rec.models.scale Ship Modeling FAQ, Part 1/6
John Kopf
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Expires: Fri, 7 April 1995 00:00:00 GMT
Last-modified: 13 February 1995
This is the Frequently Asked Questions FAQ (part 1) on ship modeling.
Disclaimer: My personal experience is with traditional, static wooden ship
models. Thus the answers below lean toward that aspect. PLEASE feel free
to provide me with information on other aspects (e.g., plastic ship models,
etc.).
The questions being addressed are:
(FAQ Part I):
1. I don't have the patience to build a ship model (?)
2. What is a good beginner's model to start with?
3. What is "lead sickness"?
4. What is meant by "Museum Quality" ship models?
5. Should models be painted or left natural wood?
6. How do I install ratlines?
7. What woods are recommended?
8. Where can I find plans for the Frigate (HMS) Rose?
9. Do ratlines extend beyond the futtock shrouds to the lubbers hole?
Is the futtock shroud tied directly to the main shroud.?
10. How does one assemble rigging?
11. How can rigging line be made to hang naturally?
12. How does one change the scale of plans?
13. What can be used for fine rigging line?
(FAQ Part II):
100. Are there any ship modeling clubs?
(FAQ Part III & IV):
101. Where can I find... ?
(FAQ Part V):
102. Where can I find information... ?
(FAQ Part VI):
103. What are some good books... ?
(The latter four have disjoint numbering so I won't have to renumber
frequently.)
###############################################
1. I don't have the patience to build a ship model (?)
A: First of all, "Patience is that attribute required to do something you
DON'T WANT TO DO!"...if you don't want to build a model, no one will
(or CAN) force you to.
However, there are a number of thing you can do to make it more likely
that your patience will be sustained for the duration of the project:
o Have some idea what you're doing. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS (if it's a
kit). If you don't understand (and many instructions are "opaque"),
ASK someone (see the list of ship Modeling Clubs, or ask here)!
o If you've never built a (ship) model before, start with a SIMPLE
one (see 2., below). That will help insure that you'll finish in
a reasonable amount of time, and will help you understand the
terminology (i.e., what you call the "pointy end of the boat",
and all those "sticks" and "string").
o Build yourself a "kit". Most people start with the hull, which is
typically ~10% of the work/time required, and ~90% of the visual
effect (more than once, I've been asked by a visitor if I've done
anything to a model since they've last seen it (6 months earlier),
because I've spent the 6 months adding details that you have to LOOK
for). Instead, BUILD SUB-ASSEMBLIES FIRST (e.g., the anchor, ship's
boats, cannon/carriages, etc.) -- these can be added to a row of
parts marching across the "mantlepiece"; every time you look at
them you see you're making progress. When you're done, THEN assemble
them into the model.
o Contact other modelers (even if not ship modelers). Even if they
are not doing the same thing you are, being able to ask a person
questions, and explaining your "tricks' is a stimulus to get your
interest up again.
2. What is a good beginner's model to start with?
A: The following are often recommended:
Bluejacket: Eastport Pinky, Bluenose
Model Shipways: Phantom, Katy, Sultana
A. J. Fisher: Pilot Schooner, Lark
Model Expo: Gjoa, Swift, Scottish Maid, Pinky
Note that this list does NOT contain any of the popular Italian
kits - these suffer from poor instructions and plans, inadequate
research, and excessive complexity for a beginner; only a small
fraction of the kits sold are ever completed.
3. What is "lead sickness"?
A: Model fittings which contain lead have a bad reputation of frequently
"decaying" after 10-20 years. Current thinking is that the cause is
the presence of Antimony in the alloy. This metal is used to make the
molten metal more fluid. Apparently, it crystalizes out of the melt
as the metal solidifies; the result is that on the crystalline level
dissimilar metals are in contact (if they didn't separate, the metals
would be mixed at the atomic level). The result is that in the
presence of water (or other chemicals) a galvanic reaction is set up
(a tiny battery is formed) which causes chemical reactions to occur;
the lead oxidizes into lead monoxide PbO, accompanied by the formation
of antimony hydride SbH3 (stilbine) which is a gas and escapes into
the atmosphere.
Most "soft" solders and "type metal" contain both lead and antimony.
An alternative is "Brittania metal" which is 93% tin, 5% antimony,
and 2% copper.
"Traditional" Pewter can contain up to 7% antimony, 20% lead, 4%
copper, and the rest tin. Modern Pewter is sold as "lead free",
and so probably doesn't have the problem.
(This description is based on a letter by William G. Webb in Model
Shipbuilder #87.)
4. What is meant by "Museum Quality" ship models?
A. This topic has been discussed regularly in the Journal of the Nautical
Research Guild.
Edward P. Von der Porten, former director of the Army, Navy, and
Coast Guard Museum near San Francisco says "A museum quality ship
model is whatever a museum director accepts for a museum collection".
In general, the model (or artifact) must be able to convey part of
a carefully thought out STORY to a thoroughly analyzed AUDIENCE.
If the exhibit concerns ship "crafts", sailor-built models, half-models,
and ships in bottles may have a role, even if inaccurate.
In a diorama (for example, in the 2-MILE section of Omaha Beach to
be displayed aboard the Jeremial O'Brian, using 1:1200 models), a
uniform scale is important (for this example, detail is not).
On the other hand, Dana M. Wegner reports that the standards used
by the U. S. Navy and Smithsonian have been relatively unchanged
since 1945:
o It is reasonable for a model to last 100 years before deterioration
becomes visible. Resistance to actions of temperature, humidity,
and light is essential...some recently developed model-building
materials and techniques should be avoided until sufficient time
has passed to properly evaluate their longevity...It is advised
that fiberglass resins, styrene, expanding foams, casting resins,
and cyanoacrylate glues be avoided when other materials can
possibly be used.
o 'Workmanship shall be in accordance, in every respect, with the best
model-building practices. Hulls shall be smooth,fair, and
symmetrical; without blemishes, sap pockets, or tool marks, and
shall be scraped and sand-papered to smooth surface. Machined parts
shall bear no tool marks. Castings shall contain no visible mold
marks.'
o Any item with any SCALE dimension of 1/8" or greater must be
reproduced...work must be consistent [no super-detailing of one part
of the model contrasting with lesser levels of detail elsewhere].
o A great deal is specified about acceptable and required materials
(e.g., 'Propellers should be cast in bronze...Plastic propellers
are not permitted').
o 'Painting of models shall receive careful attention...All parts of
the model shall have a surface treatment representing the actual
vessel if reduced in scale...models shall be spray painted with opaque
lacquer. Paint shall be applied thinly and evenly so that fine detail
will not be obliterated. The use of metallic paints such as silver or
gold is discouraged. The use of white enamel or natural varnish is
not permitted'...'Wooden parts shall be sufficiently filled and primed
so that when rubbed down, the wood grain is not visible.'
{ The full set of specifications can be found in: Department of Ship
Model Scales and Service. Ship Model Classification Guidelines [Mystic,
Connecticut: Mystic Seaport Museum Stores, 1983] It was also published
in part in Ships in Scale 6-34 (March/April 1989)} -- what this all
boils down to is that the purpose of a ship model is to support a coat
of paint of the correct SHAPE!
5. Should models be painted or left natural wood?
A: Indeed, it is an artistic decision that must be made by the builder.
In the same category is whether to paint brass parts. Very, very few
parts on a real ship were brass (bronze, maybe, but not brass). So,
one thing to consider would be consistancy. Not painting because of
the beauty of the construction material may say no paint on either wood
or brass parts.
This is one advantage of building older ships. Many older merchant
ships, and warships earlier than mid seventeenth century were painted
only in a few areas, oiled on top, and various tallow mixtures applied
below the waterline (that stuff is really ugly if scale!).
A similar "artistic choice" is how to depict rigging. Many modelers do
not add sails for two reasons. One, it is hard to make good sails,
second, some feel the sails hide some of the detail. Yet, the running
rigging adds much detail to ship. So, many people display (particularly
on warships) model with yards raised and much running rigging displayed,
but no sails. Actually, there may have been times when this was done
for a review or special ceremony, but was not normal.
(Answer from: Don Stauffer)
6. How do I install ratlines?
A: My current practice is to install the masts without the yards but
including any masthead platforms. After installing the shrouds in a
prototypical manner, I use the "smallest" gauge needle I can lay my
hands on to sew the ratlines through the shrouds. In any reasonable
scale the prototypical knots will be virtually invisible if you are
using appropriately sized thread. After the tedious sewing job is
done I brush a semi-gloss black enamel to simulate the tarred seizing
of the shrouds. This also cements the ratlines into place permanently,
so make any needed adjustments before reaching for the paintbrush!
(Answer from: John Bonnett)
Stretching the thread and soaking it with a thin wash of white glue
and letting it dry will stiffen it, which may be an advantage (but
real ratlines were NOT straight -- they hung in curves between the
shrouds).
7. What woods are recommended?
A: A large variety of woods exist...some of these are useful for ship
models:
apple - good for planking...bends easily
balsa - TOO SOFT for ship model use!
bamboo - tough, easily split; used for trunnels, etc.
basswood - soft but readily available
boxwood - the best for find detail carving
clear pine - for bread-and-butter hulls
cherry - fairly common, fine grain, somewhat brittle
degama - good for masts and spars
ebony - Black! very hard and brittle, doesn't bend easily
holly - White! good for decking, carving
pear - works like cherry but brown instead of red, and not
brittle.
note: ANY wood can be stained to look like ebony using black india
ink as a stain.
8. Where can I find plans for the Frigate (HMS) Rose?
A: There was some interest expressed a few days ago in using the modern
reconstruction of the eighteenth century English frigate "Rose" as a
subject for shipmodeling. My caution is that since the Rose is a
reconstruction rather than a replica (that is, a general rather than
an exact copy), she is not a good subject for modeling. It would be
better to go back to the builders original research materials,
starting with the British Admiralty plans of 1756, obtainable from
the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich.
For a very interesting article on the building of the reconstruction,
see "HMS Rose and Providence, Some Lessons Learned the Hard Way", by
John Fitzhugh Millar, in "Seaways", Vol. II, No. 5, Sept-Oct 1991.
You can find out about the modern ship (or even book passage!) at:
HMS Rose Foundation
One Bostwick Ave
Bridgeport CT 06605
(203) 335-1433
(Answer provided by Clayton A. Feldman)
9. Do ratlines extend beyond the futtock shrouds to the lubbers hole?
Is the futtock shroud tied directly to the main shroud.?
