Format

Ship Modeling from Scratch
“Tips and Tricks For Building Without Kits.”
By Edwin B Leaf
Price: $18.95
Copyright: 1994
Paperback: 184 pages
Illustrations: 152
Photos: 11 BW
Plans: 2

Intro...

Although the title is, Ship Modeling from Scratch “Tips and Tricks For Building Without Kits.” I have turned to it for supplemental information when constructing wood ship kits. The glossary alone has been a big help and the book is well indexed. The font size, writing and illustrations make it easy to read and understand. It’s not just about wood ship construction, the book also includes cardstock construction of modern vessels, casting airports and lanterns, making cage masts, figures, rope and much more.

Chapter Breakdown

Acknowledgments


Introduction


Chapter 1-Selecting a Project


Chapter 2-Getting the Most from Your Drawings


Chapter 3-Materials


Chapter 4-Tools


Chapter 5-Half-Models


Chapter 6-Hull Construction


Chapter 7-Miscellaneous Matters


Chapter 8-Applying the Finish


Chapter 9-Masting and Rigging


Chapter 10-Sailmaking and Flags


Chapter 11-Making Fittings and Furnishings


Chapter 12-Displaying the Model


Chapter 13-A Plank-on-Bulkhead Model from Start to Finish


Chapter 14-A Plank-on-Frame Model from Start to Finish


Chapter 15-Postscript



Appendices


I. Sources for Plans


II. Reference Material


III. Tools and Materials Sources


IV. Glossary


V. Working Drawings: Brockley Combe and Lee


Index

inside the cover...

This book is a wealth of information, both in text and photos/illustrations, for the wooden model shipwright, although some effort should be placed into further research of some of the methods explained, as some are a bit out dated.

Out of all the chapters filled with information, I found these to be particularly useful to me, personally:

How to read ship drafts, explained thoroughly, with labeled plans and illustrations.


How to convert a Photograph into scaled drafts, a photo of a ship and several illustrations turn projective geometry into a modeling tool.


How to plank a ship, both caravel and lap strake types, are explained step-by-step, with methods that I have used with consistently satisfying results.


Plank-on-frame and plank-on-bulkhead construction from start to finish. A set of plans for each type are included, and all the steps and methods necessary for completion are included in the book. Some sections such as "how to bend wood" gives the modeler several different methods to choose from, and includes a descriptive list of woods in the materials section. This makes choosing the right wood for your application easier, as well as with more confidence.


The plank-on-bulkhead construction is step-by-step build of a cardboard model, and has some very useful tips, but Mr. Leafs methods are unlike many of the card stock models method styles that I have seen. He, as I prefer, does not try to use folds in construction, as this method makes for sharper corners, and more accurate angles, but will not help you much in asssembly.



Ship Modeling from Scratch cites:

Seamanship in the Age of Sail: An Account of the Shiphandling of the Sailing Man-Of-War 1600-1860, Based on Contemporary Sources by John H. Harland

Historic Ship Models by Wolfram zu Mondfeld

Naval and Maritime History: An Annotated Bibliography by Robert J. Albion

Shipbuilding in Miniature by Donald McNarry

Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern by Milton Roth


And is cited in:
Ship Modeling Simplified: Tips and Techniques for Model Construction from Kits by Frank Mastini