Historical Ships

This is traditional ship modelling in its fullest form, and the largest part of our model ship kits range. A serious tall ship kit takes months and sometimes years, and involves skills that build on one another.

What a historic kit involves

Framing and fairing, first and second planking, deck laying, gun port fitting, carving and decoration, mast and spar making, then standing and running rigging with hundreds of blocks and individually tied ratlines. Kits supply a laser cut ply keel and bulkheads, strip timber, brass and cast fittings, cannon, blocks, deadeyes, rigging cord, sail cloth where included, and full size plans with a manual.

The subjects people build

Royal Navy ships of the line including HMS Victory. Voyages of exploration and settlement such as HMS Endeavour, the Santa Maria and the Mayflower. Clippers, above all Cutty Sark. Galleons, frigates, Baltic and Mediterranean types, and preserved vessels such as Vasa. Availability varies by brand, so check the current listings rather than assuming a given ship is in stock.

Picking the right one

Difficulty grade matters more here than in any other category. A three decked first rate is a professional project and a poor first wooden build. A single decked sloop or a small merchant vessel teaches the same skills at a third of the parts count. If you want the finished ship without the build, the same subjects appear as ready made historical ship models.

Plan the tools as part of the purchase

Historic kits need more than a knife and glue. Plank bending tools, clamps and a building slip, fine saws and files, appropriate adhesives and paints and finishes are all needed at different stages. Budget for a display case from the start, because rigging cannot be cleaned once dust settles into it.

Common questions

Do you stock an HMS Victory kit?

Victory is one of the most requested subjects and appears from more than one manufacturer at different sizes and difficulty grades. Check current listings for availability.

Is a tall ship kit realistic for a first build?

Only at the lower difficulty grades. Rigging a full ship rig is the single biggest step up in the hobby, and it is worth doing a smaller hull first.

Can I build one without sails?

Yes, and many builders prefer it. Bare poles or furled sails show the hull and deck work far more clearly and reduce the finished footprint.