How Can Building Model Boat Kits Help You as a Hobby?

If you build model boat kits in your fee time, there are high chances you already know the tremendous health benefits it offers, and how it can help you improve your cognitive function. People who are not familiar about how building a boat models as a hobby can help, here are some incredible benefits of modeling boat kits-

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 Improve Artistic Skills

Your brain gets a new challenge and much -required exercise when you start working on any boat model as a project. Building any model kit is an art, and while you follow the instruction, directions, or paint it accurately, you improve your artistic skills and satisfy your brain. It is always up to you how you build your model boat, but exploring new and innovative ways always appeal to you, and keep things interesting.

Let you Live the History

Whether you are building model kits of any bomber used in the world war, or a muscle car, it gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the vehicle and live it again. It is advisable to go online and explore all historical model boat kits and other relevant facts to decide which model will match your interest. It is important to learn about your model before start building the model kit will excite you even more to complete it.

 Enhance Your Organization Skills

Model boats come in different shapes and sizes, and each has hundreds of parts to compile. Regardless of your skill level, you must be able to complete the model kit by organizing the components of the kit and following a series of guidelines to complete building the model kit.

Attention to detail is very important while following the steps. In case you skip any step, you would end up with parts you have no idea where to install or a model that looks nothing like you envisioned. Advanced modelers can do some experiment with the looks, but for beginners, it is advisable to stick to the guidelines provided with the boat kit.

Reduce Stress Level

Building model boats can be an amazing stress reliever. Take a break from your busy lifestyle, and spend some hours making an eye-pleasing model is indeed relaxing, and satisfactory. Whether you are doing high-stress jobs, or enjoy your alone time, boat kit building is an excellent way to burst stress and exercise your brain by following the instruction and working on the paint scheme.

Create Your Collection

 If you love making a collection, model boat kits can be a wonderful hobby. Along with the benefits we listed above, at the end of the building process, you will be left with a mind-blowing boat model of a classic boat that you could proudly display on the shelf and appreciate for years. In order to keep up the interest level, it is important to choose the boat type or segment based on what exactly appeal you, and then work on building a collection. 

Top 3 Best Wood Ship Kits for Beginners to Try in 2020

Wood ship kits are pure bliss for people who have an interest in ship models and find building them very satisfactory. However, if you’re new to this world, let us help you choose the right ship model kit that not only matches your interest, but also improve your craftsmanship skills. Here are the top 3 wooden model ship kits that we recommend for beginners-

Caldercraft- HMS Victory

The Caldercraft – HMS is one of the most popular ship models, and perfect for you to begin with. Not only this ship is eye-pleasing, but also upholds some historic value. It belongs to the place where Nelson died and is known for its contributions to Trafalgar battle.

The HMS is magnificent and has a double plank-on-bulkhead construction hull built in lime and walnut. Since it comes with pre-cut gun ports, you no need to spend time in shaping up the ports. The rest of the ship model will require a lot of skill and experience, but you will get a detailed instruction guide to help you put parts in place and build the Caldercraft HMS without any hassle.

We recommend HMS to beginners who have an interest in detailed models, and want some historic value attached to the ship kit.

US Brig Syren- Model Shipways

Another historic ship model with incredible beauty! The original syren was built in 1803 by Nathanial Hutton. One distinctive factor about this ship model is that it comes with a variety of build logs, historical photos, and a very comprehensive instruction guide.

US Brig Syren has a plank on bulkhead with laser-cut, basswood keel and bulkheads. It comes with self-adhesive copper that will take support with plating the hull below the waterline. You will get an extensive fitting package, which includes photo-etched brass detailing, some over 200 wooden blocks and deadeyes, brass eyebolts, and many other fine details.

Artesania Latina

Artesania Latina is known as New England’s whaleboat. This magnificent ship model kit is build using high precision laser cut pieces which is perfect for beginners and can also fascinate experienced builders. You will get a comprehensive instruction guide to introduce you to some complex building techniques without being very difficult to follow.

America Cherry is the primary wood used to build such wooden ship kits. You will find all pieces and details inside the kit aside from tools to build the model. The common details are brass and cast iron, and some pre-sewn snails. You will also get some rigging threads in different colors and weights to create visual interest and imitate historic details.

We recommend Artesania Latina for beginner because it is a smaller model; just 12 inches long by 13 inches high. So, you can easily build this amazing ship model without facing any problem.

5 Different Types Of Adhesives To Use For Scale Modeling

If you have been building ship model kits for a while now, you most likely have your own tried and true adhesives and epoxies that have helped you finish your preferred projects. However, if you are a beginner, or you have turned out to be annoyed with your “go-to” adhesive, here is a quick breakdown of some of the available alternatives. The following are the five most common types of glues that can be effectively used for scale modeling:

1.       Epoxy Resin

It is a two-part adhesive that is made up of a paste and a hardener. Epoxy resins will attach more or less any type of two different surfaces jointly. Blending is needed prior to the application of epoxy resins, and drying time will normally be slower as compared to super glues, even though there are faster blends available. The final result is a very strong bond, even though the amalgamation of mixing, hardening time, and general mess means that it is far less usually used for building scale models.

