The following is my own, personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the general view of this book!
I was quite disappointed with the Scale Model Tugs and Trawlers. I bought it as I was interested in the trawlers section, but found it extremely lacking where any meaningful descriptions and photos of how the models are built were concerned.
The trawlers sections are very generalised, with information, drawings and photos on equipment fitted to real boats, photos of completed models - most too far away to see much detail, and very little detailed information on the actual making of the models.
For example, the following quote really annoyed me as I thought it extremely lazy for an author to include (especially when he makes no reference to any one of the alleged profusion of other good articles/books):
Many articles and books carry details on how to build the models ship's hull from timber in the plank-on-frame manner or in the bread-and-butter method so no words or space will be wasted in repeating such details.
There are three black-and-white photos on the opposite page to that text showing the model of Acadamus fully planked. There's nothing on marking out or cutting of the frames, or on the planking technique. There's no detail on finishing the hull, such as adding rubbing strakes or bilge keels. Nothing on how the gantry was actually constructed, or how to make a brass mast (to house working lights) when you have extra fittings to solder onto it.
In short, the book is an OK read for general information, including on the various types of fishing boats and a brief bit on the history of each type, but very little use for the learner to use as a step-by-step guide in hull/fittings making. I bought a used copy on Ebay when I was trying to learn how to make plank-on-frame hulls and was very disappointed in the content.
If the book came up on Ebay (as they do now and again) for a reasonable price then I'd get a copy, but I wouldn't pay full price for it. You could also try the library of course :)
