What could be a better festive pastime for a maritime professional than building a model ship? With this book, however, it helps if you are already fairly experienced at making models from kits, because the aim is to learn how to build from scratch.

Filled with excellent guidance and hi-res colour illustrations of what a model should look like at various stages, Ship Models from the Age of Sail would make an excellent gift.

The Nautilus Telegraph - Nov/Dec 2022

If you have any intention of building one of the Jang’s featured ships, or ones like them, then his book is an absolute must. While commercial kit manufacturers have improved their instruction manuals and when necessary, their English translations, you can hardly find any better ones than what Jang so smartly offers to his readers. I know.

I just happen to have one of his featured kits on the shelf, and I know where I will go before I take on that challenge.

Nautical Research Journal 67:4 (Winter 2022)

This instructional book will be of practical use not only to those building their very first sailing ship kit model to those seeking tips on how to develop or improve their scratchbuilding techniques.

This book is highly recommended.

The Mariner’s Mirror Vol. 108 No. 4 Nov 2022

Using a variety of kits as the starting point, each chapter demonstrates a technique that can be readily improved or a feature that can be replaced to the advantage of the finished model. Topics include hull planking, representing copper sheathing, many aspects of more accurate masting and rigging, and how to replace kit parts and fittings from scratch. The impact of a period model depends on its accuracy, and this book provides guidance on plans and references, including where to find them and how they are best used.

The plank-on-frame model, sometimes with exposed frames in the Navy Board style, has always been considered the crowning achievement of period ship modeling, and this book concludes with coverage of the very latest kits that put fully framed models within the reach of ordinary mortals. Offering a wealth of practical advice, expertise and inspiration, "Ship Models from the Age of Sail" has something for anyone interested in building a period ship model, whatever their level of skill.

Profusely illustrated throughout with full color photography, this coffee-table style volume (8 x 1 x 10.5 inches, 2 pounds), "Ship Models from the Age of Sail: Building and Enhancing Commercial Kits" by Kerry Jang, will be of special appeal to readers with an interest in model building, and sailing ship histories. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Ship Models from the Age of Sail: Building and Enhancing Commercial Kits" is a highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library collections, as well as Hobby/Craft Store inventories.

Midwest Book Review website

What could be a better festive pastime for a maritime professional than building a model ship? With this book, however, it helps if you are already fairly experienced at making models from kits, because the aim is to learn how to build from scratch. Filled with excellent guidance and hi-res colour illustrations of what a model should look like at various stages, Ship Models from the Age of Sail would make an excellent gift.

Nautilus International

If the age of sail is a period that interests you and you wish to represent the vessels of the time, then this title is a book that I feel that everybody can garner information from. In my case I took skills that are covered from vessels of this period for use on World War II vessels, as even today cables are still present in various locations and so rigging is a skill required regardless of the period of ship modelling.

Read the full review here

Armorama

I have long thought about building a sailing ship model, inspired mostly by being a huge fan of the series of Richard Bolitho novels by Alexander Kent. I've never plucked up the courage yet to actually do one, concerned if I have the patience (and skills) to do all the rigging. The clear explanation of both Standing and Running Rigging in here has made me think that one of these days I really must take up the challenge. Well written text, clear to follow, and accompanied by photos of some really beautiful models. Super book which I think will be good for beginners and experienced ship modellers alike.

Read the full review here

Military Model Scene

"There are many books available on building wooden sailing ships, but this one deals with the latest techniques used by the manufacturers, and therefore provides a modern point of view of building from a kit."

Les Brown, Small Warships

As featured in

The Bookseller