SeaWatch Books Podcast

Inside the World of Dutch Ship Models with Ab & Emiel Hoving

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Ab Hoving, one of the most respected names in ship modeling, along with his son Emil Hoving. Ab shares his remarkable journey from being a schoolteacher to becoming head of the ship model collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where he restored and cared for some of the world’s most important maritime treasures. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * How Ab turned his lifelong passion for modeling into a career at the Rijksmuseum. * The challenges and joys of restoring centuries-old ship models, including the legendary William Rex. * His groundbreaking work reconstructing Dutch shipbuilding methods from the 17th century. * Emil’s role in bringing these models to life through photography, graphic design, and digital art. * Reflections on the future of ship modeling and advice for those looking to make the leap into scratch building. From historical insights to personal stories (including why Ab once set fire to one of his own models!), this interview is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration for modelers, maritime historians, and anyone passionate about preserving the past. 🔗 Learn more about Ab’s books and projects at https://seawatchbooks.com/collections... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblV4UHNUclFWOUd6b0ZhT0ZOWE52ZmJUYlFuZ3xBQ3Jtc0trdC1uVWlXWDRDbWZtYmc4SDZ2bkhfc183ZjZlUXhHdjFzY1QzUEdjNTQ2WE8wTHpJUHBwcXVhdFRZRlZ1bThYQ0YzZkxTbDFTT0NQdmtFLVdTVzl2UGxVUF9jTEJuNEl3YTlsWkx2Y3d1VGJhcXEwWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fseawatchbooks.com%2Fcollections%2Fab-hoving&v=tealzoNxPCU]. 📌 Subscribe to The SeaWatch Podcast for more interviews with the leading voices in ship modeling and maritime history.

The “Rum” Line: From Angostora Executive to Master Ship Modeler - Kevin Kenny’s Story

Join host Michael Ellison for a fascinating conversation with master model shipbuilder Kevin Kenny, creator of the long-running YouTube series documenting his build of HMS Thorn. Kevin shares how a bold promise at work led him back into modeling, the challenges of building in a tropical climate, and the unique Caribbean hardwoods he uses. We explore his research process, tips for new modelers, and his philosophy on learning through mistakes. From the Thorn to his upcoming build of HMS Ulysses, Kevin’s passion for preserving maritime history shines through. 📌 Highlights: * The “dare” that reignited Kevin’s passion for model building * Building museum-quality models in Trinidad * Protecting ships from termites and tropical pests * Unique woods for ship modeling – and where he finds them * The patience and honesty behind his YouTube videos * Advice for beginners in ship modeling Watch Kevin’s HMS Thorn build series here: https://www.youtube.com/@kevinkenny5122 Learn more about SeaWatch Books: http://www.seawatchbooks.com

Tom Lauria’s Journey: A Life in Models and the Legacy of Alice S. Wentworth

In this episode, we welcome master model maker Tom Lauria to the bridge. From his early days building models in the Bronx to becoming a renowned ship modeler on Cape Cod, Tom shares the winding journey that led him to the world of scratch-built maritime masterpieces. We dive into his lifelong passion for storytelling through models, the mentors and moments that shaped his craft, and the philosophy behind his work — including his signature approach to bringing vessels to life through authentic weathering and detail. The conversation then turns to Tom’s latest and perhaps most personal project: The Coasting Schooner Alice S. Wentworth. We explore the fascinating story of Alice and her legendary captain, Zeb, and how Tom painstakingly researched and recreated this iconic schooner in miniature. Whether you're a model maker, maritime enthusiast, or simply love a story of dedication and history coming alive, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and salty charm. 👉 Watch Tom's videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shipmodelguy 👉 Get the book: The Coasting Schooner Alice S. Wentworth on SeaWatch Books: https://seawatchbooks.com/products/the-coasting-schooner-alice-s-wentworh-by-thomas-j-lauria

The Art (and Sport!) of Ship Modeling with Olha and Kroum Batchvarov

In this episode of the SeaWatch Podcast, we sit down with Olha and Kroum Batchvarov—two remarkable individuals united by a love of ships, history, and precision craftsmanship. Olha shares her inspiring journey from discovering ship modeling in Ukraine to building a successful YouTube channel and full-time career as a model builder in the U.S.—including her surprising experience competing in ship modeling as a recognized sport. Kroum, a leading maritime archeologist, takes us inside the world of shipwreck excavation, including his work on the famed Vasa and Black Sea Maritime Archeology Project. He explains how archeology and modeling intersect—and the stories ancient wrecks still have to tell. We explore the challenges and joys of building historical ship models, restoring old kits, working from archeological data, and inspiring the next generation of modelers—including more women in the craft. Whether you're into modeling, maritime history, or just love a good story, this conversation has something for you. Check out Olha's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@OlhaBatchvarov Check out Kroum's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@kroumbatchvarov-archaeologist

Inside the World’s Largest Ship Model Collection with Simon Stephens

🚢 Inside the World's Largest Ship Model Collection – with Curator Simon Stephens 🌍 Join us for a fascinating conversation with Simon Stephens, longtime curator at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, as we explore the hidden world of historic ship models—some dating back to 1800 BCE! From naval masterpieces to Shackleton’s legendary lifeboat, Simon shares stories from his 47-year career, including high-tech methods for peering inside models using medical endoscopes and CT scans, uncovering long-lost details and even surprise artifacts. 💡 Topics covered include: * The scale and scope of the museum’s 4,500+ model collection * The mysterious Navy Board models * Cutting-edge conservation techniques * Simon’s favorite finds—including hidden paintings and a “dead body” (sort of!) * The remarkable story of the James Caird and Shackleton’s Antarctic rescue * Behind-the-scenes access to the museum’s model storage and public tours Whether you're a ship modeler, maritime historian, or just curious about the craft and care behind preserving these miniature marvels, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration. 📍 Learn more or plan your visit: https://www.rmg.co.uk [https://www.rmg.co.uk/] 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with experts, historians, and modelers from around the world!