The second half of 1996 began Alan Raven's series " Development of Naval Camouflage: 1914-1945" with part 1 covering the introduction to camouflage and part 2 covering the USN in WW1. This work is a must read for every ship modeller.

1996 saw an increase in modelling articles covering the following subjects: Momi and Watatake destroyers, USS Indiana in 1/350, 1/1200 Jordon tanker kits, 1/700 Gneisenau, scratchbuilding a 1/700 Huascar, 1/1200 - 1/1250 diorama of Pearl Harbour, Type 15 Subchasers, 1/350 USS California, 19th Century Chinese warships, Ray Bean's "Keeper of the Seas" diorama, colour schemes for the Nuremberg, modelling the Bismarck in 1/350 and a feature on Knox class frigates.

Merchant navy articles included the following: Doxford standard design, Empress of Australia 1913, early bulk carriers - American colliers and Osk line merchant ships.

A new photo feature was incorporated kicked off by John Snyder who served for 17 months as ship's photographer on the USS Bainbridge, showing various ships. The second feature showcased French naval units at Brest around the turn of the 20th century - a most welcome piece.

The emergence in 1996 of some major new ship model manufacturers as well as existing manufacturers (both plastic and cottage) lifting their release rate, led to PSM's review section being expanded and brought an increase in the whole magazine from 36 pages to 40 pages.

Plastic Ship Modeller finished it's third year on a definite high, with high quality reviews and definitive reference articles which gave ship modellers cause for celebration.