Fleetscale answers some of the top questions we are asked:

 

What does scratch modelling mean?

In its literal sense scratch modelling means building from the plan from scratch – from basic materials and no completed parts. That includes the hull, deck, superstructure and all the fittings. It would be a very difficult and skilled job to build a model warship hull from the type of plans that are available. When Fleetscale build a new model the hull mould is produced from a wooden pattern by a highly skilled pattern maker to an accuracy of the nth degree. The plans that we supply for completing a model from a Fleetscale hull are generally not suitable for building the hull alone. For this we have to rely on the original builders plans which are scaled to produce the model scale required. It can be extremely difficult to obtain the builders plans. Building a model from a Fleetscale hull – and better still a deck if available, is much the easier and cost effective way to complete a very accurate scale model ship.

What is a semi kit?

A semi kit is a part kit. You get the basics – the more the better if you want to complete the model in the shortest possible time. Everything has to be put together with a certain amount of skill in DIY techniques, using the correct adhesives etc. The fittings would be time consuming to produce from scratch so if they are available for the particular model you wish to build it would be a good decision to use them. Another decision to be made is how accurate do you want your model ship to be. Do you want it to be accurate in close up (fine scale) and survive close scrutiny by an expert – suitable as a museum display piece – or do you want it to look good in the water from a distance of 10 – 15 ft (stand off scale) or even closer for viewing by non experts. Whilst the fine scale model could also be a working model with propulsion and radio control it would be fitted with accurate scale model propellers and rudders which would be relatively expensive to obtain (but they are available, just the same) compared with the stand off scale model which would simply be fitted with propellers and rudders that would be purely functional.

 

 

How easy is it to build a semi kit?

It depends on your skills. A semi kit is not like a shop Kit where all the plastic injection moulded parts slot together – a place for everything – and everything in it’s place. With the shop kit (or similar) you will get an exploded parts drawing with everything numbered and labeled and a slot or hole for everything. With a semi kit you have to read and interpret the plans and make sure you position everything in the correct place and in the right build order. If you are new to building model ships we highly recommend checking out some of the magazines and books available.

The plans are hard to read … what do I do?

The superstructure of a warship is extremely complicated and cluttered with equipment, more so than a merchant ship. It can be difficult to define exactly what is what and goes where unless you have already built a model ship. If you really are stuck you will find the answers you need by studying photographs of the actual ship (they exist for every ship that has been built) or visiting a museum where they may be exhibiting the original builders model or indeed visiting the actual ship.

Can I buy plans only and really scratch build?

Of course you can, but you’ll need some plans and research before embarking on such a complicated task! Some people like to buy the plans first to see what they are letting themselves in for, then they buy the semi kit.

I live overseas … what about shipping costs?

At Present its very hard to to gauge shipping costs, we run an invoice system for international shipping. Do please be aware, international shipping for such items does not come cheaply.

What do I do about motors, running gear, radio control etc?

We recommend reading many of the books and magazines avaliable to guide you, or pop down to a local retailer. We do not supply radio control equipment and cannot advise you. Running gear (prop shafts, propellers, rudders) is available for some models from us and we can quote you for the supply of same.

 

 

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Fleetscales models offer the best accuracy and give an acceptable level of compromise when modelling. Fleetscale leaves the heard modelling work to you, wither that’s construction, painting, running or controlling.

 

Fleetscales models can be static or remote controlled, Fleetscale does not offer support or advice on remote controlled elements of model warship modelling.