napoleonicfrigates

 

So it is done. I hope this has helped other beginners and proved a source of amusement to experienced ship models (ahahahah he used a figure of eight to slunge his splotoons hehehehe). When it comes down to it not everyone in the world has the talents to produce a museum quality model first off and if like me you need to do something to find out how to do something then this hopefully will have helped. I am having a rest now - working on the pdf of this guide - before starting on my next build which will be another JoTika model- their Diana frigate. Using the lessons learnt from this model that one will be a better quality model.

 

 

Some more general points to finish. The ship was well designed though I do believe the instructions could do with more clarity especially as the company announces this as a beginners model. Their service is prompt and they also do a range of hobby tools to help. When I had questions they got back to me quickly the first time and not at all the second. But all in all I have no difficulties with their after sales care. You can visit their web site here.

I would recommend one tool above all others and that is a variable speed hand drill. Many makes exist and I do not know enough to compare. I will say that I am very happy with my dremel stylus which can be bought at any DIY store.

On the subject of books I bought the following with my comments on each.

Ship Modelling Simplified  by Frank Mastini. Though a third of this book is an italian-english dictionary I found this to be the most useful for a beginner. It is clear, friendly and readable and highly recommended.

Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern by Milton Roth. Though there are some useful bits I found most of this to be technical garbage. Most of the data interesting to beginners is skirted over whilst he touches on many different subjects all with a wordly I am superior view that made me want to vomit. May appeal to some.

Planking Techniques for Model Ship Builders by Donald Dressel. Since this book specialises on one area of modelling it does provide lots of useful info. The only down side is that the author seems fixated on the "Ship Modellers Association of Fullerton" usually along the line of - here's a fine tip I learnt whilst at the ship modellers asso.... or whilst at the great ship modellers association I discovered.  Recommended though.

The Rigging of Period Ship Models: A Step-by-step Guide to the Intricacies of Square-rig by Lennarth Peterson. Useful as it simplifies each section of rigging and names what piece it is. Mainly pictures bugger all text.

Finally I would recommend joining a forum. I would recommend the Model Ship World which is friendly and full of useful data. Most of the modellers there are way out of my class but it gives me something to aspire to. Be warned some of the pictures of models there will make you want to vomit in jealousy or alternately hire detectives to find if the  person in question is a wizard who can conjure up pixies to rig and do the detail on their models...