A: Futtock shrouds are terminated at lower ends in a variety of ways,
depending on which mast, and how large a ship. For larger masts they
usually were NOT tied to shrouds of mast below.
(Answer provided by: Don Stauffer)
10. How does one assemble rigging?
A: Normally, one does the "standing rigging" (that which holds up the
masts, etc.) FIRST, and then the "running rigging" (that which works
the sails -- these lines are the ones with PULLEYS).
Because of the complexity of the rigging, it's best to start at the
bottom and center and work your way up and out...if you put the outer
lines on first, then you have to work THROUGH them to reach the inner
lines.
When possible, it's best to apply as much rigging to a mast on the
workbench BEFORE actually mounting it on the model, and then finishing
it off. "helping hands" are useful for such tasks as putting strops
around blocks, but not much help when working on the model itself. A
couple of hemostats (I find mine at the local flea market) are useful,
but I tend to use them most to attach to the end of a line as a weight
to keep it straight while working on it. Tweezers are also useful, and
a couple of other tools you can make yourself out of knitting needles
and dowels for handles:
take a needle, mash one end flat, and file a V in the end -- useful to
PUSH ropes; Take another, mash the end, and drill a small hole through
it -- useful to thread a line through the hole to work a line through
the rigging; Take a third, flatten the end, and file a hook on one side
-- useful to PULL a line through the rigging.
Some of the best little tools I have ever used on boat rigging came
from my mom's sewing basket! Needle threaders are invaluable for
threading the rigging through eyelets. A good pair of tweezers is a
help, but the best kind are the "reversable" tweezers, the kind that
apply pressure when you are NOT gripping them. Great for guiding
tricky threads. Finally, a good pair of manicuring scissors for the
fine cutting and clipping needed. I have a pair with points so tiny
on them that it is hard to see the cutline they make. (This paragraph
submitted by Aaron Taylor)
11. How can rigging line be made to hang naturally?
A: Try washing the thread on warm soapy water, rinse it out, and hang up
to dry with a weight on the end so it doesn't develop a lot of kinks.
This will remove any "sizing" that makes the line stiff.
The alternative is "spinning" your own rope from fine threads -- this
is a lot of work but results in very "limp" rope.
If neither of these work, you may also be able to mix up white glue
and water with a drop of detergent (as a wetting agent), soak the
thread, and while still wet apply it to the model; then let it dry
in place using a piece of scrap as a "form" to give it it's shape.
12. How does one change the scale of plans?
A: In the past, people made do with pantographs, proportional dividers,
and basically redrew the plans by hand.
Today, people use "copiers" to scale drawings up or down. A typical
copier can enlarge or reduce a drawing by from 64% to 142%.
Unfortunately, this doesn't help much if you need to change the scale
more than this amount. However, you can still get by making partial
scale changes -- for example, expanding by 141% and then expanding the
first expanded copy by another 141% gives you 1.41 x 1.41 = 1.9881;
expanding it by 142% instead gives 2.0022...either is probably close
enough to 2x to be acceptable.
When enlarging, lines tend to get broader (and "muddier") -- set the
copier to "light" to help reduce this effect.
Copiers tend to "stretch" the drawing more in one direction than the
other (this is supposedly to prevent the copying of paper money --
the resulting image won't match in change-making machines). If you
are doing multiple expansions/compressions, try to change the
orientation of the drawing each time (from horizontal to vertical, etc.)
so that the error introduced in one operation is canceled out in the
next.
If you anticipate needing multiple copies, do them all at once, using
the same bach of paper -- that way stretching or shrinking of the
paper is more likely to be uniform for all copies than if you made
copies at different times using different lots of paper.
Finally, commercial copy shops can frequently make larger copies,
and/or bigger scale-changes with one pass. In order to help them
produce a copy of the correct size, draw a pair of lines somewhere
on your source, at right angles to one another, and properly scaled
and annotated with something like "enlarge to 6 inches long" -- that
way you won't have to explain about the (often obscure) scale that
is on the plans themselves. (If you are using historical foreign
sources, make sure what units are actually being used -- for example,
Chapman has scales in Swedish, French, and English feet...all are
different!)
13. What can be used for fine rigging line?
A: al...@ccrl.nj.nec.com (Alexander Ishii) writes:
I went through the same thing and finally found *the* answer:
nylon monofiliment fishing line. Use 1lb test and drag it across
the top of a permanent ink marker to blacken it, then attach
it w/super glue. You get the tension, it won't pull loose (well,
not easily) and it looks *great*!
(response from Alexander Ishii):
Mono fishing line is available in different colors, including
"black" (no real need for using the permanent marker). Generally,
however, the various colors are more expensive than regular
fishing line; particularly, if the color is only available as
"tippet" material (a particular kind of fishing line).
You can also use fine wire. One source I've found locally
(silicon valley) is a "pulse transformer"...these use copper wire
.005 (more or less). They are frequently encapsulated in epoxy,
but the shell can be broken off and the wire salvaged.
I've not used it, but I understand that tungsten wire is made for
light-bulbs in sizes down to .0005 inch! I also understand that
it is dangerous to work with, because it is so strong that the
possibility of amputation is very real! The ultimate in "paper
cuts". Anyway, one might be able to get a couple of feet of this
from a light-bulb manufacturer and try using it. Of course, how
do you CUT it?
14. How do I bend wood for a ship model?
A: the best method to use depends upon the dimensions of the stock, and
on the degree of bending required. In general, wood *should* be pre-
bent; if it is simply "wrapped" onto the model the resulting tension
can easily tear the model apart after a few years. Instead, use one
the methods listed below to pre-shape the wood; fasten it after it has
"dried" and holds the shape by itself.
First of all, you'll have better luck if you chose your stock so that
the grain runs lengthwise (I've frequently found commercial strips to
be severly cross-grained at some point, perhaps with the grain running
as much as 45 degrees to the length -- this is often because the strip
was cut from a board near a knot).
A thick or complicated shape may be easiest to form by carving it from
the solid -- perhaps laminating the solid from a number of pieces so
the grain tends to follow the final curve (I use this technique for
sailing ship head-rails, which can be a half-circle in some cases).
You can also laminate a piece from a number of thinner pieces bent to
a former -- the thinner the individual wood pieces, the easier they
are to bend, an the necesary thickness is achieved by gluing these
side-to-side over a form...the result will hold it's shape when it's
removed from the form.
Wood can also be bent more easily if it is wet or hot or both.
Simply soaking a strip in water will make it more pliable. If you then
bend it to shape, and let it dry out it will "spring" back only a
small amount. Hot water works better than cold.
Wood is a "plastic" material, and thus can be deformed under heat or
as a result of chemical softening.
Many people use household ammonia for this purpose (instead of soaking
in water) -- if you can bear the smell. It may also discolor some
woods.
You can also hold the strip over a kettle and steam it. The trouble
with this is that thin strips cool off so fast that you'll end up
working with cold, wet wood by the time you get it in place.
For reasonably thick work, such as deck beams, I've had some success
either wrapping the stock in wet rags, or floating it in a dish of
water, and then microwaving it for about a minute.
It's relatively easy to bend planks around a hull. it's much harder
to bend them sideways (i.e., give them an "edge-set"). For some
places where I need a plank bent edge-wise (e.g., railings), I find
it easier to take a WIDE piece of stock whose thickness is the final
width, and bend this piece to shape. I then saw curved planks from
the edge.
(This includes suggestions from: Chris Maxfield, Clayton A. Feldman,
Rich Gortatowsky, and Trevor Farrell.)
John Kopf
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Expires: Fri, 7 April 1995 00:00:00 GMT
This is the Frequently Asked Questions FAQ (part 2) on ship modeling.
The questions being addressed are:
(FAQ Part I):
1. I don't have the patience to build a ship model (?)
2. What is a good beginner's model to start with?
3. What is "lead sickness"?
4. What is meant by "Museum Quality" ship models?
5. Should models be painted or left natural wood?
6. How do I install ratlines?
7. What woods are recommended?
8. Where can I find plans for the Frigate (HMS) Rose?
9. Do ratlines extend beyond the futtock shrouds to the lubbers hole?
Is the futtock shroud tied directly to the main shroud.?
10. How does one assemble rigging?
11. How can rigging line be made to hang naturally?
12. How does one change the scale of plans?
13. What can be used for fine rigging line?
(FAQ Part II):
100. Are there any ship modeling clubs?
(FAQ Part III & IV):
101. Where can I find... ?
(FAQ Part V):
102. Where can I find information... ?
(FAQ Part VI):
103. What are some good books... ?
###############################################
100. Are there any ship modeling clubs?
List last updated 27 February 1995. (Note: entries sorted by ZIP code)
(Also look in the back of Scale Ship Modeler Magazine. They have a
large listing of the more prominant ship modeling clubs in Canada and
the USA. -- contributed by dav...@cml.com)
Cape Ann Ship Modelers' Guild Massachusetts
Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month
Contact: Ed Leavitt, 26 Bass Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930
The Marine Modelers Club of New England Massachusetts
Contact: Dean Jernstrom, 838 Pond St., Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520-0340
Jamaica Pond Modelers' Club Massachusetts
Meetings: Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Contact: Joe Perez, P. O. Box 222, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild of New England Massachusetts
Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the Month
Contact: George Kaiser, 23 Mermaid Ave., Winthrop, Massachusetts 02152
Connecticut Marine Model Society Connecticut
Meetings: 2nd Friday of each month at 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Maurice P. Clair, 60 Crestwood Road, Milford, CT 06460
South Orange Seaport Society New Jersey
Contact: John Gill, 5 mead St., South Orange, NJ 07079
770-1784
Philadelphia Ship Model Society Pennsylvania
Contact: Richard M. Austin, 21 Lafferty Dr., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Garden State Model Boaters New Jersey
Contact: Dave Kammerer, 371 Euclid Ave., Managsquam, NJ 08736
Ship Lore and Model Club New York
Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month
Contact: Norman Brouwer, South Street Seaport Museum, 207 Front Street,
New York NY 10038
The Ship Model Society of Northern New Jersey
Meetings: 4th Tuesday of each month, Millburn Public Library
Contact: Dan Pariser, 75 Livingston St. #10A, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 855-1720
Long Island Ship Model Society New York
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each Month at 8 p.m.
