Shows
SeaWatch Books PodcastInside the World of Dutch Ship Models with Ab & Emiel HovingJoin 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...
2025-09-2037 minSeaWatch Books PodcastThe “Rum” Line: From Angostora Executive to Master Ship Modeler - Kevin Kenny’s StoryJoin 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...
2025-08-1544 minSeaWatch Books PodcastTom Lauria’s Journey: A Life in Models and the Legacy of Alice S. WentworthIn 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 pers...
2025-06-3053 minSeaWatch Books PodcastThe Art (and Sport!) of Ship Modeling with Olha and Kroum BatchvarovIn 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 expl...
2025-05-1739 minSeaWatch Books PodcastInside 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...
2025-03-2937 minSeaWatch Books PodcastThe Hidden Treasures of the Rogers Collection: A Conversation with Grant WalkerJoin us for a fascinating deep dive into the world of historic ship models with Grant Walker, curator and author of The Rogers Collection of Dockyard Models. In this episode, Grant shares the incredible story of how the Naval Academy acquired one of the world’s finest collections of 17th- and 18th-century ship models, the meticulous research and restoration efforts behind them, and the surprising discoveries revealed through fiber optics and CT scans. We also discuss his upcoming Volume 4 and what it will add to the rich history of the collection. This episode is packed with insights you won’t wa...
2025-03-1442 minSeaWatch Books PodcastA Model Life: David Antscherl’s Journey in Ship Modeling⛵Welcome to the SeaWatch Podcast! ⛵In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ship modeling with David Antscherl, one of the most accomplished and prolific model shipbuilders and authors in the field. From his early fascination with miniatures and maritime museums in Greenwich to becoming a master modeler and historian, David shares his incredible journey, insights, and expertise.🔹 Topics Covered in This Episode:✔️ How David’s passion for ship modeling began in childhood✔️ His transition from health sciences and theater design to professional model making✔️ The research and craftsmanship behind his renowned ship mod...
2025-02-1640 min
SeaWatch Books PodcastInside the Workshop: A Professional Ship Modeler’s Journey with Rob Napier🚢 Welcome to the First Ever SeaWatch Books Podcast! ⚓In this debut episode, host Mike Ellison sits down with renowned ship modeler and historian Rob Napier for a fascinating deep dive into his decades-long career. From his early days building plastic kits to restoring priceless museum pieces, Rob shares incredible stories about his journey in the world of ship modeling.🔹 How did he get started in the hobby?🔹 What makes a truly great ship model?🔹 Behind-the-scenes details on restoring Valkenisse and Princess Royal🔹 His thoughts on the future of the craft and upcoming projects
2025-02-021h 22