What makes a good ship model?
The
characteristics of a good ship model are quite subjective, however, the following is a comprehensive list of what
we believe are the defining traits that all period
model ships should have to be classified as a quality ship
model. Raise the questions below as a guide to weigh quality
against price to help you choose a ship model:
Does the overall look of the ship model
appear well-proportioned?
Your model should immediately draw your
attention and make you think of the real ship. Although this
perception is in the eye of the beholder, there are some
technical and professional guidelines to satisfy the discerning
person that they are buying a quality ship model. A thorough
evaluation requires at least the following:
1. The Materials used:
Ship models can be made in a variety of
materials such as wood, resin, plastic, plaster, precious and
base metals, crystal, glass and even paper. Quality period
sail ship models to be more authentic, they should be made of
similar material to the original ships, that is mostly wood.
For modern warships, plastic or resin is sometimes more
appropriate.
2. The Hull:
Hulls can be built using the solid hull,
planked over solid hull, plank on solid frame or plank on
built-up frame methods. The most difficult, and in our
opinion the most discerning, is the plank on built-up frame
technique. It involves building a frame structure and moulding
and nailing fine wood pieces onto that frame one piece at a
time. This delicate and time-consuming process immediately
brings physical and dimensional presence to a model. It also
imposes on the craftsperson a requirement to construct a
symmetrical line for the hull.
The type of decking used, including the
type of wood. Deck furniture craftsmanship, joinery and
fittings all play an important part in the craftsmanship of
the vessel and its overall consistency and longevity.
Also consider the varnish or paint utilised
on the hull. Does it have a matt finish, or is it too glossy?
A glossy varnish takes away some of the grace of a period
model, while a matt finish can appear quite dull. Antique
model ships often have a dull looking hull. The best finish
should be a semi-gloss finish to attract the eye without
taking the shine from the remainder of the model.
The quality of construction of a hull is at
least partly visible to the naked eye, so take the time to
examine it.
3. The Rigging:
This is usually where an outstanding
quality model sets itself apart from even moderate quality
models or kits. A high quality ship model should, foremost,
have tight and full rigging. A strong rigging will mean the
model will keep its overall look for many years to come. In
contrast, a low quality rigging is one where the rigging can
be stretched and has not been properly fastened. A poor
quality rigging will start sagging with time and reduce the
appearance of the ship model.
4. The Sails:
Sails can quickly distinguish a badly made
model from a better quality model. Once again, the overarching
measure is what you would find on the original ship. Care
needs to taken here as some models do not have sails at all.
It does not mean that they are of inferior quality, but simply
that the modeling artist has decided to showcase the rigging
instead. It is then a matter of preference. As a general rule,
at White Sails, we prefer to showcase the ship model as the
original ship would have been, i.e. with sails when the
original ship had sails.
A reasonable quality model should have
flowing sails, not rigid ones - so they should be made of
material, not paper or other inflexible material. They should
be sown all around the edges to increase their strength and
durability. Sails should be properly tinted to give them the
aged appearance without causing the material to age
prematurely, which would decrease the value of the model.
5. Fine details, including metal
pieces:
Anchors, railings and canons should be made
of metal, not plastic. Figureheads should be made in keeping
with the original ship. Most period ships had a wooden
figurehead. Some had a metal feature. On larger models, canons
holds should open and close.
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How to choose my ship model?
It is important to firstly decide what type
of display to achieve. A ship model can simply be a decorative
piece, possibly to complement a nautical theme or a business
operating in a related field. It may be a gift for the
discerning person who has everything else! An individual
might decide to focus only on certain period ships which need to
be custom made as the latter have never been replicated. An
enthusiast may try her hand at building her first model, for
which a kit may be best. An avid collector may search for
quality model ships to add to the collection as the plan is to
build a lasting collection to be passed down to the following
generation.
The above will help you decide how much to
budget and where to buy your model ship.
Why should I purchase a hand
made ship model?
