Few names in the ship modeling world carry the weight of respect that Ab Hoving does. For decades, he has been at the center of Dutch maritime history—building, researching, teaching, and preserving models that connect us to a golden age of seafaring. In a recent conversation with Ships in Scale, Ab and his son Emiel reflected on a remarkable journey that spans classrooms, museums, workshops, and even the digital realm.
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The “Rum” Line: From Angostura Executive to Master Ship Modeler – Kevin Kenny’s Story
Some ship modelers ease into the hobby through a lifelong interest in the sea. Others arrive by way of a childhood kit that sparks a passion. For Kevin Kenny, the path was neither so gentle nor so predictable. His journey began in a Trinidad boardroom, during an argument over a museum budget.
Kevin, then a marketing executive for Angostura — best known for its rum and bitters — was overseeing the creation of a small company museum. A hired historian insisted on commissioning a model of the Dr. Seegert, a German ship with historical ties to Trinidad. The lowest bid came in at $15,000 — far beyond the budget. Frustrated, Kevin blurted out that he could build it himself for less.
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