Planking Techniques for Model Ship Builders (P/L CUSTOM SCORING SURVEY)

Although this book has some really useful tips, it was unfortunately written and illustrated when digital photography was the new kid on the block. The pictures are B&W, and have an extremely low pixel resolution, so they are not all as clear as one would like, and make the book look cheap. This book would definitely benefit from picture updates, and it should include modern tools like the hot plank benders.

I build my first model ship over sixty years ago, with an interest awakened by my grandfather . Living at the seaside with a busy harbour there was plenty to see. I recently came across plans for a wooden steam drifter that I would like to build to stir up the nostalgia, so the research began.The planking techniques work by Donald Dressel came up, and I sent for it straight away. Am I glad that I did!I have build full size sailing dinghies and quite a few models but this books takes you to REAL models.Tiny planking is very different.The author outlines at least three methods for each stage of the building, which is presented in an orderly manner, based on his own and other model ship builders working experience.I read the book from cover to cover, it was so good, finding my mistakes one after another; and I had not even started the cutting list.The book was so exciting that I wrote this, my first review, so that nobody goes without this book as long as I have.May your building reach the high standard of the models illustrated.Regards from the Beachcomer.

This is a great guide to any ship modellers who are constructing wooden vessels. It gives true guidance on the various methods to recreate planked ships and also illustrates how you can 'fix' any errors you may make along the way!

Well worth buying

Good book, a little simplistic but still useful.

Lotsa words, lotsa pics [good quality] but skirts around the knowledge required and the fact that it is necessary to obtain a draught of/for any particular ship. And doesn't explain what/ how to glean details from the same. Assumes that you have a working knowledge of Admiralty draughts. Book is not alone in not mentioning how this 'Black Art' is changed into something understandable; most are bereft of this feature.

This subject and therefore the book is very technical. The technical drawings are great. The bits I have read seem easy to follow. The photography is is atrocious - black and white and lacks definition and the detail Is difficult to see. I am guessing that the photos are not professionally shot. I would have preferred to have paid more and have better quality production. Leaves me wondering if this was a vanity press production. Would I recommend this book- probably not if their was another choice.

As far as I can ascertain it seems a good book, I bought it for my husband and unfortunately it hasn't helped him to finish the project, but I don't think it was the books' fault!