Contact: Hal Bosche, 90 North Ocean Avenue, Islip, NY 11751
Catskill Scale Model Shipwrights New York
Contact: Joe Callejo, 408 A Spillway Road, West Hurley, New York 12491
Buffalo Model Powerboat Club New York
Contact: Karl Kalb, 2960 Pearce Road, North Tonawanda, New York 14120
(716) 731-9717
Valley Forge Ship Model Society Pennsylvania
Contact: Ernest Morris, R.D. #4, Box 82, Spring City Road, Phoenixville,
PA 19460-1848
(215) 948-8107
Washington Ship Model Society Virginia
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Contact: Gene Larson, 9223 Presidential Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309
Hampton Roads Ship Model Society Virginia
Meetings: 20:00 hours, 2nd Friday of each month
Contact: Alan Frazer, 108-G Indian Summer Drive, Yorktown, Virginia
23693-1034
Jacksonville Ship Model Club Florida
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Contact: Jacksonville Maritime Museum, 1015 Museum Drive, Unit 2,
Jacksonville, FL 32207
North Palm Beach County Model Club Florida
Contact: Dan Seaman, 119 Brookhaven Ct, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(407) 622-8358
Tampa Bay Ship Model Society Florida
Meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month in the Bayonet Point
Community Center in Tampa, Florida.
Contact: Walker Roberts, Box 4148, Tampa, FL 33677
(813) 875-3422
Old Frigates Ship Modelers Florida
Meetings: 1st Thursday of each month
Contact: Steve Feinman (904) 873-0663 (day); (904) 237-4968 (eve.)
Suncoast Ship Model Society of Spring Hill Florida
Meetings: 7:00 pm at Week Wuchse Acres Senior Citizen Club
Contact: Ed McCarron, 2209 Glenhurst Ln., New Port Richey, FL 34653
Maritime Modelers Inc. Kentucky
Meetings: Every 2nd Thursday, Fire Fighters Building, Covington KY 7 p.m.
Contact: Maritime Modelers Inc., 63 Linet, Highland Heights, KY 41076
Columbus Santa Maria Model Ship Builders Guild Ohio
Contact: Columbus Santa Maria Model Ship Builders Guild, c/o Richard
J. Lott,
4567 Westport Road, Apt. 3, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 279-3459
Society of Model Shipcrafters of Great Lakes Historical Society Ohio
Meetings: bi-monthly
Contact: Bill Halen, 4038 Ridge Rd. #4, Brooklyn, OH 44144
(216) 351-6632
The Admirals Indiana
Meetings: 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm, a Nora Public Library,
8625 Guilford Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Contact: Earl L. Cotton (317) 888-8575
Midwest Model Shipwrights Illinois
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Contact: The Ship Chandler, 518 E. Northwest Highway, Mt. Prospect, IL
60056
Nautical Research and Ship Model Society Illinois
Meetings: 2nd Saturday of each month
Contact: Joh Pocius, 189 Chandler, Elmhurst, IL 60126
North Shore Deadeyes Illinois
Meetings: 1st Tesday of each month
Contact: Robert Evens, 9421 Crawford Ave, Evanston, IL 60203
Gateway Model Ship Crafters Missouri
Meetings: At the Rock Road Library one Monday evening each month,
September through May.
Contact: Irwin Kuehling, 541 Beuford Dr., St. Louis, MO 63122-1413
(314) 644-3905
Ship's Company (Tulsa Ship Modeler's Society) Oklahoma
Contact: Dan Allis 1631 East 31st St., Tulsa, OK 74105-2100
(918) 747-6286
Houston Model Yacht Club Texas
Meetings: weekly; they have scale R/C regattas and race 12M and 36/600
yachts.
Contact: Commodore Ted Cooper, 1003 Country Club Dr., Houston, TX 77469
(713) 342-1658
Rocky Mountain Shipwrights Colorado
Meetings: 2nd Saturday of each month (9:30-noon) at Castlewood Public
Library
in Englewood, CO
Contact: Arthur C. Roberts, MD (719) 481-2449
-or- Roger Hanson (303) 798-4003
Maritime Modelers California
Contact: Maritime Modelers, 2554 Lincoln Blvd, Suite 215, Marina Del Ray,
CA 90291
Ship Modelers' Association California
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7 pm, Backs Community Blg., 201
N. Bradford, Placentia, CA
Contact: Lloyd V. Warner, 2083 Reynosa Drive, Torrance, CA 90501
San Diego Ship Modelers' Guild California
Meetings: 3rd Thursday, 3:00 p.m., Bark STAR OF INDIA
Contact: Danial LePage, 1306 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Ships-In-Bottles Association Of America California
Contact: Don Hubbard, P. O. Box 180550, Coronado, CA 92178-0550
Ventura County Maratime Museum Model Guld California
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm
Contact: Clare Hess, VCMM Model Guild, 2731 South Victoria Ave.,
Oxnard, CA 93035
(805) 684-3673 (evenings and weekends)
South Bay Model Shipwrights California
Meetings: 3rd Friday of Each Month, at the Stamford Linear Accelerator
Contact: Jean Eckert, 1623 Ben Roe Dr., Los Altos, California 94024
(415) 964-0561
Diablo Model Boat Club California
Contact: Barry A. Roth, DMBC, P. O. Box 30114, Walnut Creek, California
94598
Metro Marine Modelers Ontario, Canada
Contact: Dan Sinstead, General Delivery, 18 Reid St., Bobcaygeo, Ontario,
Canada K0M1A0
Provincial Marine 1812 Ontario, Canada
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month (except Jun/Jul/Aug) at:
HMCS York, 695 Lakeshore Blvd, West Toronto, Ont., Canada
Contact: Al Griffiths, 57 Thicket Rd., Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M9C 2C4
The Kelowna Model Boat Club British Columbia, Canada
Contact: Joh H. Harland, 448 Avery Rd., RR #4 S2C16, Kelowna BC V1Y 7R3
(604) 764-7364
North Western Model Shipwright's Association England
Meetings: Saturdays at 11:00 am at Edge Hill Cottage, Chorley
Contact: H. R. Snape, Chairman, 10 Wendover Rd., Carleton,
Poulton-le-Fylde, England FY6 7PT
NAUTICAL SOCIETIES
Nautical Research Guild (U. S.) $25.00 membership
Publishes the quarterly journal Nautical Research Journal
Contact: Nautical Research Guild, 19 Pleasant Street, Everett, MA 02149
Scale Ship Modeler's Association
Clubs interested in becomming members should contact:
Matt O'Neill, SSMA Club Director, 1880 Emmanual Church Road, Huntington,
Maryland 20639
Society for Nautical Research
Publishes the quarterly journal The Nariner's Mirror
Contact: Hon. Secretary Derek G. Law, Librarian, King's College London
University of London, Strand, London WC2 2LS, England
Nautical Archaeology Society
Publishes the quarterly journal International journal of Nautical
Archaeology and Underwater Exploration in association with Academic
press.
Contact: Institute of Archaeology, Gordon Square, London WC1H OPY, England
Arbeitskreis historischer Schiffbau
German. Publishes the quarterly journal Das Logbuch.
Foreningen Allmogebatar
Swedish. Publishes the quarterly journal Trabiten.
Klubb Maritim
Swedish. Publishes the journal Batologen six times per year.
Kontaktudvalget for dansk maritim historie- og samfundsforskning
Danish. Publishes the anual yearbook Martim Kontakt.
Marinehistorisk Selskab
Danish. Publishes the quarterly journal Marinehistorisk Tidskrift.
Contact: Marinehistorisk Selskab, Overgaden oven Vandet 58,
DK-1415 K&oslas; benhaven K, Denmark
Marinarkeologiska Samfundet
Swedish. Publishes the quarterly journal Marinarkeologisk Tidskift.
Sjo Samfundet
Swedish. Publishes the annual yearbook Forum Navale.
John Kopf
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Expires: Fri, 7 April 1995 00:00:00 GMT
This is the Frequently Asked Questions FAQ (part 3) on ship modeling.
The questions being addressed are:
(FAQ Part I):
1. I don't have the patience to build a ship model (?)
2. What is a good beginner's model to start with?
3. What is "lead sickness"?
4. What is meant by "Museum Quality" ship models?
5. Should models be painted or left natural wood?
6. How do I install ratlines?
7. What woods are recommended?
8. Where can I find plans for the Frigate (HMS) Rose?
9. Do ratlines extend beyond the futtock shrouds to the lubbers hole?
Is the futtock shroud tied directly to the main shroud.?
10. How does one assemble rigging?
11. How can rigging line be made to hang naturally?
12. How does one change the scale of plans?
13. What can be used for fine rigging line?
(FAQ Part II):
100. Are there any ship modeling clubs?
(FAQ Part III & IV):
101. Where can I find... ?
(FAQ Part V):
102. Where can I find information... ?
(FAQ Part VI):
103. What are some good books... ?
###############################################
101. Where can I find... ?
RECOMMENDED BEGINNER KITS
=========================
Bluejacket: Eastport Pinky, Bluenose
Model Shipways: Phantom, Katy, Sultana
A. J. Fisher: Pilot Scooner, Lark
Model Expo: Gjoa, Swift, Scottish Maid, pinky
NOTE: This list is provided by the Nautical Research Guild.
This list is provided as a service to model builders, and the listing
of the businesses does not infer an endorsement ofthe products or
service by the Nautical Research Guild. Specific references can be
obtained by applying directly to the business.
KITS, FITTINGS, ETC.
--------------------
A. J. Fisher 313-541-0352
1002 Etowah Ave.
Royal Oaks, Michigan 48067
(Solid-hull kits, brass ship & yacht fittings, prints, books)
Catalog - $3.00
Air Land and Sea 703-684-5118
1215 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(Out of production kits)
Arror Graphics 416-692-4921
R.R. #1
York, Ontario N0A 1R0
canada
(Canadian flags, markings)
Amherst Minatures (W. J. Marshall) 313-485-2855
1220 S. Congress
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(scale model warships & more)
Catalog - $2.00
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc. 908-687-8857
378 Florence Ave.
Hilside, NJ 07205
(Free, Fantastic Layout Booklet. For free copies, send #10 S.A.S.E.
