This manual aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the building and sailing of working scale model merchant ships. Covering the spectrum of merchant ship types, each stage of construction is detailed, from the building of the hull to painting and finishing, and not least the propulsion, ballasting and sailing of the finished model. All building methods and materials are described and chapters are devoted to the installation of electric motors and steam engines, and the fitting and operation of radio control equipment. The emphasis is on practical advice and details are given on the choice and use of all the tools and adhesives for working with a wide range of materials such as plywood, styrene sheet and white metal. The book also gives information on model ship clubs and organizations and material suppliers.

About the Author

Tom Gorman has been a professional ship modeller since his retirement from the marine engineering industry in 1983, and has had a lifelong interest in merchant ships and the sea. Beginning by producing model kits, he now concentrates on building models commissioned by specific customers such as shipowners. He contributes frequently to the modelling press both in the UK and the USA, and articles by him have appeared in the journals Model Shipwright and Model Boats. He is an active member of his local model boat club and gives talks on aspects of ship modelling and also on techniques of model ship photography.