Ship-Shape: Nautical Scale Models June 21, 2012

Ever marvel at a model ship and ask, "How did they build that?" Or, perhaps, "Why did they build that?" A fascination with history, technology and the sea has stirred ship model builders for thousands of years. 'Ship-Shape' explores variations of two famed U.S. Navy ships - the frigate USS Constitution and the battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) - that offer a peek at the art and craft of ship model building. Ship-Shape draws on the Intrepid Museum's collection, as well as loans from other institutions and collectors, to reveal the methods that model builders use to construct their highly detailed creations. Highlights include impressive large-scale models of USS Constitution and USS New Jersey that demonstrate scratch-building techniques. A modeler's workbench offers a peek at the tools of the trade, while World War II nautical toys illustrate children's fascination with ships.