A GUIDE TO THE MARITIME CHALLENGED MODELLER  – BY CAPTAIN (SA NAVY (RTD)) M.J. FARRE

INTRODUCTION

 1.         The marine model prepared and entered for an IPMS competition is no different than any other model of a tank, aircraft, space creature or what takes the modeller’s flight of fancy.  However, the difference between marine models and which one should be the winner may come down to the “presentation” aspect.

2.         For the purpose of this article the term “presentation” shall mean how accurately the model adheres to marine customs and traditions in terms of ceremonial and seamanship matters.  The modeller’s building skills and techniques using paint, glue, files, hammer(s), chisels, drills and filler should be old hat for both the modeller and the judge(s).  It is also not significantly different from other subjects and will not be addressed in this guideline. 

3.         The presentation guidelines for merchant and naval models are broadly the same.  However, since the majority of the marine models are of the naval variety I will use the naval model as the example.  However, if you do model merchant vessels then read “Company Flag” for “Ensign”.

4.         The most common features on a model warships apart from building and painting skills that are going to draw closer scrutiny from the judges is the visual impact your model is making, what is broadly characterized as either the “Ceremonial” and/or “Seamanship” aspect thereto.  Which is the correct way to model those signal flags and how should the anchor(s) be fitted?  The answers to these questions depend on the naval customs of the particular nation.  The world’s naval practises can broadly be defined into two categories:  Royal Navy (including former colonies) and Royal Navy (excluding a few minor exceptions).  Yep, your eye-balls aren’t deceiving you!  The sea is a hard task master and sailors the world over, having experienced roughly the same dangers and challenges has drawn the same conclusions!

5.         Let’s start with the simple stuff aka “Ceremonial”.  You will be pleased to known that the SA Navy ceremonial instructions for its ships and submarines comprise some 60-odd pages of font size-8 print.  Talk about reading the fine-print!  These instructions is the deck officer’s bible on for example when, how, where and if flags should be flown, both at sea and in harbour.