I'm all new in the modeling wooden ships game, though I have been fascinated since my early childhood and grew up working plastic aircraft models. I always saw wooden modeling as the Holy Grail and finally decided to get on with it. I was captivated at age 7 watching the Cpt from the "Ghost and Mrs Muir", seizing lines and tending to his ratlins whilst educating the youngest boy about the moral to-do's and don'ts.

Having recently purchased my first model, the Scottish Maid, from Artesania Latina, I decided after looking the plans over that I was going to need more in depth help and assistance. After researching online I have discovered that there is quite a decent literary safety net regarding the subject, but as usual it's a case of where to start?

Well after leafing through this book in relative depth I have found a brilliant place for the Ship Modeling neophyte to make their start. The work gives a great overview of the many complex areas involved in the longtime craft of Ship Modeling as well as gently leading the enthusiast into the greater intracacies involved therein. I was delighted among other chapters to find a section on Ships in Bottles, one of my fascinations, as well as informative tips and tricks regarding all manner of applications from planking to seizing lines and rigging.

I found the sections on Running Rigging, Proportions of Rigging, Making Masts and Sails for Sailing Ships a revelation, which has totally whet my appetite for exploring singular works dedicated to these subjects alone. Roth does a great job of keeping the language simple and with a little observation of the diagrams, which are easy and clear, most questions left wanting in the text are answered. I only wish this work had more colour plates of ships in the building and completion stages, which is why I have witheld the final star.

Apart from this small omission I can wholeheartedly recommend this work to the novice and enthusiast alike as it has enlightened and informed me as well as fueling my passion for this noble craft more than ever! So if you want to know where your mizzen is and how to rig your gaffs; if you care to know how to set the rake of your masts or find out what box off is all about, then get 'Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern' and quit your blatherin land lubbers!

Rating:
Summary: Broad But Not Deep
Review: This book is more of an introduction to ship modeling than a comprehensive volume. It might be appropriate as (one of) the first book(s) one reads on the subject, but is not sufficiently detailed to live up to its highly ambitious title. The chapter on gunnery fittings is the most detailed, but still can't impart the detail and volume of information available from other sources. The author communicates his palpable enthusiasm for the hobby. This, combined with the broad but somewhat thin material he offers, will stimulate readers to further and more detailed exploration of ship modeling. This book is a good choice as a gift for someone (early teen or older) who may be interested in the field.

Rating:
Summary: Broad But Not Deep
Review: This book is more of an introduction to ship modeling than a comprehensive volume. It might be appropriate as (one of) the first book(s) one reads on the subject, but is not sufficiently detailed to live up to its highly ambitious title. The chapter on gunnery fittings is the most detailed, but still can't impart the detail and volume of information available from other sources. The author communicates his palpable enthusiasm for the hobby. This, combined with the broad but somewhat thin material he offers, will stimulate readers to further and more detailed exploration of ship modeling. This book is a good choice as a gift for someone (early teen or older) who may be interested in the field.

Rating:
Summary: Unsound introduction to a hobby.
Review: This is one of those books that I keep close to my modelling area, and that I refer to often. The author obviously loves his subject, and he passes his enthusiasm to the reader... even on a subject such as ships in bottles (in which I'm not particularly interested). There are a lot of useful drawings, and some (not enough!) photos. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: No One Knows What He Can Do Till He Tries
Review: This quote by Publilius Syrus preceeds Chapter 20 of Mr. Roth's book. If you've always wanted to build a wooden ship model, but were afraid, get this book, and watch the fears evaporate.

My lovely wife had Santa deliver a wooden kit of the Mayflower under the Christmas this year, complete with sketchy instructions and documentation. How would I ever learn all I needed to know to build this kit. But alas, there is a great book I hear about this...

And now here I am, telling all the Amazon world that they need to read this book. If you've never built one of these wooden marvels, then this book will give you all you need to know, and then some. The pictures are clear, the text easy to read and very informative. My particular joy was the first one, "seizing a line" (page 250, Fig. 19-35). After one minute of effort, I had it down, and then all the other techniques and instructions were a breeze. I no longer have any fear of this model, and can't wait to get at it.

There are hundreds of illustrations and photos. The writing is good, plain and clear. Each chapter is preceeded with a famous quote from history that will amuse and apply. I don't know much about building ships, but after this book, I feel that I have a good handel on it. The detail contained is very good, maybe even more then you'll want. The chapter on naval cannon alone is pretty stunning.

I'll tell you, get this book, get your favorite wooden ship model, then go to town. Mr. Roth has certainly increased my joy with this hobby!! FEAR NOT!!