.
.
by Les Brown and Robert Brown.
Softcover (8.3×11.8 inches). 80 pages. 2025 revision of 2015 book.
The Craft series of modeling booklets is always a pleasure to read. While my plastic modeling days are long behind me, the historical info offers an overview of design, construction, and deployment. The color photos of completed models are inspirational and the color camouflage profiles can be applied to any scale miniature.
ShipCraft 23 covers Britain’s HMS Rodney and HMS Nelson, from their 1921 start onward. Shortcomings of ship handling and firing are examined, along with refits and upgrades and their WWII service. Rodney was scrapped in 1948 and Nelson scrapped in 1949.
While you will find the odd model tip here and there, this is not a how to — more of a here’s what you can do if you are as skilled as the highlighted modelers.
The book generally uses the same format as others: p 1-16 history; p17-23 model kits and accessories available; p24-44 color camouflage profiles (1927-1945); p49-58 ship appearance and alterations; p58-63 plans (but no scale mentioned); and p64 bibliography and model companies’ contacts.
The book contains 40 black and white photos, 32 color photos of model kits, 70 “Showroom” color photos of complete models in 1:200, 1:350, 1:600, and 1:700 scales, and 16 black and white ship plans (no scale).
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
