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[Andy CParticipant @andyc56856]

Hi Bob

Mine was delivered but missed it as I was out when postie came. Picked it up from the sorting office yesterday and have now had a chance to look through it. What a fantastic book. Great quality and really impressive pictures too. Might even try to make one, well it is added to the project list at least.

Cheers Andy

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Thanks Andy,

I have been pleasantly surprised with how well it has done. Quite a few went to the United States and Continent as well as the UK..

The printers made a very good job of it. Print on Demand is a very good system for anyone wanting to produce their own books in small numbers.

Bob

[Dave_PParticipant @dave_p]

Hi Bob,

Please add me to the list for a copy of your book from the next batch.

Thanks

Dave

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

OK Dave,

Will do. Should be next week.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

The first lot of reprints arrived today, 28th May, so it is available once more!

Bob

[Dave_PParticipant @dave_p]

Received my copy today Bob. Many thanks.

I am glad I chose the hard copy instead of a download. Lovely clear text and great pictures looking forward to a good read when I am on holiday.

Cheers

Dave

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Pleased to hear it got there OK, and that you like it. I went for a higher quality paper, and was very pleased with the results.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Interest in this book has now "fizzled out" but I am pleased to say that I did recover 100% of the production costs, so it can be counted a success! Only five remain of the second print run.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

28th June, 2015.

The original batch sold out very quickl, but y things slowed down with the first reprinting, but the last one (out of a total of 49) sold today! It is only available as a download now!

Many thanks for your interest.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Interest has now "fizzled back in" so, this morning, I ordered the 2nd lot of reprints! Now open to reservations. I should have them in 10 working days from now!

Bob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Bob's book is well worth reading for all scale maritime modellers. It will be reviewed in the October 2015 issue of Model Boats on sale early September.

As Bob is a much respected member of this forum, Paul Freshney is happy for the review to be published here in advance.

Colin

********************

Miniature Shipbuilder 2015 by Robert A. Wilson F.R.S.A

A4 format, 158 pages with over 250 illustrations (most in colour) plus 38 plans and drawings. Price £14.99 (self published).

Small scale modelling is very much a niche interest in the wider field of maritime modelling but in this well produced and informative book Robert Wilson shows that it has a great deal to offer the modelmaker and the techniques he employs demonstrate that miniatures are by no means as difficult to construct as people often assume. Many people associate miniatures with the very small 1:1200/1:1250 scale models seen at shows such as the Model Engineer Exhibition but the term ‘miniature’ extends to larger and more manageable scales and Robert’s frequent preference is for 32 feet = 1 inch or 1:384 scale which is well within the capability of anyone with normal reading ability. A model of a typical clipper ship would be around 8 inches or 20cm long.

Robert is probably the best known exponent of this type of modelling at the present time and his work is sold to buyers all over the world. His finished models are exquisite works of art but, as explained clearly in this book, the building techniques are in fact well within the capability of modellers of average ability to achieve something to be proud of.

Rather unexpectedly, unlike bigger models, the sailing vessels are actually simpler to build than powered ships and this is largely due to the fact that the complexities of the rigging, which are often daunting at larger scales, can be represented using glued on wire instead of cord together with blobs of glue to simulate blocks without detracting from the realism of the model. Full instructions are also given on how to make sails from airmail paper.

Robert’s models are built with the simplest of tools while materials cost next to nothing. Much can be done with a home computer to scan and reduce detail which can be stuck on to the model. Simple photo etching techniques are also described.

As well as detailed constructional notes for a number of sail and power vessels, the book also includes historical information about the original ships which brings them to life.

A book like this, packed with practical information and techniques by a master of his craft comes along only very rarely and deserves a place on the bookshelf of any marine modelmaker, the superb illustrations alone make it worth the very reasonable price.

Robert’s latest work can frequently be seen on the Model Boats website forum.

Miniature Shipbuilder 2015 is self published by Robert Wilson and enquiries should be addressed to him at: R. A. Wilson, 53 Woodcroft Close, Penwortham, Preston, Lancs PR19BX or email: [email protected]

Review by Colin Bishop

Edited By Colin Bishop, Website Editor on 19/07/2015 18:45:06

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Colin,

Thanks for the review. The third print run of this book will be arriving tomorrow sometime (16th July, 2015).

Bob

[Dave_PParticipant @dave_p]

Having just finished reading Bob's book I concur with the review and would recommend it to anybody interested in model ships or boats what ever the scale. There is a lot of good practical advise and techniques which would be useful to any scale modeller.

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

29th October, 2015.

A total of 76 of these books were printed. The last three sold this morning. Thanks for all the interest!

Bob

[Peter FitnessParticipant @peterfitness34857]

I agree with Dave P. As I live in Australia, Bob suggested the download version due to the high cost of international postage, so I duly paid up and downloaded the book. It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in ship modelling, very well written, has lots of illustrations and much valuable information. I heartily recommend it.

Peter.

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

I have just received the 7th batch of reprints of this book. I only ordered five copies, as I feel it is now at the end of its run. They are available at the original price of £14.99 each. Postage UK, and additional £2.

Bob

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