2.       Cyanoacrylate or Super Glue (CA)

Super glue is an extensively utilized adhesive in the world of scale modeling. Whether it is joining metal to plastic or metal to metal, this adhesive comes out to be extremely useful. This glue has a tendency to set very quickly, so additional precaution is supposed to be taken at the time of lining up the components of ship model kits in order to keep away from a tricky fix afterward.

In addition, you need to be extra cautious to keep away from getting it on your skin because thumbs and fingers form a loving bond if you are not watchful.

3.       Canopy Glue

Canopy glue is most excellent for joining plastic to plastic. Such adhesives have the advantage of simple application and a clear finish – in other words, no nasty white spots after the glue has dried on the components of the scale model. Even though the bond is not super strong, however, it is a handy tool when it comes to building smaller scale models.

4.       Aliphatic Glue

Aliphatic glue is also known as wood glue and it is the same as PVA. However, this glue has a tendency to soak into joints better and a stronger bond is formed as a result. It even has a higher resistance to sand and water, and sets much faster as compared to PVA glue. As should be understandable by its generic name, aliphatic glue is just right for bonding wood to wood.

5.       Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Adhesive

PVA is one of the most popular commercial and domestic glues and it is based on water. This adhesive is normally best suited for landscaping or building dioramas, where it can be spread over a larger surface. Even though it has a weaker hold as compared to clear glues, it is very simple to use, reasonably priced alternative for building ship model kits. It is a perfect alternative when it comes to adding finer details to a display like stones or grass, and it is even quick to take away, if you do make any errors.

Plank Tapering Guide For Scale Modeling

While working with the model boat kits, if you spend a few minutes with a piece of string or a tape measure and a ruler, you will soon see why it is essential to taper the planks to a narrower width at either one or both ends. When you measure the distance from the deck level to the bottom of the keel, around the outside of one of the midship frames, and then compare that measurement with the distance from the deck level to the bottom of the keel on a forward frame, there will be an obvious difference that can be noticed easily.

In simple theoretical terms, if the measurement at the third frame is 80mm and the fifth frame is 120mm then each plank needs to be narrowed down to 2/3 (80/120) of its full width at the third frame. By doing this the entire planks will arrive at the keel collectively. However, as per the experienced hobbyists, they always believe that the middle frames are the largest and it is at this part of the model that planks are at their full width. Towards the bow, they’ll require narrowing or tapering by an amount depending on the type of scale model you are working with.

In general terms, a bluff-bowed ship will need less tapering as compared to a sharp bowed vessel. It is possible that some sort of tapering will be needed as planks go towards the stern but it is even fairly possible that the distance, deck to the bottom of the keel, will be greater at the position of the last couple of frames than it is at midships. Where this is the scenario, the experts recommend putting in short triangular planks known as wedges or stealers.

When it comes to scale modeling, the 1^st plank is generally started in one of the following positions:

ü  With a ship that has a straight or flush upper deck then the 1^st plank is laid with its upper edge level with the deck surface. In some scenarios, it’ll have its top edge up to 5mm to 10mm under the deck level. Where this is performed, it is to make the construction of bulwarks easy at a later stage but in any case, it’ll be parallel to the line of the deck.

ü  In the case of models having the weather or upper deck in either 2 or 3 different sections, at differing levels, then the 1^st plank is commonly run along the line of the main or middle deck then follows its natural course both aft and fore. There are quite a few modes that simply fall into this category.

ü  A lot of model boat kits that feature below deck open gunports necessitate that the initial plank follow the line of the gunports and it’ll run right away below or above a row of gunports.

When you’ve recognized the position of the initial plank, join it into position using the PVA glue and without any tapering. Ensure that both planks follow the same line and are a mirror image of each one another.

A Guide To Weathering Ship Model Kits

There is nothing quite like shiny, newly-finished ship model kits and there is a real sense of achievement when it is all put together. However, even though some scale models look wonderful with a clean coat of paint, others benefit from a more aged, authentic look to a great extent. This is where weathering comes in, and with a few choice methods, a finished scale model can be converted into a realistic duplication of the actual thing.

The following are a few weathering tips that you need to keep in mind:

Beginning weathering

As with the entire range of scale models, having good reference material is a good place to begin with. Things such as age, environment, shape, construction, and level of maintenance will have an effect on the way the scale model is supposed to be weathered. As an instance, water will run down or even pool on a scale model to cause rusting. Some scale models can rust right through, while more robust, armored scale models have a tendency to just demonstrate surface rust.

Some aluminum scale models do not rust at all. The majority of them get regular maintenance, but some normally necessitate the least maintenance and are rather exposed to higher degrees of wear and tear. The sequence in which you weather is significant for attaining the most genuine, realistic results.

Before you begin weathering the scale model, you are supposed to initially get rid of any residue or grease, apply the selected color of paint, and add any decals. If you simply are determined to add a coat of dust, paint every detail in advance. However, if you are planning a more detailed weathering job, it may be easier to paint the details as you go.

