Building Ship Models – Developing Skills Through Craft

Crafting Wood model ships

If you think that wood model ships are basically just exquisitely detailed versions of real ships, think again. You don’t really think that when a ship is destroyed in a film or movie that the film producers actually destroy a full size ship do you? Well, not all the time. Enter one fascinating need for wood model ships.

Wood model ship building is alive and well among hobbyist and architectural professionals alike. Many model ship builders enjoy the great engineering aspect of building scale models. The process involves careful planning and a great attention to detail. From an engineering stand point the importance of building scale model ships to test designs before actually building full scale prototypes is essential to the end result. The skills learned by building wood model ships have allowed many craftsmen to become well rewarded experts within the field.

Those with a fascination of the wooden ship building process throughout history can experience some of what a ship builder may have had going through their minds four hundred years ago. A person can experience first hand the evolution of why the hull is shaped the way it is. They can learn why the wood planks need to line up exactly as they do in order to not leak, and gain insight into the overall design from the wooden mast to the beauty of the sail. Each phase builds upon the other and you learn not only about ship engineering, you learn skills such as patience and attention to detail as well. All of this is part of the process of building of wood model ships.

Occasionally, a hobbyist or an amateur builder of wood model ships will become so exceptionally skilled at their craft that they are offered the opportunity to turn pro. And if you are a beginner at building wood model ships, or you are just now thinking about buying your first kit, keep this in mind: every professional model builder was once a beginner. Professional model builders can earn surprisingly good pay for the skills they developed building wood model ships. Often the professional will be called upon to create incredibly life like, scaled down versions of a real wooden ship for movie and film producers.

There are numerous opportunities for those who build wood model ships to interact with one another. For example: trade shows, model building groups or clubs, and even online discussion groups and blogs which are devoted to wood model ships. Go on and share some of your experiences and tips with others who enjoy building wood model ships! You will definitely learn new ideas and approaches to building your own wood model ships. This is also a very convenient way to get quick and well informed answers to questions you may have while working on a ship project of your own.

Wood model ships are extremely well suited for gifts or collectible purposes as well. An eye catching wood model ship can quickly become the center of attention in an entire room, and will never fail to infuse a sense of wonder into those who gaze upon the details of the exquisite workmanship, and the fine hand carved woods.

It can take many years of practice to hone one’s skills as a skilled wood model ship builder, and the majority of people who start with their first kit remain fascinated every step of the way. The planning and attention to detail which is practiced during each phase of the model ship building process can be applied to life in general as well. Someday you may just be able to figure you’re way out of a sticky situation by using the wit and patience you developed while building your wood model ships.