Of all the branches of ship modelling, one of the most fascinating, if not the most fascinating, is that of the miniature model. For here, within the compass of a few inches, it is possible to capture all the atmosphere and character of a ship, whether it be an ocean liner, hard working tramp, humble coaster, or windjammer under full sail. So far as steamers, motor ships, and warships are concerned, which are the prototypes covered by this book, it is generally acepted that a model built to a scale of 50 feet to one inch, or less, falls within this category. There are three popular scales in use today, 50 feet, 64 feet, and 100 feet to one inch. Of these, the last is held by many people to be the true miniature scale, particularly for steamers. It is this scale with which this book is concerned, for it has many advantages, chief amongst them being that it lends itself admirably to the construction of either simple detail or super detail models. In each case, provided strict adherence to the principal dimensions of both hull and fittings has been observed, the result is a lifelike replica of the original. Both merchant ships and warships are included.