| SHIP MODEL BUILDING - WHERE DO I BEGIN | | | | expensive kit and change out the fittings and |
| At CAST YOUR ANCHOR, we are often asked a | | | | wood to a higher quality if you wish. |
| number of questions about ship model building | | | | What kind of tools do I need? We always |
| from people who are interested in starting the | | | | recommend keeping the tool selection simple. |
| hobby. We have compiled questions that are | | | | First, look around your home to see what you |
| typically asked during the selection processes. | | | | already have or can adapt. A good hobby knife, |
| Check out our web site at Cast Your Anchor. | | | | small saw and miter box, glue and sandpaper will |
| What is the most important thing I should know | | | | get you going. You can make many home made |
| before I start the hobby of model ship model | | | | jigs that will help you in the construction of the |
| building? The model building experience is meant to | | | | model. |
| be fun not frustrating. By selecting the right model | | | | What are instructions like that come with the |
| for your skill level you will achieve a piece of art | | | | kits? North American kits come with reasonably |
| that you will be very proud of. During the | | | | good instructions. There can be issues with some |
| process, you will find that you will become very | | | | of the European terminology. Entry level kit |
| interested in learning both the construction | | | | instructions are also fairly explicit. With |
| techniques and the history of the model you have | | | | intermediate level and ambitious kits, the |
| selected to build. The most important thing to | | | | instructions usually apply to the particular model |
| remember though is to have fun. | | | | itself as opposed to general modeling techniques. |
| What is a good starter kit? There are two | | | | There are very good books on general model |
| somewhat challenging tasks when assembling a | | | | building that you can use to augment the |
| model. Construction of the hull and rigging. To | | | | instructions that come with the kit |
| begin with, look for a hull that is somewhat | | | | What if I break a piece or run out of material |
| straight or square shaped. A schooner type boat | | | | that comes with the kit? We are able to obtain all |
| is also a good entry level shape. Bending and | | | | material that comes with a kit. Extra wood, rigging |
| tapering wood for these types of models can be | | | | and fittings are available so there should be no |
| done without any special tools. You want to have | | | | worries about running out of material. |
| a model that has some rigging and even a few | | | | How do I start the construction? Most kits are |
| rat lines but not layers of rigging that you will | | | | plank on frame. It is really important to build a |
| have to contend with. Check out our challenging | | | | good frame. The frame consists of a false keel, |
| model ships for the enthusiast. | | | | bulkheads and false decks. Although all of the |
| What is the difference between manufacturers of | | | | pre-shaped pieces of wood are laser cut, they will |
| kits? Generally speaking, North American | | | | require some sanding. With the frame built |
| manufactured kits will have to be painted. The | | | | correctly, you won't have much trouble with the |
| second layer of wood for planking the hull of a | | | | application of the planking materials. |
| European kit will generally be a good quality | | | | Above all, have fun, enjoy the ship model building |
| veneer. This gives you the option to paint the | | | | experience. Learn building techniques and the |
| model or leave the wood natural. | | | | history of the ship that you are building. |
| Why are some kits more expensive than others? | | | | Remember that no matter what your children |
| Other than the size of the model, the quality and | | | | say to you today about your endeavours, they |
| range of fittings and wood will be better in a kit | | | | will appreciate your effort years from now. |
| that is more expansive. You can buy a less | | | | |