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 U.S.S. Monitor - Planning to Build the Model

   Perhaps the most important consideration is planning.  This includes gathering the information (plans, photos, books, etc), looking at resources (tools, work space, ability, time, money), and setting forth the desired result (goal).  The more you plan up front, the greater the chances for success resulting in a great model
First Step - Goals

     Both steps one and two are perhaps the easiest and can be accomplished without much, if any expenditure.  In this step you will need to decide on the configuration of the model as well as how it will operate.  (You can always change your goals as you go.)

     Do you want a rotating turret, firing guns, smoke, sound?  Will the model be super-detailed?  Will it be weathered?  Will it have accessories and most importantly, what time period will it reflect?  What materials are you planning on using?  How much do you plan on spending?
Second Step - Resources

     What tools do you have and what will you need to purchase?  Where will you build it (and store it)?  If any of the construction is beyond your capability, who can you turn to (local model boat club?)?  How much time can you devote to building the model?


Third Step - Information

     Information can come from a variety of sources, including the interned, libraries, museums, book sellers, ship plan suppliers, and of course other hobbyists.  Some sources will be revealed on this web site as they are developed.  This step is very important in developing a historically correct model.  It is wise to have same information from several sources to verify what you have.  See comments on the bottom of this page about Plans, Diagrams, and Drawings.
Plans, Diagrams, and Drawings

      As stated earlier, more information about the U.S.S. Monitor is being released based on the recovery of various components and more research and existing documents are being made available.   Still, one must be cautious about the source as there is incorrect information out there.  Verlinden's© turret is a prime example.  A lot of work by that company went into designing the mold for the turret, but is has a number of major problems which makes this turret wrong to use in a scale model.

     Other evidence about problems with data is when this author purchased a set of U.S.S. Monitor "plans" from a so-called "reliable" source.  The deck plates ran lengthwise on the plans as opposed to crosswise.  When this author contacted the supplier, they used some lame excuse that they were correct.  The proof of the Gibson photos taken on board the ship did not phase them.

      Also not that there are a number of books as well as the Gibson stereo photographs that can compliment the builder's source of information for building and super detailing a model.