Another New Trumpeter Release

Hey all, just thought I would provide a quick update on a new Trumpeter Model release: The 1/700 USS Colorado in her 1945 configuration. Much like the other new releases, this kit takes one of Trumpeters older kits and modifies it so that it contains the Colorado in her 1945 config, rather that her 1941 config. This is one of the more intermediate range kits that are out there given the plethora of small anti-aircraft pieces included in the kit, so I would advice that any new modeler hold off until they've practiced with some easier kits. Trumpeter has only just recently released the kit on their website meaning it'll take a couple months for it to get state side, I'd say no latter than late July to early August.

Rare Model Kits: Civilian Edition

Nothing is more frustrating than seeing a model kit that you desperately want, only to be unable to find it for purchase, pre-built or assembled. This is especially true when it comes to the world of civilian ships, i.e. the ocean liners. For whatever reason, it takes hours upon hours of online searching to find any sort of ocean liner model that was released prior to this century. Quite literally, they are the hardest model type to find. In the nearly six and a half years I have been collecting and building models, I have managed to collect only eight civilian ocean liner models to the fifty eight military ones. They are harder to find than you would imagine.

A few noteworthy ones I have managed to find in the past include:

1) 1/600 RMS Mauritania by Airfix: Series One?

This is probably one of the oldest Model Kits I own, if not the oldest, and definitely my pride and joy. From what I can determine, the model is that of a 1/600 RMS Mauritania released by Airfix models. Though I am unsure of which "Series" it is, I believe it to be one of the earlier/ earliest one, my reasoning being the color of the model. In later re-releases by Airfix (The current one here: http://www.airfix.com/us-en/rms-mauretania-1-600.html) the color of the model kit shifted it a dark grey/ silver color. This is actually one of the few model kits I own that I did not build myself, as I discovered it in bad disrepair. Since then, I have been trying to restore it with little success. Finding replacement parts is near impossible and cleaning the excess glue off is a night mare. Despite this, I still love it to death.

2) Revell SS United States: 1973 release:

One of a few SS United States Model Kits floating around out there is the Revell 1973 release that measures about 20 inches long and features everything, except a full hull. One of the most aggravating things I find, is when your searching for a ship model your just dying to have, you find one, and then discover it's not full hull. The pain is real. Though it's really more of a choice of preference for me, I still enjoy the ships I own that are not full hull. Overall, it is a more than decent model kit that does a good gob of representing the ship. In my opinion, if you can get your hands on one, it's a relatively simple build that could serve well as a starter kit.

3) 1/600 RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 by Airfix: Series 6: Release: 1968

If the Mauritania isn't the oldest model kit I own, this one would be my second guess. Based on the RMS Queen Mary 2, the longest serving ocean liner in world history, the kit is difficult to construct at best. Like several older model kits, it suffers heavily from misshapen pieces, delicate construction, and difficult fitting. Definitely not recommended for beginning modelers, but a good edition to any collection. I enjoy the model quite a bit, and it has excellent box art.

These are some of the more hard to find models in my collection, and I treasure them. However, I am always on the hunt for another ocean liner to add to my collection. Currently I am searching for a model or model kit of the RMS Aquitania, preferably full hull. If anyone has any info that could assist my search, it would be much appreciated. Until next time, happy modeling.

New Model Kits From Trumpeter!

So I've been checking Trumpeter Models 1/700 ships page regularly for the past few weeks/ months and am super hyped for the upcoming release of their 1/700 USS West Virginia in her 1945 Configuration. Why am I hyped may you ask? Several reasons, the first being the fact that trumpeter actually offers dreadnoughts in their product lines. So often, the only battleship models offered by a modeling company, such as say Revell, are the fast battleships, 9/10 being the Missouri. The few times that dreadnought battleship kits are available, they are often the USS Arizona. These two factors severely limit options for modeler wanting to expand their fleet. Which is why Trumpeter is such an excellent company. They offer a wide range of warships.

The second reason I'm excited, and arguably more important is the characteristics of the kit itself. This is the first time that West Virginia has been offered in her 1945 configuration. Compared to the other ships in her class, the Colorado class, West Virginia had the most different and distinguishable configuration of the class of three warships by 1945, with her featuring heavy modifications. She really at that point could be considered a class all her own, definitely a sub-class by today's standards.

