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Waterline Marker for Model Ships: Indispensable Naval Modeling Tool for Boat Hulls

Posted on September 1, 2022August 31, 2022 by Administrador DelBlog

Our modelers friends had been asking us for a waterline marker from our house, from Artesania Latina. They know of the extensive experience of our firm in the creation of effective and efficient ship modeling tools. After our 3D computer designers and our modelers developed a very conscientious joint work, we present our Waterline Marker (27649). You can click here to acquire it quickly and make your own tool workshops more complete. Your wishes are already a reality! We always read the opinions of our customers and fellow fans very seriously!

The waterline marker is one of the most necessary modeling tools during model ship building. This very useful product allows the modeler to mark that line around the ship, also thanks to the pencil included. Includes measurements in both metric and imperial systems. In this sense, it is 23 centimeters or 9 inches tall to be able to perform tasks on different naval miniatures depending on its size. In addition, it has a mechanism that makes it easy to raise, lower and fix the pencil to paint the line where your scale model demands, it is adjustable in height.

The waterline marker is made from precision laser cut plywood parts so assembly is a breeze. We recommend the use of dense cyanoacrylate and accelerator (27650) -sold separately- to glue the different pieces, fix them so that they are much more stable. In short, it makes it easy to mark the line on the hull of the ship model with total precision. In general, it can be used as a gauge to mark lines parallel to the work surface. But… How do you use the waterline marker correctly?

HOW TO USE THE WATERLINE MARKER

First of all, to maintain the ship models stable, position the ship’s keel well on its exhibition base or on our hull support (27011) for models with false keel up to 15.748” (400mm), for sale separately. The stern and bow must be balanced at the proper heights.

On the other hand, the waterline marker helps us navigate by painting the ship from bow to stern to trace that mark. In this way, the waterline is always it remains at the same height and the finishes will be much better when it comes to varnishing or painting with colors. When the ship is positioned, use a level you have at your workshop so that the naval model is also balanced from port to starboard.

Consult the assembly instructions of the vessel. Be sure of the height at which you should paint the water line. Place marker and pencil at desired height without painting. When you’re in the right place, move the marker from bow to stern while paying attention to where the pencil goes. After making that run and you are at the stern, see if that is where you have to start and end the line. If this is not the case, tilt the naval model slightly from the bow or stern to bring it into its correct position.

Now you can plot. Place the pencil against the hull of the ship. Do not force anything and move the marker making sure that the lower base does not rise from where it rests. The fixing wedge that the height tool has will help you to keep the pencil completely in its straight position. Even so press little so that the line is perfect. And ready! Fast and easy!

Model Building Tips

Finishing Touch for Ship Model: Assembly Details (VI)

Posted on September 9, 2021September 14, 2021 by Administrador DelBlog

Once the hull and the rigging are built, it is the turn to give the finishing touch for the ship model made of wood, build and / or place the lifeboat or shallop – if the ship modeling kit brings it -, to paint and to put the anchors and flags -and the rest of the details that the box contains-.

The lifeboats that come assembled only need to be carved and filed the possible burrs, and be painted and put on the lifeboat, however, there are some kits that force the construction of the miniature, which will provide, for sure, more entertainment and a new challenge for the ship modeler.

When you have to build the lifeboat, make sure the frames are properly centered on the keel before gluing them. Cover the outer edges of the frames with masking tape. Place a strip inside the frames as a temporary crossbar to help keep them in place. Adjust the strips as you would like on any boat and use double hull cover, making sure that the second layer covers the mistakes you may have made in the first phase. Once the second cover is finished, remove the frames and sand inside of the lifeboat’s hull.

The anchors have undergone numerous modifications over the centuries. In the Artesania Latina modeling kits, the anchors are already manufactured, in the absence of sanding and painting.

At the beginning of time, the anchors were placed on the outside of the ship’s hull, tied with the chain to it. Later, the anchors were stored inside the hull.

