No doubt one of the most difficult "branches" of modelling, and at the same time one of the most interesting, is ANCIENT SHIP MODEL BUILDING. To assemble a fine galleon of the Seventeenth century, a frigate of the Eighteenth century or a wonderful model of the BOUNTY is the desire of many modellers. This is the reason why the beginner, before making his choice, must be offered some good advice, so that his work does not develop into a harassing problem and he does not come to regret his decision. Building a model must be an amusement at all costs, meaning by this that the effort and the difficulty must never reduce the satisfaction of creating a model. It will be so only if all difficulties can be easily overcome. Furthermore shipbuilding must not become an exhausting and heavy work. It must essentially be a relaxation both of the body and of the mind, so that no one will regret his choice and his faith in this very interesting hobby. Therefore the first thing to recommend is a "kit". For your first model you will be wise enough to avoid choosing the most difficult one, with bold curves at bow and stern, even though this will mean giving up the pleasure of making the beloved model right away. This book will provide some tips and advice on how to both build and enhance whatever kit you choose to build and provide some counsel on avoiding some of the whirlpools of disappointment which can occur without some such guidance.
