Model Ships

The Vikings were a European group of warriors who hailed from the North, or Norse region. Their reign lasted from approximately the 8th to the 11th century. The Vikings were best known for their ships which they used for travel and conquest. They settled various areas of land and gained a reputation as not only seagoing traders but fearsome pillagers as well. Because of the lasting Viking legend and the amazing vessels they traveled on, Viking model ships are a favorite of many hobbyist builders.

(more…)

The hobby of building model ships is one that is ideal for people who enjoy detail-oriented work. You’ll find that many model ships contain lots of small pieces and are basically small versions of full-size ships with all the same parts. If you’re not sure how to build model ships, you’re in luck because the majority of hobbyist builders use kits. Model kits contain everything you will need to complete a project, including the parts, plans, glue and paint if needed. Some models come pre-painted while others do not. The most common material for models these days is plastic. You may also come across those made from wood, metal and even paper.

(more…)

If you’ve had some experience building model ships and are ready for a new and exciting challenge, consider venturing into the world of RC model ships. RC stands for remote control and adds a new dimension to model building. Remote controlled boats are actually able to be driven on water, which you certainly can’t do with that scale model sitting on your shelf. As you can imagine, building an RC boat is going to be more complex than building a traditional model.Complex, but achievable with the right parts and instructions.

(more…)

Scale model ships are tiny versions of the real thing, often called replicas or representations. There are all different kinds of model ships available, including those from different time periods. You’ll find Viking ships, sailing vessels, historic ships, pirate ships, military ships and more in replica form. These replicas can range in size from very tiny to rather large although most are of appropriate size that they can be displayed on a shelf or desk. Many people collect model ships for investment purposes, as a hobby, or as an enhancement to home or office decor.

(more…)

Homemade wooden model ships go far beyond your traditional model built from a factory packaged kit. These models are painstakingly crafted from raw materials and take an extensive amount of time and effort to design and build. They are more labor intensive and require more supplies and tools. Many people sell their completed ships to collectors who are often willing to pay a tidy sum for a high quality model ship of this type. Others enjoy the pursuit as a hobby and display their ships around their home or give them as gifts.

(more…)

Wood model ships represent the most traditional ship models, and many believe the most beautiful as well. You can choose to build a wood model from scratch, using raw materials, or you can purchase a kit that contains pre-carved pieces and detailed plans for assembly. You’ll find that kits come in two varieties — European and North American. The European kits often feature gorgeous stained wood that doesn’t need to be painted, but can be if you choose. The North American kits have pieces that almost always require you to stain or paint them. There are also different types of kits within these categories that include bread and butter, plank on frame and plank on bulkhead.

(more…)

If you’re ready to start building model ships, the first thing you should do is educate yourself on the subject before proceeding. There are several different ways to participate in this popular pursuit. Some people enjoy shipbuilding as a hobby in their spare time, while others devote a lot more time and effort. There are even guilds and groups where builders gather to work on a model together. This is often the case with larger, more extensive models or those that are being crafted from scratch without the use of a kit or factory-made plans. Although it is extremely involved and quite difficult for all but the very experienced, it is possible to build a ship model from raw materials. Joining an aforementioned group, doing web research and checking out some books on the subject can help you get started.

(more…)

Anyone looking for an enjoyable and historically significant hobby should consider building Coast Guard model ships. The Coast Guard is a division of the United States military responsible for maritime law enforcement and safety. It is not to be confused with the Navy, although both divisions are associated with ships. Model ship building is rewarding and enjoyable, especially for anyone who enjoys detailed work. There are Coast Guard ships that you can put together yourself from kit form, or those that have already been assembled.

(more…)

Model shipbuilding is a great way to spend your free time. There are lots of options for someone who wants to get started with this hobby. For example, there are beginner level kits that are perfect for those just starting out. You can also find kits made especially for youngsters that don’t even need glue. Then there are the intermediate and advanced kits for builders seeking more of a challenge. Most model ship kits are made from plastic, although you can find kits in wood, metal and even paper.

(more…)

If you’re new to the hobby of model ship building, you might be wondering if painting your models is something you will need to do. This actually depends on the model and/or kit you purchase. Some kits contain parts that are pre-painted while others require you to do the paint job. For those looking for a creative pursuit, the unpainted kits are probably going to be the most enjoyable. The majority of kits contain plastic parts, so make sure you get paint made for plastic if it doesn’t come included. Sometimes you can find wood and metal models as well which of course require their own type of paint.

(more…)