Military Model Scene

Title: Large Scale Warship Models

Author: Kerry Jang

Publisher: Seaforth Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-5267-3096-1

 

I am sure I am not the only one to have visited a museum and, as a modeller myself, been so impressed by large scale ship models in their display cabinets. Yet as a modeller, I have remained daunted by the prospects of taking my chances with one of these larger scale models, either as a display piece, or one fitted with a motor and remote control that could be sailed on a shallow boating lake. Well, it is a modeller like me that this book is quite squarely aimed at.

There is a good logical sequence to the arrangement of the chapters, and each one is packed with helpful information. The opening chapter, 'The Why's of Large-scale Model Warships' gives a neat introduction split into sub-sections covering selection of your first kit, and then giving basic guidance on Hull: Running Gear (propellers etc): Plans: Radio Control: materials and more. Then chapter 2, 'What's Out there' with kits, accessories, fittings and the various manufacturers giving an idea of what they can provide for you in various scales. Next comes a guide to 'Tools of the Trade', basic tools you will need for your workshop and this includes a helpful table to the various types of Adhesives and Putty that are on the market. For chapter 4, we move on to the particulars of the Hull and Running Gear, cutting holes in the hull and fitting the propeller shafts.  It is chapter 5 that explains buildings 'Underdecks & Decks' while chapter 6 takes it on with 'Radio Control Installation & Completing the Deck' with helpful note to explain the battery, transmitter, receiver and servos in a handy step-by-step guide, and rounded off by fitting a deck and planking. Moving upwards next, building 'Superstructures and Deck Houses'. I like the way the author explains this, and at one point shows errors he has made in a build and how he corrected things. Even experienced modellers make mistakes ( I know I do too) but don't let it put you off, it can be sorted. For chapter 8, we get to 'Fittings & Details' and this include making some duplicate parts of your own, using RTV moulding rubber and then resin casting, plus the modern facility of having 3D printed parts. Chapter 9 deals with 'Painting' for large scale models while 10 tackles the 'Finishing Touches and Final Assembly'. Everything is rounded off with chapter 11, 'Gallery', which has some superb examples of various completed models.

Throughout the book, there are a lot of good clear colour images (with captions) which illustrate the points talked about in the text. If you are considering trying your hand at large scale warship modelling, then I would happily suggest that this would be a good book to start with.

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Thanks to Pen and Sword for this review copy.

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Robin