I want to start to acquire ship plans for future builds... but have no clue where to find them or appropriate/reasonable prices. Or if its better to spend the 20-30 USD in a book from Classic warship publishing (like Shiprcraft).

For example, in ebay , PLANS N THINGS has a 1 sheet of plans 11x17 for the destroyer fletcher DD 445 for 10$ USD + shipping...is this a useful resource? Good pricing? or should I track down old issues of Warship?

I dont plan on scratchbuilding entire ships, just to be able to fix, add a bit, tinker, learn, just push the accuracy level a tad beyond instruction sheets
:)
cheers

To start....
http://www.marylandsilver.com/
http://www.destroyerhistory.org/destroyers/store.html
http://www.floatingdrydock.com/

Thank you Tracy! Great info and links, exactly what i was looking for! cheers

James, if one day you intend to model French, have a look at those, they are free too!
http://www.ss311.plus.com/french-warship-plans.html

Try this site:

http://www.the-blueprints.com

The quality sometimes isn't all that great but it is free and some ships are well represented.

Hey James!

Don't forget about photos. Since at least half my builds are scratchbuilt, I have started compiling folders featuring plans sized to my model, pics of the actual ship, and even pics of other models. A new source is finding detailed computer 3D renderings which offer the best of both worlds, too.

Remember, there is no such thing as too much reference material!

--Karl

A couple of points. The "the-blueprints" site has been noted as posting copywritten plans without the consent of those who drew them (AD Baker and Al Ross mentioned it in a thread last week on SteelNavy), so if you like supporting those who do the drawings I'd shy away from rewarding that site.

Additionally, the problem with 3D renderings is that one has to trust the artist used correct plans. They are REALLY useful when correct for placement and visualization, but one has to verify that they are accurate before trusting them..

James, can you please contact me? thanks!
Andy
[email protected]