(52 cents). )
Catalog - Free(1994)
BaD Ship Models 516-145-1175
P.O. Box 786
Middle Island, NY 11953
(1:96 plank on frame kits)
Bluejacket Shipcrafters 800-448-5567
P. O. Box 425-N 207-567-3525
Stockton Springs, Maine 04981-0425
(solid hull & POF kits, brass & britannia fittings, plans,
wood, books, custom casting available)
Catalog - $2.00
Blue Water Navy 803-767-4209
P.O.Box 8421, Festival Center
Charlston, SC 29418
(resin, white metal & etched brass kits - don't know scales; latest
is ~8.5 inch Russian Alfa Class Submarine: $35.00)
Classic Warships
Box 57591
Tucson, AZ 85732
(1:700 Warships USS California, West Virginia, Detroit, Alaska.
Italian Battleships Cavour, Littorio, Zara Cruiser. New, ship
model rulers. $3 catalog. [from Todd Hoogerland])
C H Enterprises 805-684-3673 (Eve. & weekends)
P. O. Box 31146
Santa Barbara, CA 93130-1146
(Kits, books, tools & supplies - "Tattered Ensign")
Catalog - $3.00 (refundable); SASE for current specials
Coast Guard Models 708-437-4687
110 Essex Road
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(Hulls & semi-kits)
Cole's Power Models (Betty Cole)
839 E. Front St.
P. O. Box 788
Ventura, CA 93002
(Marine and other steam engines, castings, supplies)
Darnel Models +44 (0)923 673107
33 High Street
Watford
Herts
WD3 7AE
England
(Type VII german submarine)
D&E Minatures 804-468-4687
835 Holly Hedge Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(1:96 resin subs, including SKIPJACK; Water-tight Cylinders)
Dragon Model & Pattern 206-465-2427
231 Hull Road
Grays River, WA 98621
(1:200 resin subs -- list $1.00)
The Dromedary (Lois & Debbie Roth) 915-584-2445
Ship Modeler's Center
6324 Belton Drive
El Paso, Texas 79912
(Very complete supply of kits, fittings, plans, books, lumber, etc.)
Catalog - $6.00
Dumas 602-623-3742
909 E. 17th Street
Tucson, AZ 85719
(Manufacturer of static and R/C wood & fiberglass kits)
Dynamic Models
Drawer C
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
(Manufacturer of kits & fittings)
Glencoe Models, Inc. 508-869-6877
P.O. Box 864
Northboro, MA 01532
(Plastic 20th century models)
GLEN-L Marine Designs 213-774-2585
9152 Rosecrans, Ca. 90706
(This company sells books, plans, videos, kits and just about
anything you want in the lines of boats. Catalog of boat designs
is ~$4.00.)
Great Planes Model Dist. Co. 217-398-3630
P.O. Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021
(R/C kit distributer)
Hartman Fiberglass R/C 217-795-2275
P.O. Box 86
Argenta, IL 62501
(Manufacturer of kits)
Hobby House's Quarterdeck
5622 Hwy 153
Chattanooga, TN 37343
(Distributer of US & foreign kits -- Catalog - $2.50)
Hobby Lobby
5614 Franklin Pike Circle
Brentwood, TN 37027
(Mail order hobby shop)
Howard Enterprises
P.O. Box 1387
Torrance, CA 90505
(1:20 Higgens & Elco PT kits; boat upgrades & customizing)
International Marine Exchange 215-357-2163
215 Philmont Avenue
Feasterville, PA 19047
(Kits)
JAC Models 603-778-7280
2800A Lafayette Rd. #199
Porthsmouth, NH 03801
(Balsa wood models, Coast Guard boats and cutters, Victory ship
and tugboat -- Catalog: $1.00)
Laughing Whale (Inc. Midwest Boats) == NOW PART OF BLUEJACKET!
Lindberg
328 N. Westwood Ave
Toledo, OH 43607
(Plastic kit manufacturer -- 32 page catalog)
Lone Star Models
P. O. Box 770954
Houston, TX 77215-0954
(Civil War ironclads, 1/92 cast resin with brass and white metal parts.)
McKenzie Company 206-881-2352
P.O. Box 2766
Redmond, WA 98073-2766
(McKenzie Drift Boat model kit)
Maritime Models Greenwich + 081-858 5661
7 Nelson Road
Greenwich, London SE10 England
(Good shop, just outside the gates of the Maritime Museum at Greenwich)
Maritime Museum Models 310-548-7618
Los Angeles Maritime Museum
P.O. Box 1147
San Pedro, CA 90731
(Fiberglass hulls of warships & commercial vessels)
Masterpieces in Minature
P.O. Box 387
Medford, MA 02155
Midwest Product Co., Inc 219-942-1134
400 S. Indiana St.
P.O. Box 564
Hobart, IN 46342
("Rainbow" - America's Cup J-Boat Class Racer)
call to locate nearest dealer
Model Boats Unlimited 609-783-9163
P.O. Box 1135
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
(Warship & pleasure boats)
The Model Dockyard +44 (0)1872-222120 (Phone & Fax)
Truro, Cornwall
TR1 1NN, England E-Mail: mo...@dockyard.co.uk
Model Expo, Inc. 800-222-3876
P. O. Box 1000
Mt. Pocono Industrial Park
Tobyhanna, PA. 18460-9985
(Specializes in imported plank-on-bulkhead kits, some others,
fittings, books, tools)
Model Shipways Division - (well researched kits - solid hull
& POF, fittings, books specifically covering many of their
models)
Espec. Recommended - "Neophyte Ship Modeler's Jackstay" by
Campbell, and "Historic Ship Models" by zu Mondfelt)
Combined Catalog - $2.00
Model Shipways == ACQUIRED BY MODEL EXPO!
Midwest Products Co 219-942-1134
P.O. Box 564
Hobart, IN 46342
(Manufactured of small craft)
The Naval Base 516-295-9525
558 Willow Avenue
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
(One of the few sources for Nichimo 1/500 scale Japanese warships,
and have a nice catalog.)
Naval Works 714-646-6746
1964 Federal Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(1:700 resin kits)
The Naval Base 516-295-9525
560 Willow Avenue
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
(They carry pretty much all of the current-production plastic ship
models. They also list the following Pre-WWII resin kits (some
scratchbuilding is required). [from Todd Hoogerland]).
( Unlike most model catalogs, the kits are grouped by catagory,
i.e. British Battleships, American Aircraft Carriers, Japanese Subs,
etc. Scales and kit manufacturers are all mixed up within catagories,
though. Prices don't look that great, but they do have a lot of
stuff most mail order places don't carry and the novel organization
by ship type is very useful. [from Matt Melchert]).
North River Scale Models, Inc.(Jim & Marilyn Roberts) 201-328-3833
P. O. Box 426
Dover, N. J. 07802
(POF & solid kits, cannon, linen line, brass & brittiania
fittings, re-issuing Marine Model kits - Catalog - $3.00)
Pacific Front Hobbies 206-821-2564
11804 NE 138th
Kirkland, WA 98034
(Distributer 1:700 resin kits by Naval Works)
Pleasant Cove Models
17-N Potter Rd gin...@pcm.ultranet.com (EMAIL)
Framingham MA 01701 http://www.ultranet.com/~ginger
(Wood kits of small craft, built like full size boats. Sea Bird Yawl,
Skiff, Canoes, Lobster Boats, etc. Also made to order cases and
custom machine shop work related to model boats.)
Catalog - $2.00
Precision Scale Model Engineering 508-478-3148
33 Harding Street
Milford, MA 01757
(Precision tools, materials, lights, fiber optics, pneumatics, motors,
gears, bearings, couplings and hardware -- catalog: $3.00 - payable
to Lawrence J. Milo)
The Scale Shipyard / Warship Hulls Unlimited 312-428-5027
5866 Orange Ave. #3
Long Beach, CA. 90805-4146
(WWI-present fiberglass hulls, etc.)
Catalog - $6.00
Select Hobby Supplies 203-633-9064
P.O. Box 723
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(Dealer kits & fittings)
Ship Ahoy Models and Minatures 617-233-6134
18 Cooper St. Boston, MA 02133
(models and tools -- catalog $1.00)
The Ship Model Shop 508-255-5373
Deerfield Lane
P.O. Box 536
Eastham, MA 02642
(Manufacturer modern warship kits -- Designed Fletcher for Bluejacket)
Ships N'Things 908-722-0075
P.O. Box 605-D
Somerville, NJ 08876
(R/C & Static -- Catalog - $5.00 (refundable)
Scaleships (Armand Veronico) 310-822-8945
P O Box 12131
Marina del Rey, CA 90295
(large variety of fiberglass hulls)
Scale Specialties 714-535-7486
P. O. Box 1117
Fullerton, CA
(Wargaming accessories, art prints, archival documents (declassified) )
Catalog - $5.00
Sirmar Model Ship Fittings +44 384 263252
P.O Box 127
Stourbridge
West midlands
DY8 5XY
England
(1:96 fiberglass model of U.S.S. Farion (56" long), U.S.S.
Ticonderoga (7.5" long). [from Nick Tonkin])
Slagel Models, Inc.
P.O. Box 1639
Longview, WA 98632-7791
(Manufacturer nuclear submarine resin kits)
Squadron Mail Order
1115 Crowley Drive
Carrollton, TX 75011-5010
(Dealer plastic kits - ships, planes, armor)
Thoroughbred Figures
3833 Buckhorn Place
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(1:600 white metal Civil War ironclads & ships)
Tower Hobbies 800-637-6050
P.O. Box 9078 800-637-4989 (order asst)
Champaign, IL 61826-9078
(Mail order hobby shop)
Valley Plaza Hobbies 702-887-1027
2211 Mouton Drive 702-887-1027 (FAX)
Carson City, NV 89706-0471
(Model ship kits and supplies)
Catalog - $3.00
32nd Parallel 408-481-3170
P.O. Box 804
Pismo Beach, CA 93448
(manufacturer submarines, R/C)
TOOLS
-----
(Be sure to check out the FAQ for the rec.crafts.jewelery newsgroup, as well;
it's too long to incorporate here.)
Ace R/C 800-322-7121
116 W. 19th Street
P.O. Box 472
Higginsville, MO 64037
(R/C equipment)
Anchor Tools (Bill Schroeter) 201-887-8888
P. O. Box 265
Chathan, N. J. 07928-0265
(Hand tools, jewelers' supplies, Foredom)
Catalog - $3.00 (Refundable)
Blazer Corporation 212-532-1166
114 E. 32nd St.
New York, NY 10016
(micro torches)
Brookstone 603-924-9541 (ordrs - 24 hr)
127 Vose Farm Road 603-924-9511 (Cus. ser. 9-5 EST)
Peterborough, NH 03458
(Unusual tools with a number of gadgets. Nice catalog. Brookstone
has a numnber of stores around the country. You can sometimes find
specific items for less elsewhere.)
