Kristopher Knue
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Modelshipworld - Advancing Ship Modeling through Research
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Nautical Research Guild
237 South Lincoln Street
Westmont IL, 60559-1917
If you enjoy building ship models that are historically accurate as well as beautiful, then The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is just right for you.
The Guild is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to “Advance Ship Modeling Through Research”. We provide support to our members in their efforts to raise the quality of their model ships.
The Nautical Research Guild has published our world-renowned quarterly magazine, The Nautical Research Journal, since 1955. The pages of the Journal are full of articles by accomplished ship modelers who show you how they create those exquisite details on their models, and by maritime historians who show you the correct details to build. The Journal is available in both print and digital editions. Go to the NRG web site (www.thenrg.org) to download a complimentary digital copy of the Journal. The NRG also publishes plan sets, books and compilations of back issues of the Journal and the former Ships in Scale and Model Ship Builder magazines.
First ship
in Plastic model kits
Posted
The 1/96 Constitution is a great kit for "learning" class. Compared to smaller, simpler kits it is good to train with due to its size. A larger model leaves more room to work with your fingers. I've built 3 ships of sail over the years, one wood and 2 plastic. Right now I have the 1/96 Sea Witch in my model shipyard. Each piece is a lesson in figureitoutness. With each piece and thread you will learn how to do it. And with time you will master.
Be willing to invest your patience into the build. The hull and deck work will require steady hands and a selection of fine tip paint brushes to get good detail. As for the rigging, lay out the mast and yards on a sheet of Styrofoam and build. Have a box of pins from the house sewing kit ready. Again, with each string, thread and yard you will figure it out. Take your time, even the real Constitution took years to build, and more to maintain. I can't stress enough that a good set of tweezers are worth their weight in gold. Get a curved tip pair, this will allow you to tie knots like a pro.
One last benefit of building Old Ironsides, she still exist. If you're stuck on a detail and want to know what it should look like for real, Google a picture. Or better, go to Boston and walk her decks yourself.
When you're done you will have a show piece. And, a "I'll do that better next time" learning tool.
As I was building my ships and looked closely at the detail of the rigging I developed a great respect for the men that put to sea on those ships of sail. I hope you do too, good luck.
Kris
USN (Ret.)