Ship Models: How to Build Them

Rating:
Summary: Excellent primer of ship modeling
Review: Charles Davis is the old grandfather of ship modeling and maritime history. Though much of his work has been since superseded by more recent research, much is still worthwhile today. "Ship Models and How to Build Them" takes the reader step by step through the process of building a classic 1/8"=1' solid hull ship model, with the 1846 clipper ship Sea Witch as the subject. Plans of Sea Witch accompany the book. The techniques may also seem outdated to the modern reader but only the most advanced artisans will not find something of value in Mr. Davis' suggestions and examples. Although the text and illustrations are specific for this clipper ship, the guidance is also intended to be useful for building models of a large variety of vessels. It is an excellent primer for this kind of ship modeling. Modern techniques and research have made the construction of a more sophisticated and historically accurate model of Sea Witch possible but it is hard to imagine anyone seriously undertaking such a project without reading through this classic.

Rating:
Summary: Just a start!
Review: This book is like a textbook (very small textbook) probably written by someone who knows a fair bit but has no ability to teach and explain. The book is a small paperback book with minimal illustrations that tries to cover the complete building of a model boat. If it were a map, it would be one 8.5 x 11 map of the whole United States.