FINISHING TOUCH FOR SHIP MODEL MADE OF WOOD: VARNISHES AND AIRBRUSHING

Now we need to know how to achieve the perfect finishing touch for any ship model made of wood, for any naval modeling kit. Depending on the period and style of the ship model you are building, the modeler can either leave the model to scale with its natural wooden color or paint it. Also, you can take an intermediate action: leave the natural color above the waterline and paint the hull under it. Of course, avoid glossy finishes on the vintage boat models when varnishing.

Therefore, use matte acrylic varnishes. Apply a first layer, let it dry and sand gently with very fine sandpaper. Then, give another layer of varnish and sand again. As an alternative, you can use varnishes on an acrylic base already applied to obtain a darker shade and greater protection. Of course, in the most modern scale ship models you can use medium acrylic gloss and varnish.

If you decide to paint the ship miniature, prepare the wooden surface of the hull to achieve better results. Apply a layer of acrylic putty with a trowel in the areas that you appreciate that there are small holes or where you want to subsequently sand them until the area is smooth.

This action will facilitate you an easy way to paint with the color you have chosen. Very important! Use acrylic and water-soluble paints, if you must use oil-based paints, only use them in metal parts and in very small areas.

Esta acción supondrá una gran facilidad a la hora de pintar con el color que haya elegido. ¡Muy importante! Utilice pinturas acrílicas y solubles en agua. We recommend painting with an airbrush or airbrush set. Eso sí, si debe usar pinturas con base de petróleo, solo empléelas en piezas de metal y en áreas muy reducidas.

FLAGS, BANNERS AND BASE: END OF THE NAVAL MODELING KIT ASSEMBLY

The flags and banners are included in the Artesania Latina ship modeling kits, the modeler just has to take them out of the box and paste them into the ship model she / he is building.

It is only necessary to prepare the nominative metal plate of the ship model – if the kit brings it – and put the scale model on its base. A jewel of naval modeling that will brighten the sight of all those who see it at home or at work. With this post about the finishing touch for ship model made of wood and about the details for your naval scale model, we have finished the guide called How to Assembly a Wooden Ship Model. For any questions, you can consult our modelers here.

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Model Building Tips

Cover the Model Ship Hull: Assembly of a Wooden Boat Model (IV)

Posted on August 26, 2021September 2, 2021 by Administrador DelBlog

We have to cover the model ship hull during the assembly of a wooden naval model, but before we have to sand the frames. Specifically, its more square edges, in order to make them blunt so that, later, they fit better with the cover as they are a little curved. To do this, you can use our sanding block and sandpaper.

Later, proceed to cover the deck with wood veneer with glue. We recommend our dense cyanoacrylate and spray accelerator or the white glue. You can also make it with nails, a magnetic nailer and a modeler’s hammer. It all depends on the age and make of the naval scale model you have purchased, or the method you like best.

It is time to start covering the boat hull with, in this case, the first layer of wooden strips, as can be seen in the image below. Artesanía Latina electric plank bender tool will help you shape the strips. Wet the strips for at least half an hour and apply the heat of the aforementioned tool to shape them. You can also use the manual plank bender tool.

Then, make the holes where the cannons will come out, that is, the cannon ports, as we said, once you have built the first layer of the hull cover. We recommend the use of a template so that the distance between the loop-holes is the same and to facilitate this thorough work. We also recommend tools like drill, cutter and file.

It is time to cover the model ship hull with the second layer, but this time with wooden veneer.

COVER MODEL SHIP HULL: SANDING AND VARNISHING

When the hull cover is finished, sand the entire hull gently and varnish it. Depending on the ship model being worked, some will require that your hull be painted with some color and some brush.

You already have the ship model ready for the rigging installation. This process will be seen in the next post dedicated to any wooden model ship building process. In this sense, Artesania Latina‘s ship modeling kits are the best in value for money.

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Model Building Tips

Ship Hull Construction: Assembly of a Wooden Boat Model (III)

Posted on August 5, 2021August 29, 2021 by Administrador DelBlog

Once the modeler who starts in the world of ship modeling has prepared the workshop and has supplied the necessary tools for modeling according to the skill level, the ship model lover can begin to know everything about the ship hull construction of the boat model thanks to this post.

