SOME NOTES ABOUT TALL SHIP MODEL QUALITY

Acquiring a tall ship model seems to be easy. Just Google the phrase "tall ship models" and a dozen sites immediately appear. Even the commodity-goods seller Amazon claims a prominent spot. Many people, however, find this profusion a problem. Given so many choices, one might get confused, tired, and then choose the one who appears to be 'consumer friendly' and (faultily) promises 'museum quality.' But please be mindful of what you are picking as a model's questionable accuracy and mediocre quality will show when it is in front of you, and when your guests ask embarrassing questions like "do real tall ships look this pristine?", "how come this Vasa has its middle mast not parallel with the other two masts?", "the gunport covers are black metal?"...

When you search for a tall ship model, look into large close-up photos that zoom in small quarters of the models. Inaccurate models usually have very short bowsprits (to make the box smaller for shipping convenience), bad boats on deck, thick cloth sails, simplified rigging, and very thin base... These models usually have their ships' flags fly opposite to wind direction (For tall ships, wind blows from aft.) Some retailers claim to be "widely recognized leader in handmade tall ships" and "museum quality" but painted his ships like plastic toys and rig them with bright white rope.

Some model makers discuss a great deal about their ships' quality but never support their statements with photos. We encourage you to ask for confirmation. If the hull is claimed to be plank-on-bulkhead, ask if that is true or it is solid wood block with veneer planks on the outside. Another question is if the small boats are wooden, built by hand or plastic casting. The photos below have stunned many.

One important feature in tall ships is the rigging system. Countless sellers, if not all, simplify their ships' rigging. This includes the one whose tall ships are >$6,000 apiece. Low-end makers not only cut labor costs by using humongous deadeyes and blocks but also cut shipping expenses by cutting bowsprits and masts ridiculously short.

Tall ships are difficult to make not only in their complex rigging but also realism appearance. One needs artistic skills to make a tall ship look tough. That's why the makers who are accustomed with painted products such as warship models won't be able to convey tall ship art. Their tall ships look shiny and pristine like toys.

"My darling wife loves the tall ship models once she sees them, but she is much more practical than I am, at least in the short term, so she doesn't buy for the future...if there is no space for something now, she says "why buy it. I, however, am much more future oriented, and very aware of the fact that items of high quality but limited appeal to the general public may not be available in the future....books that aren't on the best seller list, classical music recordings, etc. There is always a niche market for high quality items, but it frequently becomes very expensive. Unfortunately, we live in a culture where it is nearly impossible to go broke making mediocre movies or producing annoying and cloned rap music, but quality, if not priced "competitively", frequently becomes extinct, in the mass market sense...try finding a a good quality toaster or other small appliance at any price. I fully plan on unveiling all of the acquisitions when we have more space, I hope, in a few years, assuming I don't prematurely expire ( I am 63, but in much better shape than most my age... I should know, I'm a physician). Interestingly enough, my wife inquired today as to whether a friend of hers could bring her grandchildren over to see my ship models, as they seem to have a fascination for sailing ships (probably watched Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean too many times), so I would say that's a positive sign. Anyway, as usual, I have probably communicated more than you wish to hear. Keep the colors flying and thanks to all your artisans for their greatly appreciated efforts. Scott B."

Building a decent tall ship model requires experience, meticulosity, and an unwavering pursuit for authenticity. Anyone can cite a long list of books but books are only great in the hands of honest craftsmen who don't skip the difficult parts. A model ship can be an eye magnet for years to come or a boring decorative accessory in a short time. We hope that the info above could help you distinguish between the bad, the mediocre, and the premium. If something is not very clear, please feel free to send us an email at Services@ModelShipMaster.com. We look forward to building a spectacular model for you.
 

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