CaRa Products 605-987-5924
P.O. Box 221
Canton, SD 57013
(R/C battery chargers)
Craftwoods 800-468-7070
2101 Greenspring Drive
Timonium, MD 21093
(Power tools, bits, knives, chisels, wood, paint, glues, vises, wood
burners and airbrushes)
Catalog - Free woodworking catalog
Dedeco International 914-887-4840
Rt. 97
Long Eddy, NY 12760-0244
(Dental abrasive tools -- free catalog)
Dremel
4916 21st Street
Racine, WI 53406
(Manufacturer of compact power hand tools, saws, sanders
-- free catalog)
Eastern Tool & Supply Co. 212-925-1006 (orders)
149 Grand Street 212-226-3749 (office)
New York, NY 10013 212-925-1010 (Fax)
(call for catalog)
Euro Tools 913-338-3131
11449 Randall Drive
Lenexa, KS 66205
(Swiss & German tools, new extra fine files -- free catalog)
Excel Hobby Blade Corp. 201-278-4000
481 Getty Avenue
Patterson, NJ 07503
(Scissors, vice, blades, gouges, saw blades, etc. -- free catalog)
Foredom Electric Co.
Bethel, CT 06801
(Flex shaft & handpieces)
Gesswein
P.O. Box 3998
255 Hancock Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06605
(Jewelers hand tools, casting equipment)
H & R
18 Canal Street
P.O. Box 122
Bristol, PA 19007-0122
(Science, R/C batteries)
Industrial Abrasives Co. 800-428-2222
642 N. 8th Street
Box 14955
Reading, PA 19612
(Sanding tools)
Jarmac, Inc. 217-789-7290
P.O. Box 2785
Springfield, IL 62708
(small table saw, 4" disk sander)
Jim Davis
8038 Oacjard Ave., N.E.
Elk River, MN 55330
(Scale Nautical Tool Co. product line)
K. H. Lee Jewelry & Craft Tools (Kenneth H. Lee) 800-435-4966
9078 Artesia Blvd. 310-920-3834
Bellflower, CA 90706
(New & used tools and equipment, some of which are useful for modelers)
Klein Design Inc. 206-226-5937
17910 SE 110th Street 206-226-2756 (FAX)
Renton, WA 98059
(Small scale wood turning lathe, tools & videos -- catalog: free)
Mascot Precision Tools 201-939-6700
750 Washington Ave
Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(Small hand tools)
Micro-Mark 800-225-1066
340 Snyder Ave. 908-665-9383 (FAX)
Berkeley Heights, N. J. 07922-1595
(Specializes in tools for minature & model builders; Cat. excellent)
Catalog - $1.00 (Free with order)
Miracle Point 800-682-4256
P.O.Box 71
Crystal Lake, IL 60039
(Pliers)
NorthWest Short Line 206-932-1087
Box 423 206-935-7106 (FAX)
Seattle, WA 98111
(tools include "chopper", "True Sander", & "Dupli-cutter")
Details - free
Paul H Gesswein & Co., Inc. 203-366-5400
255 Hancock Ave.
P O Box 3998
Bridgeport, CT 06605-0936
(cutting & grinding bits)
Catalog $5.00
Paasche Airbrush Co. 708-867-9191
744 W. Lawrence Ave.
Harwood Heights, IL 60656-3497
(AIr brushes & paint booths)
PanaVise
1485 Southern Way
Sparks, NV 89431
(vises)
Preac Tool Co., Inc. (Charlie Files) 516-333-1500
512 Main St.
Westbury, N. Y. 11590-Dept. MS
(**EXCELLENT** 4"x6" table saw, small clamps, new thickness sander)
Catalog - SASE
Proedge 201-764-1120
Maple Grange Road
P.O. Box 888
Vernon, NJ 07462
Progress Machine & Tool Corp. 800-227-9775
610 South Broadway Suite 510 213-489-7262
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(cutting & grinding bits)
Royal Products
P.O. Box 453
Running Springs, CA 92382
(Thickness sander - free brochure)
RDA Productions 509-292-8157
P.O. Box 68
Elk, WA 99009-0068
(various parts to convert a Dremel tool into a lathe, saw, etc.)
The Sanding Catalog
P.O. Box 3737
Hickory, NC 28603-3737
(Made to order abrasive sheets)
Sherline Products, Inc (Carl Hammons) 800-541-0735
170 Navajo St. 619-744-3674
San Marcos, CA 92069 619-744-1574 (fax)
(Sherline lathes)
Syntax Mfg & Distributing 909-589-9811
249 S. Paseo Tesoro
Walnut, CA 91789
(Micro tourches -- free brochure)
Thayer Chandler 708-816-1611
28835 N. Herky Drive
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
(New Vega 2000 airbrush -- catalog available)
Thurston Manufacturing Co.
45 Borden Street
Providence, RI 02903
(Minature saw blades)
Tools for Model Makers
3 Arlington Street, Drawer S/S
Rochester, NY 14607
(minature clamps)
Wood Carvers' Supply, Inc. 800-284-6229
P. O. Box 7500 (813-698-0123 - Inquiries)
Englewood FL 34295
(Fine knives, chisels, Foredom tools, books, sanders)
Woodworkers Supply
1108 North Glenn Road
Casper, WY 82601
(Carvers tools)
Xuron Corporation
60 Industrial Park Road
Saco, ME 04072
(Pliers, scissors, cutters, photo etch cutters -- free catalog)
Zona Tool Company 800-696-3480
P. O. Box 502 800-299-4208 (FAX)
Bethel, CT 06801
(distributer for Berna Assembler, call to locate nearest retailer)
(This question is continued in Part IV)
John Kopf
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Expires: Fri, 7 April 1995 00:00:00 GMT
This is the Frequently Asked Questions FAQ (part 4) on ship modeling.
The questions being addressed are:
(FAQ Part I):
1. I don't have the patience to build a ship model (?)
2. What is a good beginner's model to start with?
3. What is "lead sickness"?
4. What is meant by "Museum Quality" ship models?
5. Should models be painted or left natural wood?
6. How do I install ratlines?
7. What woods are recommended?
8. Where can I find plans for the Frigate (HMS) Rose?
9. Do ratlines extend beyond the futtock shrouds to the lubbers hole?
Is the futtock shroud tied directly to the main shroud.?
10. How does one assemble rigging?
11. How can rigging line be made to hang naturally?
12. How does one change the scale of plans?
13. What can be used for fine rigging line?
(FAQ Part II):
100. Are there any ship modeling clubs?
(FAQ Part III & IV):
101. Where can I find... ?
(FAQ Part V):
102. Where can I find information... ?
(FAQ Part VI):
103. What are some good books... ?
###############################################
101. Where can I find... ?
(This FAQ is a continuation of part IV)
LUMBER & OTHER MATERIALS
------------------------
Ace Resin (John Nitka) 602-886-8051
7481 E. 30th Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
"At this year's IPMS Nationals, I ran across a vendor which seemed
to have a very good product - both the RTV rubber and the resin.
The rubber I have been getting (Dow-Corning 3110, I think) seems to
be similar to theirs, but the resin seems a whole lot better than
anything else that I have worked with.
John Roll"
A&M Wood Specialty, Inc. 519-653-9322
358 Eagle Street North
P.O. Box 3204
Cambridge, Ontario N3H-4S6
Canada
(Boxwood, etc.)
Alumilite Corp. 616-342-1259
225 Parsons Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(Casting products, low viscosity resins; new product: $PINcaster-9,
machine for casting parts in plastic and low-temperature metals)
American Art Clay Co.
4717 W. 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
("Brush'n Leaf" liquid metal finishes)
Belmont Metals, Inc. 719-342-4900
Attn: Phil Karmel
330 Belmont Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11207
(Britannia metal $12 + in bulk)
Berea Hardwoods (Warehouse) 216-234-7949
6367 Eastland Rd.
Cleveland OH
- or -
Berea Hardwoods (Office) 216-243-4452
125 Jacqueline Drive,
Berea OH 44017
(specializing in unusual woods, but also a good source for
more mundane species. The proprietor is fun to talk to.)
Circuit Board Supplies, Inc. 708-595-7570
820 Maple Lane
Bentsenville, IL 60106
(Coper foil in bulk)
Constantine 800-223-8087
2050 Eastchester Road
Bronx, NY 10461
(Specialty wood for crafts)
Craft Woods 800-468-7070
2101 Greenspring Drive
P.O. Box 527
Timonium, MD 21093
(Carving woods, tools, books, etc. -- free catalog)
Eager Plastics 312-927-3483
3701 South Halstead
Chicago, IL 60609
(Casting materials, resins, RTV, etc.)
Edmond Scientific Co.
101 East Gloucester Pike
Barrington, NJ 08007-1380
(Gears, motors, etc.)
Evergreen Scale Models
12808 N.E. 125th Way
Kirkland, WA 98034
(Plastic material, sheet, formed shapes)
Flagship Models
2204 Summer Way Lane
Edmond, OK 73013
(1:700 photoetched warship fittings)
Floquil-Polly S Color Corp.
4715 State Hwy 30
Amsterdam, NY 12010-9204
(Model ship scale colors)
FOTOCUT 315-662-3356
F. Hultberg
Box 120
Erieville, NY 13061
(Photo etching from your camera ready copy)
Frederick W. Fawcett, Inc. 800-289-9276
1338 Ross St., Petaluma, CA 94954
(hard-laid 100% linen rigging line in many sizes)
Sample card - $1.00
Gold Medal Models
12332 Chapman Ave. #81
Garden Grove, CA 92640
(photo etched fittings)
Gilmor Wood Co. 503-274-1271
2211 N.W. St. Helens Road 503-274-9839 (Fax)
Portland OR 97210
(large variety of unusual woods, such as 16/4 pear, etc.)
GLOBEX (Mike Redman) 510-568-1851
6836 Outlook Ave. 510-521-5409 (Fax)
Oakland, CA 94605
(specializing in laser cutting to your plans! Has the capability of
digitizing from the plans, scalingthe resulting CAM drawings, and
cutting the parts for whatever you want -- bulkhead, Hahn system, or
dockyard! Also has kits consisting of ALL parts laser cut for Hahn
system, or major parts along with wood for you to cut. Also does
laser cuting for other kit suppliers.)
