James Hastings (model ship maker)
James Hasting (11 July 1936 – 5 April 2022) was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, recognized for his expert knowledge in the field of scratch-built model ship construction.[1][2]
Life and work
[edit]As a child, James Hastings lived in New Jersey, where he built model trains, race cars, planes, and ships for a hobby. There wasn’t one particular ‘road to Damascus moment’ that got Hastings into model ship-making. But he ‘drifted into it’ because he came from a family of ship engineers.[1][3]
At 13, Hastings got A Marine Model Company, his first model ship kit. He built many more kits after that first one.[1] When he finished a BA in economics from Columbia University, Hastings enlisted as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and stayed for a twenty-year career. The military career made model ship making difficult, so he stopped model making for many years.[1][2]
When Hastings was finally able to stay put when stationed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, the timing was right to get back to model-making. At this time, he began to dedicate much more time to model making, building many kits, and buying books to increase his knowledge.[1]
In 1972, Hastings decided to start scratch building while stationed in North Dakota. He credits Harold Underhill’s book "Plank-on-Frame Models" (1958) for introducing him to the subject. Another book he cites as critical in his development is “The Anatomy of Nelson’s Ships” (1981) by Nepean Longridge.[1]
Models
[edit]Some models created by Hastings include the Mandalay, which he became familiar with during a cruise aboard the vessel in 2003. He later presented the model to the captain and crew in 2004. His first cutaway model was a replica of the USS Essex. Additionally, Hastings constructed a model of the Susan Constant, (which transported the first colonists from England to Jamestown in 1607).[4]
Other replicas constructed by Hastings include the HMS Victory, the Parma, the Joseph Conrad, the HMS Endeavour, the HMS Diana, the HMS Blandford, and the HMS Bellona.[4]
Personal life
[edit]Jim was married to Kathleen for 55 years. He was survived by his two sons, Bill and Rich, his daughter Beth, and his brother, John Hastings.[2]
Awards
[edit]In 2019, the Joe Martin Foundation recognized James Hastings by awarding him the title of Craftsman of the Year.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f (2019). “James Hastings, A Ship Modeler Since Childhood.” The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum. https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/james-hastings/
- ^ a b c James "Jim" Hutton Hastings OBITUARY. Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ (2021, Jun). “HMS Bellona Scale Model.” The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum. https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/exhibit/hms-bellona-scale-model/
- ^ a b (2021, Mar). “James Hastings Photos.” The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum. https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/james-hastings/james-hastings-photos/
- ^ (2019, Feb). “Scale Model Ship’s Boat and Boat Builder’s Block.” The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum. https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/exhibit/scale-model-ships-boat-and-boat-builder-block/