Model ship building does not have to be an expensive hobby. The author takes you by the hand on a journey through one of the oldest crafts - nowadays a hobby - and shows how you can build an end product of fascination, history, skill and value using low-cost materials and a minimum of tools - from 'scratch' in fact. The book starts by explaining hull lines and hull construction methods, then moves on to masts, yards, booms and gaffs, deck equipment and furniture, anchors, rigging and blocks, armament and simple sail making. Finally instruction is given to painting, mounting and displaying the models. The author's text is packed with useful hints and tips derived from his lifetime of modelling which, together with the large number of detailed drawings and photographs depicting many of the ship models in his collection, some showing useful close-ups on details and fittings, provides a very practical guide to the art and craft of model ship building.

This new book will be an essential reference for modellers and wargamers who build and paint World War II British armoured fighting vehicles. It provides extensive information on different types of vehicles, describing when they were used, by whom and for what purpose. In addition, the many modifications made to vehicles during the war are included, with guidance on how to create these for models. Step-by-step building and painting guides illustrate vehicles in 1/35, 1/72 and 1/76 scale. This book features models, often with a comparison of models from different manufacturers, for the following: M3 Grant Mk1, including a North African version; Cromwell Mk IV; Royal Marine Centaur; Cavalier Observation Post; Sherman M4A1 and Crab; Crusader III AA Mk 1; Matilda; Morris and Guy Quads; Bedford QLs; Scammell Pioneer Heavy Artillery tractor conversion; Anti-tank guns, e.g. the 'Pheasant', field guns, anti-aircraft guns, etc and, finally, figures which include uniform painting guides.

Many children spend hours enjoying their first train set - but imagine that the hobby never runs out of steam and the train set develops into a lifelong hobby. That first set conceivably could have been made by Tri-ang ( (c) Hornby Hobbies Ltd), a member of the Lines Bros group of companies. Following a brief history of Tri-ang from its formation to the present-day Hornby, Dave Angell provides an enjoyable account of the overall range in general, covering some of the classic models in detail, and providing an overview of changes that were made over the years, as well as the kinds of details that collectors should look out for when sourcing rarer items. This book takes a wide look at collecting Tri-ang, including the tools and parts available from Tri-ang's network of service dealers, and some of the compatible systems that Tri-ang made to complement the railway system. Learn also where to buy items and discover the wealth of advice and enthusiasm in the social community that has grown up around collectors, both online and 'for real'; but above all, look through these pages and enjoy the happy childhood memories they are sure to conjure up!