Military Model Scene

Title: Period Ship Modelmaking

Author: Philip Reed

Publisher: Seaforth Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-84415-696-2

 

This book for modellers was first published back in 2007 and now we see a 2018 reprint from Seaforth Publishing so we have it available once more. It focuses on two builds of the same US privateer schooner, the Prince de Neufchatel, in 1/192 scale. The two builds are fo the same vessel, one with full hull on a display cradle and the other a waterline version in s seascape diorama. A single deck and two masts, the schooner is a subject which can teach you pretty much all you need with the various elements of building a sailing ship, but without being as complex as attempting something as large as a 74-gun ship-of-the-line if you are new to building period sailing ship of the early 1800s. The author explains building the full hull, using wood and then onwards, with details such as planking the hull, the copper sheathing on the bottom, the bow and figurehead, deck fittings such as gratings, buckets and ring bolts and so much more. Perhaps elements that may deter many, but excellent explanations on how to make masts and spars, fit the rigging and blocks, and to make authentic looking sails, let along the seascape diorama base. Throughout the book the text explains what to do, how to use various tools and it is illustrated by excellent quality detail photos that show all the parts during the construction process. At the end of the book there is also a gallery of some other models which add extra inspiration.

I have been a modeller for well over 50 years, and while I haven't built a model ship like this up to now, but a host of other things. I am a fan of the Richard Bolitho series of novels by Alexander Kent which tell some super stories of the period. Hence I have long been tempted to try my hand at a model such as this. For modellers of any subject though, there are some great tips and techniques in here, and I for one am always looking for new ideas and learning from other modelling genres. First class.

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Thanks to Pen and Sword for this review copy.

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Robin