H-R Products
P.O. Box 67
McHenry, IL 60051
(Manufacturer of cast naval fittings)
K&S Engineering 312-586-8556
6917 W. 59th Street
Chicago, IL 60638
(Sheet & formed metal shapes, drills, taps, dies -- Catalog $1.00)
The Lumberyard (Dave Stevens) 216-526-2173
6908 Stadium Dr.
Brecksville, OH 44141
(Pre- and custom-cut hardwoods - pre-cut framing timbers for
HAHN models)
Details - SASE; Catalog $2.50?
Northeastern Scale Models, Inc. 508-688-6019
P. O. Box 727SE
Metheun, Mass. 01844
(Laid-up decking, shaped lumber - 1/4 & 1/2 round, double-bead,
stripwood)
Catalog - $1.00
Pelican Wire Co., Inc 813-597-8555
6266 Taylor Road
Naples, FL 33942
(Nichrome wire for laying up wire rope)
Plastruct 800-666-7015
1020 S. Wallace Place
City of Industry, CA 91748
(Sheet and shaped plastic)
Precision Scale Model Engineering 508-478-3148
33 Harding Street
Milford, MA 01757
(Tools, gears)
Roman Barzana 813-882-4925 (6:30-10 p.m. EST)
8102 N. Sheldon Rd. #1308
Tampa FL 33615
(Fine woods for the serious artist)
Small Parts Inc. 800-423-9009
13980 N.W. 58th Court 303-558-1255 (catalog)
P.O. Box 4650 303-557-7955 (service)
Miami Lakes, FL 33014-0650
(Gears, shapes, parts, etc.)
Special Shapes Co.
P.O. Box 487
Romeoville, IL 60441
(Small brass structural shaoes -- catalog $1.00)
Ron Stetkewicz, minaturist 518-622-8311
HCR-1 Box 61B
Cairo, NY 12413
(Photo etching from your camera ready copy)
Stock Drive Products 516-328-3300
2101 Jerico Turnpike
Box 5416
New Hyde Park, NY 11042
(Belt drives for R/C)
Von Huene Workshop, Inc. 617-232-6288
65 Boylston Street
Brookline, MA 02146
(Boxwood! $3.oo/pound, $45 minimum, + postage. This is a maker
of musical instruments, such as recorders; this wood is of excellent
quality, but consists of pieces he can't use - off cuts, slabs, pieces
with knots and splits; still a great source - our club bought 40+ lbs
and resold individual pieces to members at $.20/oz.)
Warner Woods West 310-326-5177 (eve. & wkends)
2083 Reynosa Drive
P. O. Box 5173
Torrance, CA 90510
(Dommestic & Imported woods, pre- & custom cuts - single, double
triple blocks)
Details - SASE
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
AMW 207-633-3698
P.O. Box 384
East Boothbay, ME 04544-0348
(Custom display cases)
BK Engraving Co. 617-451-1483
373 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
(Brass nameplates engraved to order)
Gbishop 510-820-1986
Geoffrey Bishop
P.O. Box 874
Danville CA 94526
(Resin "dollhouse" architectural castings, but some of them can provide
sources for carved ornimental mouldings - catalog $2.00)
George M. Creations
Crane Rd. Rd 12
Carmel, NY 10512
(Museum Quality Display Cases - Free Brochure)
H&B Precision Card Models 703-281-0813
2026 Spring Branch Dr. 703-281-0813 (FAX)
Vienna, Virginia 22181-2973
(Paper model kits of ships, planes, cars, gliders, space shuttle
and dinosaurs -- catalog: $5.00 with $5.00 coupon)
H. B. Rusk Company 316-552-7381
1279 S. Minnesota
Wichita, KS 67211
(Custom oak display cases)
Hotchkiss Manufacturing 800-444-5005
484 Pleasant Valley Road 503-476-4418 (in OR)
Merlin, OR 97532
("Case Clear", cleans and glazes glass and plexiglass)
HY-TECH 301-916-2280
P. O. Box 111
Odenten, MD 21113-0111
(Fail safes, automatic light controls, water detectors, automatic
circuit breakers and voltage regulators)
Itty Bitty Builder 510-947-1572
Larry Herman
405 Kirby Court
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(Doll house stuff, scales 1:12, 1:24, 1:48; some of the latter
might be useful for ship modeling)
J. A. Gates, Cabinet Maker 207-967-2405
P. O. Box 272
Cape Porpoise, ME 04014
(Museum quality hand rubbed cherry cases. Beautifully finished and
reasonably priced. Satisfaction guaranteed)
Jim Campbell, Artist 408-453-6173
335 W. Rosemary St.
San Jose, CA 95110
Microbrush Corporation (Mark Phillips, VP) 813-572-8444
4505 131st Avenue North #8 813-573-1028 (FAX)
Clearwater, FL 34622
(bendable applicators/brushes for reaching those hard-to-reach places)
Graham K. Salt + 44-329-239561
6 Flamingo Court
Fareham, Hampshire PO16 8PQ England
(Research Historian - Maritime/Military Commissions Accepted)
Stitkewicz Chemical Milling 518-622-8311
HCR 1
Box 61B
Cairo, NY 12413
(Small jobs, Production Jobs, Prototypes)
SHIP MODEL and MARITIME DEALERS, APPRAISERS, BUILDERS, CONSERVERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Admiralty Model Gallery 409-766-1777
Harbor House #28, Pier 21
Galveston, TX 77550
(Models, gifts, restorations)
Altec Plasstics, Inv. 617-269-1400
116 B Street 617-269-8484 (FAX)
Boston, MA 02127
(Acrylic displays and custom model cases)
ALNAVCO 804-442-2323
Box 9
Belle have, VA 23306
(1:1200 w1 metal warships)
American Marine Model Gallery 508-745-5777
R. Michael Wall, Director
12-N Derby Square
Salem, MA 01970
(Fully Illustrated Catalog $8.00)
Ancient Mariner, Inc.
238 15th Street #13
Atlanta, GA 30309
(Antiques)
Andrew Jacobson Marine Antiques 508-468-6276
P.O. Box 2155
South Hamilton, MA 01982
("Americana . Ship Models . Out-of-print Books . Paintings .
Catalogs at Whim . Vintage Photos")
Antiques of the Sea (by appt.) 310-592-1752
16811 Pacific Coast Hwy
Sunset Beach, CA 90742-0023
Arrangements, Inc., Marine Division 914-238-1300
P.O. Box 126
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
(Models)
Bill Thomte T/A, St Michaels 410-745-3080
P.O. Box 299
St. Michaels, MD 21663
(Nautical antiques)
David Air (by appt.) 212-925-7867
8 Beach Street
New York, NY 10013
(Model & marine art & artifacts)
Dockyard Ship Model Gallery 315-824-2462
P. O. Box 303
Hamilton, NY 13346
(Museum quality investment grade ship models)
John Johnson's Steel Navy Models 512-839-2134
2310 Lambros
Midland, MI 48642
("Contract models of 20th century ships costom built for the
discriminating collector. Specializing in USN Warships.
For an illustrated brochure send $2.00")
Lannan Ship Models 617-451-3650
58 Thayer St.
Boston, MA 02118
("Ship Models Wanted")
Marine Model Gallery (Charles R. Hennigen) 919-261-5977
Duck Waterfofront Shops, Duck, NC
P.O. Box 8234, Duck Sta.
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Mystic Maritime Gallery 203-572-8524
Mystic Seaport Museum Stores, Inc.
Mystic, CT 06355
Rob Napier 508-462-6970
62 Marlboro Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-3130
(full- & half-hyll ship models; mdoel conservation and consultation)
North Star Gallery 212-794-4277
1120 Lexington Ave at 78th St.
New York, NY 10021
(Models)
Oliphant & Co. 212-439-0007
790 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021
(Marine arts)
John Pignatelli 310-548-7618
Artist in Residence
L. A. Maritime Museum
Berth 84
San Pedro, CA 90731
(Hand custom crafted ship models built, restored, molds made)
Port & Starboard 207-781-4214
67 Johnson Road
Falmouth, ME 04105
(Antiques & art)
Preston 516-477-1990
Main Street Warf
Greenport, LI, NY 11944
(Dealer, nautical items)
Seacraft Classics 800-356-1987
7850 E. Evans Road, Suite 109
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(Models -- free catalog)
Seafarer Ltd. 609-652-9491
Rt 9, Lily Lake
Oceanville, NJ 08231
(Free brochure, $3.00 for list)
Showcase Model Company
P.O. Box 470
State College, PA 16804-0470
Shuttleworth
P.O.Box 231
West Covina, CA 91792
(Maritime ephemera, models art & antiques)
Tall Ships (Fred E. Tournier) 303-922-9882
Master Model Shipwright
1435 S. Fenton
Lakewood, CO 80226
(Custom-built models, appraisals, repairs)
West Sea Co. 619-296-5356
2495 Congress Street
San Diago, CA 92110
(Nautical antiques and art -- free catalog)
Vallejo 714-642-7945
1610 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(Art & antiques)
Vintage Limited, USA (Joan Scott) 714-249-8687
29761 Weatherwood
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(1:1200 w1 metal warships)
John Kopf
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Expires: Fri, 7 April 1995 00:00:00 GMT
This is the Frequently Asked Questions FAQ (part 5) on ship modeling.
The questions being addressed are:
(FAQ Part I):
1. I don't have the patience to build a ship model (?)
2. What is a good beginner's model to start with?
3. What is "lead sickness"?
4. What is meant by "Museum Quality" ship models?
5. Should models be painted or left natural wood?
6. How do I install ratlines?
7. What woods are recommended?
8. Where can I find plans for the Frigate (HMS) Rose?
9. Do ratlines extend beyond the futtock shrouds to the lubbers hole?
Is the futtock shroud tied directly to the main shroud.?
10. How does one assemble rigging?
11. How can rigging line be made to hang naturally?
12. How does one change the scale of plans?
13. What can be used for fine rigging line?
(FAQ Part II):
100. Are there any ship modeling clubs?
(FAQ Part III & IV):
101. Where can I find... ?
(FAQ Part V):
102. Where can I find information... ?
(FAQ Part VI):
103. What are some good books... ?
###################################################
102. Where can I find information... ?
A. There are a number of research sources available.
NOTE: This list is provided by the Nautical Research Guild.
This list is provided as a service to model builders, and the listing
of the businesses does not infer an endorsement ofthe products or
service by the Nautical Research Guild. Specific references can be
obtained by applying directly to the business.
