Good Morning Shipwrights. It's Monday, December 31, 2007.
Ahoy mates. As the year comes to a close today, I take time today to reflect on 2007. As ship modelers, we have seen a boom in the amount of new kits and aftermarket sets. The biggest news this year came in 1/350 scale with new releases that include Battleships Nagato, Bismarck, and Alabama, Heavy Cruisers Chokai, Takao and San Francisco as well as a new Arleigh Burke. But the kit explosion was not limited to 1/350 scale. 1/700 scale has seen growth this year with popular releases such as the Hood, Repulse and late war Pennsylvania. This scale has also seen the release of some very nice full hull releases as well as a host of upgraded older kit. 2007 has truly brought the ship modeling world into a golden age.
Along with the new kits, 2007 have brought us new aftermarket accessories. The ship modeler has everything from resin turrets and turned brass barrels to photo etch for just about every part of the ship you can imagine. Aftermarket manufactures are turning out up grade sets almost as fast the kit manufactures can make kits. The best thing about 2007 coming to an end is that 2008 looks to be even bigger for model shipwrights.
Closer to home, our own Model Shipwrights web site has seen growth in staff and membership. Priding itself as the friendliest model ship site on the web, Model Shipwrights has seen an influx of new members looking for a nice place to find and share information, learn new techniques and most importantly, kick back and relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
As we reflect on 2007, we look forward to 2008. The ship model industry will continue to grow, offering fresh, new subjects. We have seen previews of these new subjects in the past few weeks. As members of the Model Shipwrights community, we too need to bring fresh, new subjects to our pages. You may ask yourself, “What can I do? I’ve never done anything like this before.” Contributing is easy. We take progress photos of our models so we can share them here. With a couple of swing arm lamps and daylight bulbs and your completed model, you have everything you need for a Model on Display feature. Even a nice sunny day can produce fantastic photos. Like building a model, the possibilities are endless. All you have to do is ask.
2007 has been a great year. 2008 promises to be even better. Here’s hoping that all you builds be fun and your days be filled with joy and friendship.
Kenny “Gator” Loup, News Writer, Model Shipwrights
