The present publication is a real windfall for the ship modelers. Bill Shoulder, the author of the book will describe the construction of the model of the famous "Speedy" - note that the volume is prepared and aimed at the "scratch" model makers who normally work from the very basic drawings; however, the content of the book will be of equal interest for the builders who use the kit of parts.

The scale applied is 1 to 48and the efforts of the maker will eventually result in a model having a hull of 18 inches in length while the overall length of the rigged cutter and the height are approximately 30 inches. The vessel is carvel built and has eight guns carried on board. You must be aware that some of those cutters were built clench, however by the period addressed in the book, i.e. 1820s, carvel construction was a bit more usual.

In short, if you are a ship modeling enthusiast, does not matter professional or just a newcomer, have a look into this publication and who knows, maybe you will make a decision to go though the content very carefully and start making your own copy of the model - yes, it is absolutely possible, you only have to follow all the instructions provided for you in the pages of this publication.

This content of the present book was prepared for the ship model builders and furthermore for any person who are willing to form a general idea of some of the types of ships, which our ancestors used to navigate the seas. It is a fortuitous spin-off from a commission by a group of Dutchmen emigrated to New Zealand, to build two historic ship models.

On the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the discovery of the island by Abel Tasman, they made a decision to offer these two model ships of the daring seafarer to the newly opened Hobson's Wharf Maritime Museum located in Auckland. Reconstructions of past vessel do help people to form a visual image of Dutch nautical history.

The book is remarkably comprehensive and will be greatly appreciated by the ship model makers and naval historians who will discover a true wealth of useful historical and technical information in a single volume. The text of the volume is a result of the cooperation of ship model maker and draughtsman who followed the process and recorded each step. Have a look and you be impressed.

With the passing of the years public interest in old time sailing ships is on the increase, as witness the preservation of our own Victory—Nelson's flagship, in Portsmouth, the original Cutty Sark in Greenwich, while other sea-faring nations are not behind hand in preserving old ships, for example the Constellation built in 1797 and the'oldest United States warship, now dedicated as a national shrine in Baltimore Harbour.

Full size replicas of famous old ships have been built and sailed, for example, Columbus ship Santa Maria made by the Spanish Government, the Mayflower a joint Anglo-American effort, and the Viking ship which visited several European ports to commemorate the exploits of the Norsemen. Valuable as are these replicas nothing can compare with an authentic original, and in that respect the world has been enriched by the devotion and technical skill of the Swedes in raising the Vasa from the depths of the sea.

The Vasa, the pride and the flagship of the Swedish Navy, foundered in 1628 in Stockholm harbour, and there she remained submerged until 1961; but thanks to northern waters being relatively free from destructive wood-worm, and to the preservative effect of the slime and mud on the sea bed, practically every part of the ship has been recovered including a wealth of superb carving and decorative enrichments as well as guns and other equipment. Thus for the first time it has become possible to personally inspect the shipwrights' art and accomplishments of 300 years ago and thereby adding incontrovertible authority to our knowledge of the subject.

The author of the volume, David Griffith, has managed to prepare an excellent reference for the ship modelers constructing 1/350 and 1/700 models. The book is remarkably informative and has already been found to be one of the most useful publications for the modelers since it contains so many ideas that are ready for immediate use.

Taking into account that the ship modeling kits available today are getting more and more complex and that there are many new features becoming common, this volume will be a perfect assist to the persons who are trying to use some new materials. You will never get tired of reading this book as every time you read it you will come away with something new missed in the previous reads.

You will find many new techniques to try. According to the reviews by ship modelers, this one is the best book for the beginners. The text of the book has been prepared in a conversational and relaxed manner; it is supplemented by many informative and detailed illustrations.

All of the instructions are very clear and simple making them easy to follow, leading the reader throughout the entire modeling process. Definitely must-have book for any ship modeler, from beginner to expert.

The famous Greenwich National Maritime Museum currently houses the huge collection of scale ship models, which is actually treated as the largest one in the world. The majority of the ship models presented in the museum are official artifacts that have been made by the navy craftsmen or by the ship constructors themselves.

The historical period referred is from around the middle of seventeen century up to today. they are representing a 3D archive of a truly unique authority and importance. The ship models are deservedly treated as the invaluable historical evidence offering remarkable level of detailed elaboration than the best plans could do, and demonstrating exactly what the vessels looked like centuries ago.

We highly recommend this publication not only to the ship modelers but also to all people with the interest in naval history taking into account that most of the vessels addressed are historical, and also to the shipbuilders and naval architects who may have a look and see how the vessels of past centuries used to be constructed and build, get familiarized with the arrangements on board etc.; all of them will definitely appreciate and benefit of the content of this document.

This nice book prepared by Arthur Montgomery was written to guide the readers through the entire process of building a perfect plank-on-frame model of the famous Jefferson Davis, one of the world prominent vessels of the past times.

The volume takes readers through literally all phases of modeling, providing them with all required historical information, basics of the hull construction, including framing, planking, sparring, rigging and decking techniques, and gives very clear and easy to follow instructions.

The process of the construction is illustrated with the step-to-step photographs making the modeling not easy but also enjoyable. There are several valuable notes relating to the armament of the vessel. In addition, note that there is a ship modeler's glossary to help reader with the terminology.

All required plans, line drawings and data tables have also been included by the author - it means that the publication contains absolutely everything the modeler may need to build a perfect ship model. We do recommend all ship model builders not to miss this book noting the information, illustrations and photo, as well as the professional advice and instructions it provides.

According to the reviews of this book done by the ship model makers from different parts of the world, it is really a fantastic one. The publication will provide all interested readers with the detailed information about the ship models that are making the world famous collection of the Greenwich Museum. It is maybe the most complete book for the ship modelers of all that are available today and a must-have for all model builders.

The photographs contained in the volume are perfectly clear and sharp; the models are providing a full picture of the frigates with particular attention paid to the details. The photographs are mainly focusing on the ship hull construction. Looking at these images the reader will get an idea of how the model ships shall be built. They say that the model makers who do not have this book are really missing out on view excellent and truly glorious photos of sailing vessels.

Note that the book will provide you with some data difficult to find anywhere else. Most of the images are supplemented with brief yet very informative explanations and some historical background. As you will see, the volume is telling the story of the cruising vessels under sail covering the whole process of their evolution.

Even there are quite a lot of publications available about the model steamers, apparently none of them gives clear information that is normally needed by the average newcomers to the world of ship model making. The main object of this book was to fill subject gap and provide ship modelers with the information they require as well as to give them some valuable advice.

All of the information, instructions and plans have been provided in a remarkably concise form, but they are very informative and easy to understand and follow. The modelers designing their own vessels and engines make everything themselves and would hardly need any instructions, but there are so many beginners who are willing to do the thing but hesitate to start the process because of their doubt as of their own ability.

In fact building a good steamship model is not an impossible task for anyone who is handy and patient enough to spend some time and take some pains. Do not think of this construction as of some laborious and difficult task – treat it as a pleasure instead. Follow the tips and instruction provided in the pages of this excellent volume and you will inevitably succeed in constructing a good model. Note there are four large scale designs included in the pack for the ready use.