On this way, the steps that will be undertaken to carry out this purpose are divided as follows. Firstly, we emphasize that it is necessary to check the contents of the modeling kit, so that the modeler becomes familiar with the shapes of the different parts. Also, as most of these kits, in this case ship modeling, have a list of parts, we recommend that you make sure that all parts are present. It is also convenient to see if it brings all the plans and instructions for its construction. (Artesania Latina modeling kits bring them on DVD format).

SHIP HULL CONSTRUCTION: KEEL AND FRAMES OF THE SHIP MODEL

The next action would be the assembly of the keel. It is the fundamental area of the ship’s model structure. It goes from the bow to the stern of the ship longitudinally on the exact center of the model, since everything will be built from this part.

Remember to take the drawings that show the hull assembly and hang them in front of you, at your workshop. On this way, you can quickly and clearly see how to assemble each part.

The next step would be to adjust the frames to the keel, although the modeler must first make sure that they are not broken. The good thing about Artesania Latina modeling kits is that you don’t have to file the frames before they are placed. They are ready to fit. Just do not paste them until you see that, once placed, all are perfectly.

ASSEMBLY OF SHIP MODEL DECK AND MASTS

Afterwards, the modeler must check and fit the decks of the wooden ship model. This action has a great relevance since the decks will make the keel straight, and it help align the frames.

Small scale models, usually aimed at beginner modelers, only have one deck, thus facilitating the work of the novice. Never force the cover on the frames when assembling it, be very careful, or it will yield and damage the hull construction.

As for the installation of the masts, Artesania Latina’s ship miniatures facilitate the assembly to the modelers, because they will only have to insert the masts through holes arranged for it on the deck and the keel. Speaking about other brands, you have to put some wooden blocks to hold the mâsts. But we will comment this later, although we show you below where they would be inserted.

SHIP HULL CONSTRUCTION: BOW AND STERN OF THE NAVAL MODEL

It is time to assemble and fit the bow and stern parts – the stern reinforcement is not necessary on Artesania Latina’s boat models because it comes to ‘die’ at the end of the last frame-, which will provide a solid base to the wooden strips that will finally cover the hull. The parts provided must be symmetrical and follow the shape of the mentioned hull of the wooden ship model.

Once you have seen the good disposition of the frames and that the decks are not bent or sunk, proceed to glue them, as well as the rest of the ship built, with cyanoacrylate for porous materials because you are working with wood. Once you have pasted everything, let it dry for at least twenty four hours. We will speak about more steps for ship hull construction on next post.

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Modeling Tools & Accessories

Buy Modeling Tools: How to Build a Ship Model Made of Wood (Part II)

Posted on July 29, 2021August 3, 2023 by Administrador DelBlog

Buy modeling tools because it is essential for the construction of any ship model. The modeler should know that it is better to spend a little more money on quality tools than buying the cheapest ones on the market. If you choose this last alternative, you could suffer many unwanted setbacks. They are the best friends of the modeler, do not skimp on money in these ones. Good tools for naval modeling will improve the modeler skills, save time and effort, and keep the modeler positive attitude to any kind of challenge.

Like Artesania Latina modeling toolkits, these could be classified into three types: basic, intermediate and expert.

BUY MODELING TOOLS FOR BEGINNERS

The basic tools are essential to build any type of model, without these ones it would be like building a house without cement, concrete or bricks. We list them here: pliers with different shapes; carpenter’s hammer with small ball; set of saws; chisel; cutters and blades; files; drills and drill bits; electric plank bender or the hand one; rasp; needle threader; tweezers; rules, bevels and compass; awl; clamps and sergeants; sanding block and sandpapers; brushes; metal brush; scissors; vise; glue (cyanoacrylate) or white glue; nailer; pins and nails.