Ship models can be 'scratch-built' or
commercially manufactured. The following are our definitions and
classifications of these terms:
Scratch-built Models:
There are no manufactured items except for cordage, chain, and
fastenings as pins, nails and name tags. Materials such as
timber, metal, tubing, wire and milled shapes can be considered
raw materials. Photo-etched, laser-cut, cast, or similar parts
mechanically or chemically duplicated by others from the
entrant's original master or pattern can be considered as
scratch-built. Such models are the most difficult and
time-consuming models to built.
Partly Scratch-built Models:
Models based on pre-made scratch built hulls. Fittings are
sometimes designed and produced by others.
Kit Models:
Models are constructed from commercial manufactured kits and/or
hulls. These kit model ships may be appropriate for the
enthusiast who likes to build or for educational purposes.
With White Sails, you are assured to only
obtain scratch-built models.
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How to spot a kit model?
This can be challenging for novice and intermediate collectors,
however the trained eye immediately recognises a kit model due
to the construction of the model.
The best method is to obtain copies of catalogues printed by
some of the major commercial kit ship model manufacturers (see
our list of kit
manufacturers) to become familiarise yourself with
the various types of models available. Note that the
various types of hull construction methods that kits employ are
mostly either solid-block hull or plank-on-bulkhead methods. The
types and range of commercial metal and plastic fittings sold in
catalogues - like gun barrels, anchors and hatches, although
sometimes utilised sparingly on semi-scratch built ship models,
are usually evidence of kit-built ship models.
What is needed to start a ship
model collection?
Start with a theme or area of
interest. The most popular collections focus around the
following: World War II, steam ships, paddle ships, recent
modern warships, America's Cup yachts, and ships from a
particular region, from a particular battle (such as Napoleonic
Wars), or even shipwrecks from a given coast or ships prominent
in the local history. Consider the size of the models to the
size of the room, and your budget. Once a theme has been
selected, the most important factor is to select the quality of
the first model as this will set the standard for the remainder
of the collection. Many collections include historical
information about the ships, while others are classified into
sub-collections to allow the collector to build several themes.
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Who provides 'museum quality' ship models?
The term 'museum quality' ship model can be quite misleading.
There are, in many maritime museums throughout the world, some
poorly made models being displayed. It is probably best not to
rely on such a term to choose your model ship. Instead, follow
the steps above to obtain a ship model of quality at an
affordable price.
White Sails is proud to include among its master modellers some
of the world's most experienced professionals in the industry.
These craftsmen have developed specialised techniques, often
focusing on one part of the model, while others specialise in
other areas of the craft. These individuals have created unique
ship models that adorn some of the most prestigious collections
in the world.
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How do you cost your ship
models?
The pricing of ship models is largely based on the following
principles:
1. The overall appearance of the finished product;
2. The nature and complexity of the vessel being scaled;
3. The skill level or difficulty of the techniques and methods
used in the hull construction;
4. The fame or popularity of the vessel being modelled; and
5. The availability or scarcity of historical material on the
original vessel being modelled.
When you purchase a ship model from White
Sails, you will gain:
A. A quality model that has been thoroughly inspected before
leaving the factory;
B. A written historical account of the original vessel.
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Should I choose a mass-produced ship model?
Production models are often made by a process of duplication -
via assembly line, casting or any other mass-production method.
This method should not necessarily be automatically discredited
as in some cases it results in professional craftspeople
specialising in one or more specific areas of the model making
process - a repetitive process which improves the craftsperson's
skill.
If you are after a piece that is unique and
unusual, then it is best to request a custom made model. With
custom made models, you have some control over the design and
what is included in the final product, e.g. the items on the
deck or the type of sails or even the type of wood to be used
for the hull and deck. Ordinarily, this level of custom will not
be found in cheap Asian made models.
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Where can I see the best collections of fine ship
models?
Some of the best collections are held privately and are thus not
for public viewing. Fine ship models are displayed in many
prominent maritime museums worldwide, generally in historic port
cities. In Australia, the Tropical Museum of Queensland or the
National Maritime Museum provide some quality displays; in the United States, some valuable
collections can be found in the Hart Nautical Collection at MIT,
the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT or the San Diego Maritime
Museum, San Diego, CA. In Europe, the best known are the
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England and the Musée de la
Marine in Paris.
