Nautical Research Journal


1:24-scale Lowell Grand Banks Dory and the second is a 1:12-scale Norwegian Sailing Pram.


T e Dory kit (Figure 1) is labeled as a Skill Level 1 kit and the instructions say, “For this introductory kit, no previous knowledge is assumed or necessary.”T e Pram kit (Figure 2) is labeled as a Skill Level 2 kit and the instructions say, “For this second, intermediate kit, some previous knowledge is necessary in order to be successful.” I usually do not put much faith in advertised diffi culty levels assigned to kits but, like the old Midwest kits with which these will be compared, the fi rst two kits in this new series by Model Shipways meet the descriptions fairly well.


Both kits feature plank on frame construction with laser-cut frames and laser-cut pre-spiled planks making the construction straight forward even with the level 1 Dory kit using lapstrake planking for a fi rst model. Lots of helpful tips are provided, such as telling the modeler how to use Isopropyl alcohol to “unglue” a joint. Terms that might be new to the beginner are italicized the fi rst time they are used with an explanation provided.


Figure 2.


Both kit instruction books list all the tools that are required to build the kit. Each also lists some tools and items that are optional. T e Dory kit comes in two versions, one just the basic kit and the other with all necessary tools and paint included.


T e Sailing Pram kit lists the same tools as the Dory kit with several additional tools needed and a couple of optional tools that, while nice, are not truly needed for this kit. All the tools listed will be needed for future models and would be on any list of tools that experienced modelers would recommend beginning modelers to have.


T e Dory kit sells for $29.99. T e version of this kit that comes with tools and paint is selling for $59.99 including clamps, tweezers, hobby knife, blades, saw blade, chisel blade, sandpaper, paint brushes, paint,


and glue . A new modeler purchasing the upgraded version would be able to build this kit without needing any additional tools or materials other than some sort of ruler, a small square, and a self-healing cutting mat so the table or bench top is not damaged.


T e Pram kit’s selling price is $39.99. Full reviews of


each of 375


these kits with more


photographs than can be shown here are available on the NRG’s Modeler’s Forum Model Ship World. Use this link to view the reviews: https://modelshipworld. com/forum/70-reviews-model-kits/. By using and teaching actual small boat building practices, these new kits are an improvement over the old Midwest Products kits.


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