Quick Intro to Ship Modelling

"Now sails are past, and still the sail ship grips the carpenter with wood dust on his hair, and down below his fashion from slim strips the rakish models of the ships that were." 

- Charles Norman.

So, What is a Ship Model? Well... quite straightforward isn't it? 
Ship model is a model of a ship! That's it!

OK, jk... here's the following: 
...and it can range from 1:6000 scale to miniature up to a big vessel that can hold up people!! One good example is The Interceptor in PoTC. The scene where it is blasted off by Hector Barbossa was a big model ship scaled around 1:5!! Filmmakers wouldn't have that budget to destroy a full-scale ship!! :D 

The Interceptor Destroyed by Barbossa

This is why we need model ship!!! XD

In modern era, with the invention of LASER technology, model ship building becomes more and more popular, especially in Europe and America. Famous ship model companies like Amati, CalderCraft, OcCre, Mantua, etc. are companies with decades of experience on ship modelling, provide numerous choices of model ships to customers, and with brilliant quality. And there are also Professional Model Ship Builder who make model ship for living.

Xebec from Amati

H.M.S Race Horse from Sergal Mantua

H.M.S Victory from CalderCraft

The very first step on ship modelling is Choosing A Model... Don't choose an intermediate level of ship for your first model!! Seriously!! I've done this!! and my Pearl was done with ERRORS!!! 

Secondly, Read the Plan! Every model ship kit comes with plans, which guide you throughout your whole ship making process. Some companies plan include Tools preparation, some don't. If it doesn't guide you on tools preparation, you might need to list down by your own by studying all the plan first!

Thirdly, Start Doing with Enthusiasm!!! But not as quick as possible!!! Follow all the steps guided in the plan sheets, search for solution from the net if not written clear in plan, and do them patiently. Enjoy the process!

Finally, Show Off!! :D

Making a model ship requires a lot of patience. It takes months or even years to complete.  Enjoy the process is what I can recommend you, or post your buildlog to model ship forum to share all model ship lovers!!! That'll really help on keep you going!!!

Summary:

1) Choose a Model

2) Read the Plan

3) Start Doing with Enthusiasm and Enjoy the Process (put your deadline aside)

4) Show off!