Tutorials

Tutorials – how it works

The aim of these materials is not to create a comprehensive course on ship modeling or to repeat well known basics for the hundredth time, but to clarify certain aspects of building ship models based on personal experience and on real models presented on this site. Let’s look at how the information is organized and how to use it

Is It Worth Starting?

Ship modeling, like any hobby, should bring pleasure, but requires time and money. It is important to understand why you want to do it, so that after some time you do not end up in a situation where the time and money are gone, and the enjoyment has somehow disappeared ☺

Hull Planking Basics

In this section, we will discuss the double-planking method, where the finish planking is laid over the first rough layer.

• Hull

Gluing

How to glue parts and materials so the joint is strong and neat – choosing the right adhesive and gluing technique for various material combinations, with practical examples.

• Adhesives
• Gluing

Wood Bending

During the build, you often run into situations where a part needs to be given a curved shape. And simple fixation on the framework is not always enough.

• Bow
• Wood Bending

Sails making

How to make and rig sails on a ship model — a step-by-step guide covering material selection, pattern transfer, stitching, finishing, and final attachment of sails to the model.

• Sail Attachment

Hand Tools

In this section, we will discuss which tools are essential at the beginning, which ones are worth adding as experience grows, and which are needed only for certain classes of models.

• Hand Tools

Standing Rigging

How do you keep your enthusiasm for the hobby during the rigging phase? We discuss techniques and tools for making and installing standing rigging.

• Ratlines
• Shrouds
• Standing Rigging

Finish Work on Planking

In this section, we will talk about what to do with the planking after the last strip has been glued in place.

• Caulking
• Nailing
• Sanding

Painting and Finishing

Let us discuss painting techniques and other methods of finishing model surfaces.

• Hull
• Spars
• Yards

Advanced Planking

A ship’s hull usually has a complex shape, and the plank belts must follow that same complexity. In a model, however, that is not always easy to reproduce.

• Bow
• Hull
• Stern

Power Tools and Machines

In this section, we will look at any tools and devices that require electricity to operate.

• Power Tools

Workplace

A modeler’s hobby does require a dedicated workspace. It does not have to be a fully equipped workshop with every modern convenience, but working literally on your knees is not a real option either. In any case, it will not bring much pleasure either to you or to the people around you.

• Safety
• Workspace

Running rigging

In this tutorial, we will walk through the sequence and techniques for making and installing running rigging on different types of ship models.

• Running Rigging
• Thread

Spars

How do you make the spars for a model? We look at the main techniques and approaches.

• Spars
• Yards

Blackening metal parts

Metal parts in ship model kits are traditionally supplied in brass, copper, or aluminium. In reality, however, many of these fittings were dark — almost black. In this tutorial we will look at the techniques for blackening metal on scale ship models.

• Blackening
• Brass
• Copper

Coppering

Let us look at the technique of covering the hull below the waterline with copper plates

• Copper
• Coppering
• Hull

Making ropes

Rigging thread is often the “weakest link” in a ship model kit. Poor quality, incorrect diameter or colour, and an unconvincing scale appearance are problems found, to some extent, in almost every kit. We have discussed replacement thread options in other articles on rigging; in this article, we will take the most radical approach and make our own model rope.

• Running Rigging
• Standing Rigging
• Thread

Building a Plank-on-Bulkhead Hull Framework

A hull framework made up of bulkheads fitted to a central keel former is one of the most common construction methods used in wooden model ship kits. Although the basic principle is straightforward, a few important details can make the work easier and help you achieve an accurate, well-shaped hull.

• Adhesives
• Gluing
• Hull
• Sanding