With the intention of accomplishing the most genuine and realistic outcomes, the array in which you weather plays a crucial role. Beginning with a ‘factory finished’ vehicle, begin by breaking down the color. After that, apply wear and exposure effects to the paintwork. Continue by drawing attention to any metallic effects where paint has worn through, and finish by showcasing exposed metal for areas that have taken the highest level of wear.

Weathering military ships

There are several types of military ships that usually go through a higher amount of wear and tear as compared to other ships. If you are working on a military ship scale model, there are a few things that you can take into account to achieve that weathered finish.

As ships age, they turn out to be discolored and dirty. With the aim of breaking down a factory-finish, just apply washes of white, burnt umber and pale yellow oil paint to the ship scale model in no specific sequence, judging by the changing affect how much to put on.

The experts for scale modeling working with a variety of ship model kits always recommend that muddy water splashes can be suggested using pale, almost white streaks. You can always abide by the things mentioned above in order to give your scale model a wonderful weathered look!

All About Cleaning An Airbrush For Model Boat Kits

An airbrush is one of the types of equipments used by professional hobbyists while building model boat kits in order to give the finished more an immaculate feel and finish. An airbrush is mechanical equipment in which the air and the paint are combined together internally. When the button is pushed down, the air is passed through the nozzle and the paint is diffused on the components of the scale model. This leads to a lot more superior atomization, and allows you to create perfect, even patterns.

With the help of minor tuning to either the supply of paint or air, you can create a huge range of amazing effects effortlessly. By swapping out the needle of the paint, you can add even more assortment to the patterns for paint spray, making this an extremely useful tool if you have a little bit of innovative stylishness.

So, before we come to the ways to clean an airbrush, you will need to select the kind of airbrush. The following are the two basic types of airbrushes available for scale modeling:

ü  Single Action Airbrush

ü  Dual Action Airbrush

How to clean an airbrush

When the paint brush is dirty, it comes out to be very difficult to carry out flawless work, and an airbrush is precisely the same. Even very little amounts of dry paint can have an effect or slow down the performance of the airbrush while working with any of the model boat kits. So, make sure the equipment is cleaned properly right after every use.

Always make use of a tissue paper or a rag for the purpose of getting rid of the reservoir and then half-fill it with the thinner. The thinner must be blown through the airbrush until there are no noticeable particles of the paint. Hold a tissue paper or a rag over the needle of the paint to compel the air back into the reservoir, and allow it to bubble back to clean the entire passages. Always bear in mind to keep away from standing the needle on its point because this causes it to bend.

After it has been used a little bit, strip down the airbrush and drench the head and the needle in thinner for the night. Keep away from standing the needle on its tip for the reason that it can make it twist and, at times, it can even break down.

Repairing a twisted needle of an airbrush

The needle must be held against a leveled surface at the angle of the point, run the fingernail across the point at the same time as revolving the needle.

So, are you also in search of a new airbrush to complete your scale model? You can always take references and professional help from the experts in the industry or can even consider approaching a local hobby store. No matter what sort of model boat kits you are working with, with the help of a right airbrush, you can transform the overall finish of the scale model tremendously!

Essentials To Choose A Wooden Boat Model Kit

Getting one of the best wooden model boat kits is essential for every scale modeler. Whoever, when it comes to selecting one amongst a variety of them available on the market, you must keep the following things in mind:

ü  The type of hull

Several kinds of the hull may be more at ease for beginners as well. Even though a solid hull has fewer components to put together, however, it actually confines what you can put up. Plank on bulkhead models are a bit more complex. This is most likely one of the most general kind of scale models to build. Although they are still in the realm of beginners, however, they will necessitate more work. You are going to have a lot of alternatives with this sort of hull.

Plank on frame models are the most minimal. You have got to build the whole thing essentially from the bones. It has a more practical frame and keel, something very similar to an actual ship.

ü  Instructions in the kit

The instructions are vital for the reason that these are not only snap-in plastic components. You have to make the majority of the components on our own. Especially, if you are a novice, this can be overpowering if the instructions are not understandable. Instructions differ between retailers for the reason that a lot of the model boat kits are designed by a person under contract. They may or may not have experience writing instructions for beginners.

An approach to check if the instructions are clear enough for you is to carry out a search online and read them prior to you make a decision to buy a specific scale model. Some of the kits even consist of a practicum, which is a quick course-like walkthrough. They can help guide you through the details of building the ship prior to ever actually pick up any of the components.

Most important of all, a list of numbered components is supposed to be included, so you know for sure that you’ve got everything you need before you get halfway through and understand something is missing.

ü  The cost of the kit

The last but not the least aspect to mull over is the amount you are ready to shell out. A few kits can be prohibitively costly. If you are an experienced hobbyist, the expense may be worth it. However, being a novice, you do not wish to be trapped with a model you have sunk a lot of money into. That said, at times, the more money you shell out, the better quality components you get. You are required to balance the price with the quality so that you are expected to complete the build as a result of quality components but not so trapped in the money factor that it is not entertaining any longer.

Without any doubt, building model boat kits is a brilliant hobby, but it calls for patience and coordination of hands and eyes. If you think you are ready for all that, it is the right time to get a quality scale model for you.