shippage

Perhaps you're a Holmes modeler, but have never attempted to build a model ship, or
you're a Sherlockian new to modeling altogether. In either case, the thought of building a
scale ship may seem rather daunting. There is a new vocabulary to pick up, and new skills
to acquire. Obviously, exact replicas of vessels from the Holmes Canon are not available
to build, and the modeler must adapt from a different kit. No doubt you are wondering,
"What if I mess up? Where do I even begin?"
Model shipbuilding is no different from any other type of modeling, in that we build
step by step, and acquire skills as we go. This brief and very simplified primer will at
least point you in the right direction, and start you on your way in an ancient and wonderful hobby, scale ship modeling-with a Sherlockian twist.

You're first step begins at your own bookshelf. Reacquaint yourself with those Holmes stories that have a nautical theme, such as BLAC, GLOR, and CARD
(for your convenience,, we've included a list of ships mentioned in the Canon).

Visit your local library, and pick up books on ships and ship modeling. Locate a
glossary of terms and study them Look at finished models and instructions,and
see what tools you may need to purchase.

Visit your local hobby shop, or tour the Net for ship model suppliers (again, we
provide a list of sites for you). Look at both plastic and metal kits, and consider
how much you're willing to spend. Price tools, while you are at it. Most suppliers
offer them

Count your parts and read your directions. Obvious, but still important. Cut and file pieces to remove mold lines and flash. Prefit parts, to see if there are
gaps. Collect rubber bands, masking tape , and clamps to hold pieces together
while the glue dries.

Begin! Take your time. Relax. Put on some quiet music. Enjoy yourself. A ship
model is not a two day project. Expect it to take a while. Come back to it on
weekends or on a nightly basis. Take frequent breaks. Many modelers bog down from time to time, so expect it. Take it step by step, and realise the
progress you've made.

So how do you turn a regular ship model into a Holmesian one? Often it's as easy as changing the name and colors Rub on transfers are available for letters
and I've even seen a dyno-matic letter machine used to make a raised name.
In some cases you can move things about on deck, so it is not obvious which
kit you've built from. Some kits, like Revell's Cutty Sark, can even have a
mast removed, to become a barque.

Now comes the time that tries men's souls-rigging!! Before you begin all
those knots, look back at what you've accomplished. Then jump in. Practice
your knots, and make sure they're snug, but not overtight. Have extra thread on hand, and tweezers or a dental pick to help. When you're sure
you're satsfiedwith your knots, add a drop of glue to each one.