BOOK COMPANIES
--------------
Anthony J. Simmonds 011-44-81-853-1727
23 Nelson Road
Greenwich, London SE10 9JB
England
(antiquarian, new and used books on all aspects of naval and
maritime history)
Antiquarian Archive 415-949-1593
379 State Street
Los ALtos, CA 94022
(Used books, search services)
Armchair Sailor Bookstore
Lee's Warf
Newport, RI 02840
(New and used general maritime)
Bill Corkhill 203-445-0883
21 Country Club Road
Grotton, CT 06340
The Bookstore 800-331-BOOK
Mystic Seaport Museum Store
Mystic, CT 06355
(New and used books)
Centaur Forge Ltd. 414-763-9175
117 North Spring Street 414-763-8350 (FAX)
P.O. Box 340
Burlington, WI 53105-0340
(The company sells blacksmiths & horseshoers' supplies, but the
catalog contians an extensive list of books, some of which -- on
topics such as casting, metalworking, engraving, etc. -- may be
of interest -- catalog $5.00)
Coastal Forces
136 West Broadway
Bangor, ME 04401
(Books & plans)
Columbia Trading Company 508-362-8966
504 Main Street (Rt. 6A)
West Barnstable, MA 02668
(Large selection of out-of-print books from stock of 10,000 books)
Catalog - Free
Connecticut River Books 203-873-8881
Goodspeed Landing
East Hadam, CT 06423
(Used and rare books)
Cornell Maritime Press 410-758-2478
P.O. Box 456
Centreville, MD 21617
(New books on contemporary maritime)
Crawfords Nautical Books 703-534-8521
5520 North 16th Street
Arlington, VA 22205
Cross Hill Books
P.O. Box 798
Brunswick, ME 04011
Hallenbook 518-392-4526
County Route 9 518-392-4557 (Fax)
P.O. Box 357
Chatham, New York 12037
(Books and videos)
J. Tuttle 608-238-SAIL
1806 Laurel Crest
Madison, WI 53705
(Out-of-print and Rare Books about the Sea, Ship & Sailor)
Jean Boudriot Publications
Ashley Lodge
Rotherfield, East Sussex TN6 3QX, England
(New & facsimily reproductions on European sail)
Edward J. Lefkowitz, Inc. 508-997-6839
Box 630 (508-996-6407 Fax)
Fairhaven MA 02719
(Ships & the sea: rare, antiquarian & select reference books)
Linsey Publications Inc. 815-935-5353
P.O. Box 538
Bradley, IL 60915-0538
(Specializes in reprints of "unusual technical books of exceptionally
high quality revealing skills and secret processes almost forgotten."
-- free catalog)
Nautical Bookshelf 800-249-9446
1344 Broadway - Suite 123 st...@nautical.com (EMAIL)
Hewlett, NY 11557 gopher://nina.internet.com:2550/11/on-line
(mostly modern books, but - since on-line - worth a look)
Naval Institute Press 800-233-8764
2062 Generals' Highway, Preble Hall
Anapolis, MD 21402
(numerous books, discount to members)
Pier Books (Dave & Sandy Roach) 914-268-5845
P. O. Box 5
Piermont, NY 10968
(Excellent selection of used & new ship modeling & nautical books;
knowledgable)
Phoenix Publications, Inc. 414-377-7888
P. O. Box 128
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(Publishers of ship modeling books)
Brochure - free
Rocky Mountain Shipyard 1-800-546-SHIP
590 Ronlin St. 303-434-5327
Grand Junction, CO 81504-5570
(books & plans)
St. Andrews Books 803-772-4551
Tom & Jill Bettendorf
P. O. Box 210756
Columbus, SC 29221
(used books)
catalog (77 p.) - $3.00
Ten Pound Island Book Co. 508-283-5299
76 Langsford St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
(books, marine art, antiques & instruments, logbooks, maps and charts)
catalog - free
W. Wiegand & Co.
Box 563
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(Out-of-print Maritime Books -- free catalog)
Catalog - free
Wisconsin Maritime Museum Mariner's Gift Shoppe 414-684-0218
75 Maritime Drive 414-684-0219 (Fax)
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(write for book list)
MAGAZINES & PUBLICATIONS
------------------------
The American Neptune
The Peabody Museum of Salam
161 Essex Street, East India Square
Salem, MA 01970
(Academic)
Fine Scale Modeler
Kalmbach Publishing Co.
P.O. Box 1612
Waukesha, WI 53187
(Mainly plastic -- $19.95)
Marine Modelling
Traplet House, Severn Drive
Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire WR8 0JL
England
The Mariner's Mirror
Derek G. Law, MA Dip.Lib., FLA
Hon. Secretary, The Society for Nautical Research
Librarian, King's College London
University of London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS
England
(Academic)
Model Ship Builder
Phoenix Publications, Inc. 414-377-7888
P. O. Box 128
Cedarburg, WI 53012
Subscription - 1 year (6 issues): $23; 2 years: $43
Model Shipwright
Conway Maritime Press Ltd.
101 Fleet Street
London EC4Y 1DE
England
(English Quarterly)
Subscription - available through The Dromedary; 1 year: $36.00
Nautical Collector 703-550-6609
P.O. Box 16734
Alexandria, VA 22302
(Collectables & maritime history)
Nautical Research Journal
152 Brayton Rd.
Brighton, Mass. 02135-3049
Subscription - 1 year (4 issues): $25; all subscriptions begin in
January.
Radio Control Boat Modeler
P.O. Box 443
Mount Morris, IL 61054-9858
The Scale Cabinetmaker 703-382-4651
Dorsett Publications, Inc.
P.O. Box 2038
Christiansburg, VA 24073
(Woodworking & tools - dollhouse scale but useful techniques
1 year (4 issues) $22.00)
Scale Ship Modeler
P. O. Box 16149 818-760-8983
No. Hollywood, CA 91606
(mostly modern & RC)
Subscription - 1 year: $26.50
Steamboat Journal
Steamboat Masters & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 3046
Louisville, KY 40201-3046
(Bi-monthly)
Subscription - 1 year: $20.00
Sea History
National Maritime Historical Society
P.O. Box 68
Peekskill, NY 10566
(Nautical Heritage - $30.00)
Seaways - Ships in Scale
Seaways Publishing, Inc. 408-978-5657
2271 Constitution Dr.
San Jose, CA 95124
Subscription - 1 year: $24.95; 2 years: $46.50
U.S. Boat & Ship Modeler
898 W. 16th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Warship International
5905 Reinwood Drive
Toledo, OH 43613
Wooden Boat 207-359-4651
P.O. Box 78
Brooklin, ME 04616
(Full size boats)
PLANS
-----
Capt. Pete Culler's Plans, George "S" Kelley 508-775-2679
20 Lookout Lane
Hyannis, MA 02601
(Schooners, contemporary designs)
Computer Lofting
470 Hillcrest Pl. #5
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(Computer generated plans)
details - SASE
Capt. Pete Culler's Plans 508-775-2679
George "S" Kelley
20 Lookout Lane
Hyannis, MA 02601
(101 traditional designs)
price list - $1.00
Floating Drydock
c/o General Delivery
Kresgeville, PA 18333
(Plans photos & books, mainly warships of WWII)
Eric A. R. Ronnberg, Jr.
P.O. Box 410
Rockport, MA 01966-0410
(Boston Pilot Scooner HESPER of 1884)
Essex Shipbuilding Museum
28 Main Street
Box 277
Essex, MA 01929
(Plans for Schooner EVELINE M. GOULART, 1:48, $20.00; P&S +$3.50)
Harold M. Hahn
1212 Gordon Rd.
Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124
(Plans of a number of Colonial-period ships, drawn by Hahn for
modelers -- Send (business size) SASE for price lists.)
Hart Nautical Collections 617-253-5942
The MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(General archival plans)
John Fryant Plans Service
6508 Dorset Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310
(Proprietary riverboats)
Maryland Silver Company 410-647-9634
P.O. Box 6220
Anapolis, MD 21401
188 p. Catalog - $9.00; Product & Price list - $4.50;
Civil War Maps Catalog - $2.50
Mosquito Boat Hobbies 619-949-9814
Bob Sattler
7173 Locust Ave
Hesperia, CA 92345
(PT Boats)
National Maritime Museum Association
Bldg. 275, Crissy Field, Presidio of SF
San Francisco, CA 94129
(plans: Steam Schooner WAPAMA 1:96 $20; Scow Schooner ALMA 1:48 $16;
monterey fishing boat WETTON 1:12 $16; + $4 shipping (US), $8 overseas)
Musee de la Marine
Palais de Chaillot
Place due Trocadero
F75016 Paris
France
(The national maratime museum of France; plans available, including
a number of plans designed for ship modelers)
P. Young
P.O. Box 1228
Lebec, CA 93243
(WWII Subs)
Repla-tech International
P. O. Box 461000, Cole Branch
Los Angeles, CA 90046-4146
(Plans - mostly modern navy - ask for Scale Ship catalog)
Catalog - $3.00
Smithsonian Institution
Division of Transportation, Room 5010, -or- Division of Naval History, Room 4017
National Musuem of American History
Washington, DC 20560
Taubman Plans Service International 201-435-5205
11 College Dr., Box 4G
Jersey City, N. J. 07305
Very complete plan service, books, research info., MAP plans
- Catalog - $6.50 + $3.50 1st class or $2.00 3rd class shipping;
also has Wiswesser catalog of Warships, Liners, and Merchant marine for
an additional $1.00. Inquiries - send SASE.
Vanguard Model Marine
P.O. Box 708, Station B
Ottawa, Ontario K1P
Canada
Western River Workboats 606-836-1431
1010 Turley Avenue
Flatwoods, KY 41139
(Plans and videos for Inland River Pushboats and Barges
-- Catalog $4.00)
Wisconsin Maritime Museum 414-684-0218
75 Maritime Drive 414-684-0219 (Fax)
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(write for plan list of 19th & 20th century Great Lakes vessels;
plans are typically $7.00 per sheet)
INSTITUTIONS
------------
Caution: in most cases, these are staffed by archivists and librarians,
sometimes with little actual knowledge of the collection.
Be as explicit as possible when making requests -- "tell me
about Clipper Ships" will get you nowhere, whereas "do you
have any information on the Clipper ship 'Rainbow'" is MUCH
more likely to get some sort of response.
(The majority of the folowing sources are taken from "Naval Historical
Resources in Washington", by Dana M. Wegner, Nautical Research Journal,
V38 No.2, June 1993.)