MODELING TOOLS FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Buy modeling tools for intermediate level will enable you to work better, especially in more difficult scale ship models, but you must make a greater investment, so if you want to try models of that skill before spending a large amount of money on these tools it would be a good idea: electric drill – better with speed modulator-; electric soldering iron; miter box for cutting; rotary table; waterline marker; universal bench screw; magnifying glasses with LED light and without it; hull support; cutting template for the cover and template for the rigging – not necessary on Artesania Latina models-; and brackets for precision drilling.

BUY MODELING TOOLS FOR EXPERTS

Speaking about the modeling tools for experts – if the model is built from 0 without any modeling kit -, these ones require greater skills by the modeler: electric bench sander with disc and belt; electric bench grinder; lathe; mini vacuum cleaner; electric marquetry saw; and electric disc saws.

There are also specific micro tools or mini tools for modeling created by Artesania Latina that any modeler must have in the workshop. They are the Micro Tools: micro moulding scrapers / micro shapers, micro saws, micro rules and micro simulation template in wood, to which we will add two more, it will be a surprise!

TOOLS ORGANIZATION AND MODELER’S WORKSHOP

It is time to organize all the modeling tools and create a workspace, so we will now talk about the modeler’s workshop. This should be as large as possible to be able to build any size of ship model and to house all the necessary tools.

It is convenient that the modeler workshop also has drawers for storing, for example, small tools such as drill bits and blades, and tiny parts of the scale model that is intended to be built so that they do not get lost. You can place the drawers on the table at the ends or behind.

Or if you do not have these, we offer you another Artesania Latina’s wonderful product: the Compact Modeler Workbench and the Paints Organizer.

Remember, when you assemble your modeling workshop, arrange the plugs in front of you so that when you use the power tools, the cables reach your work area. Once the day is over, you can unplug them or disconnect them if you use a power strip with switch. Also, on the front, hang in front of where your model is assembling the scale model planes, so you can continually consult any questions about its assembly.

PROTECTION AND GOOD LIGHTNING FOR BUILDING MODELS

It is also important that you protect your work table if you do not want to be full of grooves and holes in the future, therefore, use cutting mats such as these ones: sizes A2, A3 and A4, depending on your needs.

As for the lighting that the room and the table where the modeler works should have, we recommend that you put two white light LED bulbs of 12 watts on the ceiling, and as a direct table light a white light LED bulb, but in this case 2/5 watts. For this last lighting, we strongly recommend our reading lamp with magnifying glass, 60 white LED lights and three magnifications.

Optimum ventilation is essential when you are working at your workshop, keep in mind that you will continually use products with chemicals such as cyanoacrylates – glues -, white glues, varnishes, paints and solvents. If you are very far from a window, it would be convenient to put a fan, odors and fumes exhaust like those that are usually placed in the bathrooms near your mounting area.

Another need for the modeler’s workshop, if you do not live alone, is the installation of a small sink for rinsing, because it is not good idea to clean the products in a place like the kitchen or bathroom if you live with more people.

Finally, a hung plank, facing the vision of the modeler, to place the tools you usually use would facilitate your work and save efforts. Live the ship modeling with us!

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Model Building Tips

Building a Ship Model Made of Wood (Part I): Choice of the Modeling Kit

Posted on July 22, 2021February 23, 2023 by Administrador DelBlog

The writing of this post is motivated to help new modelers. Building a ship model made of wood is what you will know, so we are going to introduce you on ship modeling. Of course, you can also clarify some concepts to modelers already initiated or provide other ideas that were still unknown. These two actions will be developed thanks to the fifty years of life and experience of the most important company in the world in naval modeling. Artesania Latina, present since 1970.

A built scale ship model represents the effort and perseverance of a modeler to achieve the final result. It will take you many hours, you will encounter conflicting emotions, being positive when successes or negatives when some part of the assembly presents greater difficulties.