As of yet have I found a web outlet offering the kit for sale, however my eye's are pealed. I'll most likely post some photos/ do a live stream from the build once I get the model. Until then, happy modeling.

Modeling instruments and tools

Models, of course, need to be assembled. Therefor, in comes the question of which tools are best to use for model building. Keep in mind, there are thousand of choices out there when it comes to various modeling implements so I'm not going to be able to cover them all.

1) The Cuticle Trimmers:

What? Use an everyday household item for modeling? Preposterous! Actually, I have come to find that the cuticle trimmers are among the most useful pieces of equipment in my model kit arsenal. They are effective at getting pieces out of the plastic framework when starting model kits and have limited value as line trimmers. Though it does take a little practice to use them masterfully, I find them indispensable in my building.

2) The X-Acto-Knife:

By far one of the most important modeling tools is the x-acto-knife. With a razor sharp steel blade, the x-acto is perfect for smoothing edges, trimming excess, and fine detailing. The x-acto also has limited value as a cutting agent in instances where the cuticle clippers are too large or bulky to effectively use. I say limited as the x-acto does not possess a serrated edge meaning that it's over all cutting/ sawing abilities are fairly limited. BE WARNED: x-acto-knives are incredibly sharp. One must use the utmost caution and control in there use. One slip and you can get a nice little cut on any unfortunate finger that happened to get in the way.

3) The Tweezers:

I can't even begin to express how much of a useful pain in the butt these things are. They are essential for smaller part installation, however, are a pain in the rear to use. I have lost far too many small pieces to a slip by my tweezers. Despite my love hate relationship with them, you have to have them if you want to install small pieces.

4) The small pocket knife:

This is more an optional piece of equipment than a necessary one. The pocket knife serves as an intermediate between the cuticle clippers and the x-acto-knife, possessing qualities of both. It's biggest downside is it's large and bulky blade which makes it difficult for use with small parts and the ease to accidentally over apply force. However, the serrated edge that it possess makes it valuable for cutting/ sawing larger pieces. It's really more of a novelty item, but one that I enjoy using.

Building Basics for the Beginning Builder

Okay, quiz time! Answer the following: Which of the following is easier to build?

A) The large Battleship

B) The small Light Cruiser

If you answered B, I am very sorry as you would be incorrect. Shown above are the first two models that I ever built: The Battleship North Carolina (BB-55) from Trumpeter Models, and the Light Cruiser San Diego (CLAA-53) from Dragon Models. As I found out that evening, the bigger the model, the easier the build. Allow me to expand.

When I first got into the world of model building, I was very unsure of what exactly I needed to do, or for a matter of fact wanted to do. So, I made up my mind to buy two model kits; the first being a relatively small model kit I could practice on to get the feel of building, and a much larger one that I would build after trying my hand with the smaller one. These two kits turned into the two I stated above, a Battleship, and a Light Cruiser. Since I had never experienced first hand the joys of model building, I began the smaller model expecting it to be easy as pie. Was I ever wrong. I soon found that smaller ships had smaller pieces. The smaller the pieces, the harder it was to build the model. Though I did finally finish both, I found that building the smaller of the two to be much more difficult. 

So, my advice for any starting builder, go big. Despite the large amount of pieces that may confront you, the larger model is almost always easier to build. Less parts does not equal less work, especially if the model kit in question is small. Your first model may not turn out picture perfect, mine certainly didn't, but you will save yourself from frustration and stress if you start out big. 

Introductions

WELCOME TO THE SHIPYARD!

Greetings to anyone who happens upon this blog. My name is Reagor Wagnon and this blog is completely dedicated to the art of building scale model replicas. As you can tell by the name of the blog, my specialty lies in building model ships , though I do dabble in other areas of construction.

I have created this blog as a means to spread information and helpful advice on model building from what I have learned since I started building. Posts will range from model kit companies, to building techniques, to in depth looks at specific model kits. I'll take time in each post to highlight both the pros and cons of what is being analyzed and point out any tricks I find helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at rhwagnon@gmail.com

Let the construction commence!