Choosing between Coast Guard Model Ships
Anyone looking for an enjoyable and historically significant hobby should consider building Coast Guard model ships. The Coast Guard is a division of the United States military responsible for maritime law enforcement and safety. It is not to be confused with the Navy, although both divisions are associated with ships. Model ship building is rewarding and enjoyable, especially for anyone who enjoys detailed work. There are Coast Guard ships that you can put together yourself from kit form, or those that have already been assembled.
While you could buy a pre-assembled ship as a gift for a Coast Guard veteran or even for yourself, it is even more meaningful to build it with your own two hands. The kits these days come in varying skill levels and are usually made from plastic, wood or metal. Most kits will come with paint if it is needed, model glue, detailed plans and all the parts for the ship. You might want to purchase a good pair of tweezers for handling tiny pieces. Your work area should be spacious, well-lit and well-ventilated.
When shopping for a model, you may come across some common Coast Guard ships. One is the Barque Eagle, a tall sailing ship originally built in 1936 but still used to this day for training purposes. Another is the Mackinaw icebreaker. As its name suggests, it is designed to plow through even the most frozen conditions. There are a variety of other boats and ships you might encounter, so it shouldn’t be hard to choose your favorite. Most of the models out there are true to life and feature realistic details on a smaller scale.
Coast Guard model ships can be purchased at hobby shops and also online. In addition to Internet retailers, Ebay is sometimes a good place to shop. When you purchase your model, whether pre-assembled or in kit form, you might also want to purchase a display case. This will protect your ship from dirt, dust, wear and tear and provide an attractive way to show it off. You may get lucky and find a model that comes with a display case engraved with the name of the ship. If not, you can buy one separately and have it engraved, which is a nice touch if you are giving it as a gift.