In this sense, the best modeling tool that you can use is not made of metal or plastic or wood. It will be the dedication that the modeler gives to the modeler, the passion and perseverance you put. Here we will show you how to build step-by-step a ship miniature. What tools to choose, how to organize and adapt a workshop, what ship modeling kit to choose. Everything so that in the end you spend more hours showing the final product created, this is, the ship model you have built, than assembling it.

Building a ship model made of wood should be shared with the family, involving their partners in the project, whether women or men. It also can be used for encouraging children to help in any aspect of this wonderful hobby. The modeler can thus keep alive the art of assembling ship models for another generation.

CHOICE OF THE RIGHT WOODEN SHIP MODEL

The first thing that a future modeler must face – or one already with knowledge in naval modeling – is the choice of the ship model that you will built. How to choose the ideal kit and modeling tools for each of us? It is essential that you like a lot the ship scale model you choose, the decision must be based on your mood and the pleasure that you think it will report once the model is finished.

Of course, you should also ask yourself these questions. How much money do you want to spend? What experience do you have in naval modeling? Which workshop do you have or do you want to create? What types of ship attract you? How much time can you spend on your modeling workshop to assemble the miniature?

The modeler looks for a challenge, but not a huge frustration, so it is recommended that the beginner thinks about the simplest for your first assembly. We do not recommend very complicated scale models for those who intend to start on this hobby. Finally they will not finish building them, as can be the one in the image below, for advanced modelers.

CATALOG OF WOODEN SHIP MODELS FOR BEGINNERS

Therefore, we recommend simple, small and attractive ship models for beginners: a boat with a single deck, one or two masts and a rigging as simple as possible. Examples can be our model ships such as the Viking (19001-N), Swift (22110-N), Providence (19018), Elcano lifeboat (19019), Provençale (19017), the lifeboat of the Titanic (19016), the boat of the captain of the HMS Bounty (19004), the french doris Saint Malo (19010), the scallop fishing boat Bon Retour (19007) or captain’s boat of Santisima Trinidad (19014), among many other miniatures.

You can consult the complete catalog of naval scale models for beginner modelers here. For intermediate scale models, the following in terms of required skills, here.

As for the cost, no ship model for beginners should not cost more than € 100.00. Thus, Artesania Latina has the best offer in the market regarding to the quality / price ratio, with initiation models starting at € 59.99, a more than reasonable price, for example, for the scale model of the Captain’s Boat of HMS Endeavour (19005).

BUILDING A SHIP MODEL MADE OF WOOD: QUALITY OF COMPONENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS

What should you look for, then, in a naval modeling kit? Logically, you may not even be a scholar in the matter, but you don´t need it to choose a good one. Just check the quality of its contents once you have the box in your hands and that all the kit parts from the parts list are there.

If any part is missing, such as the Artesania Latina kits have a two-year warranty. Our warehouse will be immediately replenished once the purchase ticket has been submitted without any extra cost or shipping. Our parts are high quality, made of birch or lime wood, of stainless steel photo-etched and of die-cast.

The next thing to pay attention to when you are purchasing a naval modeling kit is to check how the plans and instructions are. The plans include all the drawings you need to assemble the naval model and the numerical correspondence so you can read the texts. On this aspect, the degree of precision and quality of these ones will mark the joy or impotence of the novice modeler.

The instructions explain the plans drawing, they are the textual clarifications or icons and keys of those drawings. They are numbered in relation to those plans. You can also find model ships that have an illustrated and clarifier step-by-step. On Artesania Latina web you can free download the plans and the instructions on each product file are the attached files, in case you want to check how they are.

BUILDING A SHIP MODEL MADE OF WOOD: WHAT KIND OF HULL TO CHOOSE

Speaking of the different hull types of the ship models, you will find three different. Firstly, the one piece solids – they don´t need to be built, the beginner does not acquire experience in the assembly of the hull-. Secondly, those that have a structure of frames to assemble and we must put the wooden strips on that structure from a pre-cut laser board – most of those manufactured by Artesania Latina, the one that provides the most knowledge and the most real-. Finally, those that, on the structure, are placed large parts to build the hull.

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