Ship, Model, is a small copy of a full-sized ship or boat. Making model ships can be a fascinating hobby. Some hobbyists carve models by hand. Others make boats and ships from accurate kits sold by hobby shops. These models are made of plastic or wood. Model sailboats are popular, and some sailboat modelmakers belong to clubs that sponsor races.
Sailors on long voyages often made model ships in narrow-necked bottles. These make interesting collectors’ items. The spars and rigging were made in fine detail. When the model was finished, the sailor inserted it in the bottle with the spars and rigging lying down. A pull of one thread drew the rigging upright.
Model ships also play an important part in the shipbuilding industry. Old-time shipbuilders carved models to guide the workers. They used no blueprints or plans. Today, preliminary models help designers select the final form of a ship’s hull before they draw the design. These models are tested in a towing tank to provide information on how the hull of a full-sized ship will act at sea and at various speeds. All important commercial and naval ship designers tank-test preliminary models.
Beginning in the 1960’s, there was a growing interest in operating models because of the availability of radio control equipment. Most operating models are intended for racing, sport operation, or as scale replicas. They are built from kits, magazine plans, or original designs. Power boats are propelled by internal-combustion engines, steam engines, or electric motors.
