Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Mike Ashley is a very good ship modeler. He is a writer for Fine Scale Modeler magazine. Also, Mike blogs at steelnavy.com; he's a nice guy and will answer modeling questions if you put them to him directly. I'm one of his bigger fans and buy nearly every issue of FSM that he writes in.
Now, is this book worth it? Yes, it's a four star book. Mike give several models types to review. They range from resin ships to some classic ships, such as the Glenco's USS Oregon or very tried and true USS Arizona of the Revell line. Pretty much all the "classic ships" have to be updated. Some, such as the Revell Buckley class destroyers in (about) 1/250th scale, will need serious updates to their guns, debth charges, and torpedo tubes. Mike gives clear instructions on how to improve the old kits. Just for the scratch building instructions this book is worth about twenty dollars. Mike builds a resin 1/350th scale USS Tennessee. He does a good job but the kit's a little weird. The 1/350th scale Kingfisher scout plane looks like a cross between a Kingfisher and an F6F Hellcat. Yuck. Conversely, Mike makes an excellent cagemast for the Tennessee out of the Gold Medal photo etch parts that come with the kit. What is the lesson, fix a bad mistake because it will detract from an other wise excellent model.
Mike makes it clear that the basics work in making a model. If you're going to build the Oregon then the modeler should install railing on the ship. Mike shows that "jigs" are the only possible way this can be done on a consistant basis. You have to paint a ship to add realism. Ships must have flags to "bring them to life".
Also, Mike writes all the items that a modeler will need. A punch tool is most necessary. Why? There are all sorts of things that can be made with punched disks, from portholes to aircraft tires. With the new Trumpeteer USS Hornet, Lexington, and Essex 1/350th scale model kits it's necessary to put a lot of work in your aircraft. It's insanity to make a beautiful ship and not put the effort into improving the aircraft. Anyway, Mike give the list of "stuff" you'll need to build a model. You would be wise to follow it.
Mike also covers "Photo Etch". Let's be honest. If you make a ship that's 1/700th scale or larger then it needs railings. That means a modeler will need photo etch. Mike has clear instructions on how to cut, fold, bend, and mount photo etch on a ship.
Now, a bad thing about this book is it has not been updated. So, you need to know at least two web links. First, a good modeler should go to Steelnavy.com. You'll see some of the best ship models that are made in the world. Second, you'll get links to some fantastic sites that sell ship models or supplies. The second best place on the web for ship modelers is [...].
So, fellow ship modeler, this book is worth its money. It's well written and shows a person how to 1. correct parts; 2. put the model together; 3. work with resin; 4. work with photo etch; 5. paint; 6. add-the-small-stuff; 7. make a proper display base.
Yes, I took a star for it's not being upto date. There isn't a review of one modern 1/350th scale kits. Hasegawa will be coming out with the 1/350th scale Akagi in late 2007. Mike, update your book!!! :)
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Basics of Ship Modeling: The Illustrated Guide
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