TALL SHIP MODELS
accuracy -- quality -- prestige

Acquiring a tall ship model seems to be easy. Just Google the phrase "tall ship models" and a dozen sites immediately appear. Even the commodity-goods seller Amazon claimed a prominent spot. Many people, however, find this profusion a problem. Given so many choices, one might get confused, tired, and then choose the one who appears to be 'consumer friendly' and (faulty) promises 'museum quality.' But please be mindful of what you are picking as a model's questionable accuracy and mediocre quality will show when it is right in front of you, and when your guests ask embarrassing questions like "why the bowsprit is so short?", "do real tall ships look this this boring?", "why the gunport covers are black metal?"

Building a fine tall ship model is all about skills and the relentless pursue for finesse and accuracy. It's much more than about knowledge. Anyone can cite a long list of books in his study to impress but books are abound and talent scarce. Not to mention that good books only work in the hands of passionate and honest craftsmen. To create a spectacular model ship, the owner of the firm also plays a crucial role. He relentlessly 'drives' his men. He rejects shortcuts that might give more profit but hurt quality. This is the reason ModelShipMaster has built tall ship models for four world-famous museums, including the Smithsonian and the Mariners Museum.

Tall ship models appear very good from afar but only upon close examination can 'truth be told'. When you search, look for large close-up photos that zoom in details in small sections of the models. Inaccurate and oversimplified models might look OK if you are a novice but they usually have ridiculous short bowsprits (to make the box smaller to cut shipping costs), extremely bad boats on deck, thick cloth sails. These models originates from a single source that ridiculously have their ships' flags fly opposite to wind direction (For tall ships, wind must blow their sails from behind.) Some retailers claim to be "widely recognized leader in handmade tall ships" and "museum quality" but painted his ships like plastic toys and rig them with bright white rope. When you look, ask yourself some questions: is it a work of art or more like a painted wood log? Does it look tough, seasoned? Does it deserve a good place in your beautiful home or esteemed office? Can it become a heirloom, loved and treasured by your children and grand children? Will its value increase dramatically in the next decade when its creator is no longer around?   

Some model makers discuss a great deal about their ships' quality but never support their statements with photos. We question many of their claims and we encourage you to ask for confirmation. If the hull is claimed to be plank-on-bulkhead, ask if that is true or it is solid wood block with planks on the outside. Another question is if the small boats are wooden, built by hand or plastic casting. Just don't fall for the sweet talks. Focus on proof. The photos on the side and below have stunned many.

One important feature in tall ships is the rigging system. Countless sellers, if not all, simplify their ships' rigging. This includes the one whose tall ships are >$6,000 apiece. Low-end makers not only cut labor costs by using humongous deadeyes and blocks but also 'save' shipping expenses by cutting bowsprits and masts ridiculously short.

Tall ships are difficult to make not only in their complex rigging but also realism appearance. One needs "soft", artistic skills to make a tall ship look tough. That's why the makers who are accustomed with painted products such as warship models won't be able to convey tall ship art. Their tall ships look shiny and pristine like plastic toys.

To pack a model is not a simple task. Our restoration facility in California has repaired numerous broken models which are originated in South East Asia. The shipping companies' mechanical conveyors often turn the model upside down and break the models in the process. To make the matter worse, the transportation workers in the underdeveloped countries tend to throw boxes. So before making a commitment, you might need to know where the model will be shipped from.

We hope that the above photos could assist you to distinguish between the 'good-looking' and the premium. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our email is Services@ModelShipMaster.com or ModelShipMaster@Hotmail.com

"My darling wife loves the tall ship models once she sees them, but she is much more practical than I am, at least in the short term, so she doesn't buy for the future...if there is no space for something now, she says "why buy it. I, however, am much more future oriented, and very aware of the fact that items of high quality but limited appeal to the general public may not be available in the future....books that aren't on the best seller list, classical music recordings, etc. There is always a niche market for high quality items, but it frequently becomes very expensive. Unfortunately, we live in a culture where it is nearly impossible to go broke making mediocre movies or producing annoying and cloned rap music, but quality, if not priced "competitively", frequently becomes extinct, in the mass market sense...try finding a a good quality toaster or other small appliance at any price. I fully plan on unveiling all of the acquisitions when we have more space, I hope, in a few years, assuming I don't prematurely expire ( I am 63, but in much better shape than most my age... I should know, I'm a physician). Interestingly enough, my wife inquired today as to whether a friend of hers could bring her grandchildren over to see my ship models, as they seem to have a fascination for sailing ships (probably watched Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean too many times), so I would say that's a positive sign. Anyway, as usual, I have probably communicated more than you wish to hear. Keep the colors flying and thanks to all your artisans for their greatly appreciated efforts. Scott B."