Ships Plans
Most existing USN ships' plans 1776-1949:
o U.S. National Archives
NNSC
Washington, DC 20408
(703) 756-6700
The only source for ships' plans within the Navy for ships built
after World War II:
o Director of Congressional and Public Affairs
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington, DC 20362
(703) 602-1575
Plans of USN ships 1776 to about 1917:
o Division of Military History
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 357-1781
Plans for USN small boats:
o Small Boats published periodically by BuShips and NAVSEA since about
1910.
Plans for USN small boats and coastal craft:
o Naval Sea Combat Systems
Engineering Stations
835 Philpotts Road
Norfolk, VA 23513
(804) 444-9160
Plans for commercial ships:
o Division of Water Transportation
Smithsonial Institution
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 357-2025
o National Maritime Museum Association
Bldg. 275, Crissy Field, Presidio of SF
San Francisco, CA 94129
o Essex Shipbuilding Museum
28 Main Street
Box 277
Essex, MA 01929
Records
o U.S. National Archives
Military Records Branch
Washington, DC 20408
(202) 501-5385
Photos and Prints
1776 to about 1945:
o Naval Historical Center
Photo History Archives
Washington, DC 20374
(202)433-2665
o U..S. Naval Academy Museum
Annapolis, MD 21402
(410)267-2108
USN ship, 1945 to present:
o Naval Imaging Command
Washington, DC 20362
Ships, yards, etc.
o National Archives
Military Reference Branch
Washington, DC 20408
Ships:
o The Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20540
Historical Data
Histories of every U.S. Naval ship until publication date:
o Dictionary of American Naval FIghting Ships, 8 volumes, published
by the Government Printing Office 1959-1981
Ships histories 1959 to present:
o Naval Historical Center
Ship's History Branch
Washington Navy Yard
Washington, DC 20374
(202) 433-3643
All unclasified USN log books:
o National Archives
Military Reference Branch
Washington, DC 20408
(202) 523-5385
Some ships' logs to present, clasified operational records:
o Naval Historical Center
Operational Archives Branch
Washington Navy Yard
Washington, DC 20374
(202)433-7230
Interlibrary Loan
o The Navy Library
Washington Navy Yard
Washington, DC 20374
o The Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20540
Other Countries
France:
o Musee de la Marine
Palais de Chaillot
Place due Trocadero
F75016 Parice France
ON THE INTERNET...
FTP / GOPHER access:
Maritime Museums: List is archived at:
byrd.mu.wvnet.edu (129.71.32.152), in:
pub/history/maritime/maritime.new .
Navy Ships: An (IMMENSE!!) list of current ships, archived at:
byrd.mu.wvnet.edu (129.71.32.152), in:
pub/history/military/navy/USN_ships.txt .
UK Maritime Museums: List is archived at:
mailbase.ac.uk in:
/pub/lists-f-j/history-sources/files/maritime-museums .
Nautical Bookshelf: They list how-to books, recountings, adventures, discounts,
email ordering, a key-word searchable catalog, *another* bulletin board, etc.at:
gopher.internet.com
WWW (access using Lynx, Mosiac, Netscape, etc.)
"Maritime History": a GREAT!!! WWW location, maintained by Lars Bruzelius:
http://pc-78-120.udac.se:8001/WWW/Nautica/Nautica.html .
(He also has additional resources at:
http://pc-78-120.udac.se:8001/ ,
...one of which is a set of pointers to other maritime sites at:
http://pc-78-120.udac.se:8001/www/Nautica/Pointers.html .)
Check out "Nautical Bookshelf" at:
gopher://gopher.internet.com:2550/
"Pond Models" (RC Sailboats):
http://honeybee.helsinki.fi/surcp/rcsail.htm .
"Sailing Page" (sailing & tallships):
http://community.bellcore.com/mbr/sailing-page.html .
"Age of Sail":
http://www.cs.yale.edu/HTML/YALE/CS/HyPlans/loosemore-sandra/sail.html
"America's Cup '95" America's Cup On-Line:
http://www.ac95.org/
"CyberWharf" (part of CyberMalls):
http://www.cybermalls.com/cywharf/cywhamal.htm
"Laser WWW Server" (sailing the Laser):
http://www.law.indiana.edu/misc/laser.html
"Melges 24: Hottest New One-Design!":
http://www.fullfeed.com:80/walkerl/Melges24/
"Carl Phillips Yachting Index" (On-line Yacht Brokerage):
http://alpha.aladdin.co.uk/cpy/
"U. S. C. G. R&D Center" (Coast Guard):
http://138.29.250.20/
"National Marine Fisheries Service":
http://kingfish.ssp.nmfs.gov/home-page.html .
The Marine Tech group of Oregon State University College of Oceanographic
and Atmospheric Sciences has brought up a new Mosaic Home Page for our ship
R/V WECOMA. It is available at:
http://lubber.oce.orst.edu/Wecoma/WecomaHome.html
"Nauticus" has a WWW home page at:
http://www.nauticus.org/Nauticus/nauticus.html
"Kelsey Museum Educational and Outreach Programs":
http://classics.lsa.umich.edu/Kelsey/Outreach.html
"Library WWW Servers" has a large list of on-line libraries:
httl://www.lib.washington.edu/~tdowling/libweb.html
"Angelo Mascaro Sailing Page" at the following url:
http://www.inrete.it/vela/vela.html
English reader could prefer the following:
http://www.inrete.it/vela/sail.html
"Shoals Marine Laboratory" at the following url:
http://www.sml.cornell.edu/Shoals.home.html
LIST SERVERS
TALLSHIP (Sailing and Operation of Traditional Sailing Vessels): send Email to:
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John Kopf
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Expires: Fri, 7 April 1995 00:00:00 GMT
This is the Frequently Asked Questions FAQ (part 6) on ship modeling.
The questions being addressed are:
(FAQ Part I):
1. I don't have the patience to build a ship model (?)
2. What is a good beginner's model to start with?
3. What is "lead sickness"?
4. What is meant by "Museum Quality" ship models?
5. Should models be painted or left natural wood?
6. How do I install ratlines?
7. What woods are recommended?
8. Where can I find plans for the Frigate (HMS) Rose?
9. Do ratlines extend beyond the futtock shrouds to the lubbers hole?
Is the futtock shroud tied directly to the main shroud.?
10. How does one assemble rigging?
11. How can rigging line be made to hang naturally?
12. How does one change the scale of plans?
13. What can be used for fine rigging line?
(FAQ Part II):
100. Are there any ship modeling clubs?
(FAQ Part III & IV):
101. Where can I find... ?
(FAQ Part V):
102. Where can I find information... ?
(FAQ Part VI):
103. What are some good books... ?
###############################################
103. What are some good books... ?
A: What you will consider a "good book" repends GREATLY upon the period
and style of modeling you do -- a book on plastic submarines will
prove of little use if you are researching ships of ancient Egypt.
Instead, the following list(s) are by general topic. Prices, where
shown, indicate the book is currently in print. these are the LIST
price; such books are frequently available for much less in "remainder"
book sales or as used books.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
-----------------
"The Neophite Shipmodeller's Jackstay", George F. Campbell; Softbound, 62 pages
Probably the best basic introduction to wooden shipmodeling.
"Ship Modeler's Shop Notes", Nautical Research Guild; Softbound, 216 pages,
($19.95)
Practical book for all ship modelers; a compilation of shipmodeling
articles from the Nautical Research Journal.
SHIPMODELING TECHNIQUES
-----------------------
"The Ship Model Builder's Assistant", Charles G. Davis; Softbound, 288 pages
($6.95)
Detailed descriptions and drawings of masts, rigging, and major fittings
of American clippers and packets.
"the Built-Up Ship Model", Charles G. Davis; Softbound, 256 pages ($6.95)
A detailed guide to building a ship model, in this case the brig Lexington
(American, 1775).
"Boat Modeling the Easy Way A Scratch Builder's Guide", Harold H. "Dynamite"
Payson; Paperback, 195 pages, illustrations, photographs, 8 1/2 x 11 ($19.95)
ISBN 0-87742-320-2
"Boat Modeling with Dynamite Payson - A Step-by-step Guide to Building
Models of Small Craft", Harold H. "Dynamite" Payson; Paperback, 182 pages, 280
illustrations, 8 1/2 x 11, ($19.95)
"Ship Modeling from Scratch - Tips and Techniques for Building Without Kits",
Edwin B. Leaf, Paperback, 184 pages, drawings, 7 3/8 x 9 1/8 ($17.95)
ISBN 0-87742-389-X
"Building Plank-on-Frame Ship Models", Ron McCarthy; 8vo, 192 pages,
illustrated, Conway Maritime Press, London, 1994 ($34.95)
PERIOD SHIP RESEARCH
--------------------
"Navy Board Ship Models, 1650-1750", John Franklin; Hardbound, 192 pages,
150 photos, 16 color plates($36.95)
Survey of dockyard models, their construction and function.
"Shipcarver's Handbook", Jay S. Hanna, Hardcover, 108 pages, 7 1/8 x 10 (17.95)
ISBN 0-937822-14-0
Design and lettering, set-up and carving techniques, woods, tool sharpening,
finishing and gold leafing (full-size modern practice).
"Ashley Book of Knots", Clifford W. Ashley, Hardcover, 610 pages, 8 3/4 x 11 1/4
($50.00)
ISBN 0-385-04025-4
Standard reference work on knots, splicing, etc.
SPECIFIC SHIP AND SHIP-TYPE RESEARCH
------------------------------------
"Old Ironsides - The Rise, Decline and Resurrection of the USS Constitution",
Thomas C. Gillmer, Hardcover, 239 pages, photographs, 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 ($24.95)
ISBN 0-87742-346-6
"Die Kieler Hansekogge, der Nachbau eines historischen Segelschiffes von 1380",
Baykowski, U., RKE-Verlag, Kiel 1991
The Anatomy of the Ship series of books. Each volume covers a specific vessel
(list $32.95 each)
The Aircraft Carrier Intrepid
The Aircraft Carrier Victorious
The Type VII U-Boat
The Type XXI U-Boat
The Destroyer Campbeltown
The Cruiser Belfast
The Destroyer Escort England
The 74-Gun Ship Bellona
The Submarine Alliance
The Battleship Warspite
The Battleship Yamato
The Destroyer The Sullivans
The Cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni
The Frigate Diana
The 20-Gun ship Blandford
The Susan Constant, 1607
The Armed Transport Bounty
The Royal Yacht Caroline
The Bomb Vessel Granado, 1742