Ship Modeling from Stem to Stern

I am beginnig to learn about model ship building. I have bought several books on modeling and wooden ships. It seemed that the more I read, the less I learned, UNTIL I purchased this book. I gives more details, more information, and more additional resources than anything I have found thusfar. This is a MUST READ for any beginng plank on frame or plank on bulkhead shipbuilder. It also is simply a Great read. It is likened unto a novel. Thank you Milton Roth!!!!

I found this to be a very informative collection of hints, tips and reference information for any modeller.Unlike a previous reviewer, I only found one photo that might be classified as upside-down; the rest of the photos and diagrams are clear concise and very helpful.Excellent sections on tools and adhesives plus 'why didn't I think of that...' tips; there are some nice tables not seen in other books and some excellent line drawings of rigging and sail tackle.This is not intended to be a guide to building an 'Admiralty' model, or a faithful built-up model; what it does do is fire one's enthusiasm for building a reasonably accurate scale model - other books cover the finer points of fidelity.I would recommend this to anyone starting to build model ships, it is not too detailed to put one off, nor is it dumbed-down.

I find it difficult to describe how so many topics are so completely and well discussed. Dr. Roth has provided an easily read, thorough overview of a wide range of subjects, artfully blending full size and model ship design and construction techniques in a manner that provides both historical and "how to" information in a friendly, clear and concise manner.His topics range from historical full size ship construction (choosing parts of a tree to make frames, mast and rigging sizing, cannon construction and rigging, hull colors) to modeling hints and tips (sail and flag making, simple ways to make rope coils, blocks, ladders, grates, ratlines and deadeyes). Dr. Roth also includes home made special tools, easily understood rigging drawings, hull planking techniques. Has a section on kit types, adhesives, basic and advanced tools and workspace suggestions for beginning modelers. In addition, Dr. Roth provides dozens of additional references, manufacturers and resources. If a next edition is in the offing (this one is dated 1988), the addition of more excellent color photos and website references for the "cyber modeler" would make this a candidate for the only reference a ship modeller would need.This book is worthy of a prime spot in any ship modeler's library, and the only reason I rated it five stars is that six stars are not available.

This is one of those books that I keep close to my modelling area, and that I refer to often. The author obviously loves his subject, and he passes his enthusiasm to the reader... even on a subject such as ships in bottles (in which I'm not particularly interested). There are a lot of useful drawings, and some (not enough!) photos. Highly recommended.