Introduction to Ship Modeling
NEW TO SHIP MODELING? Become a Shipwright of Old
Model Shipways Wood Kits, designed by master modeler David Antscherl, provide the skills needed to build museum-quality models. Explore kit details online.
Discover the art of ship modeling with a comprehensive range of kits, tools, paints, and accessories from Model Shipways and Model Expo. Designed for enthusiasts of all skill levels, these products offer historical accuracy and exceptional detail.
NEW TO SHIP MODELING? Become a Shipwright of Old
Model Shipways Wood Kits, designed by master modeler David Antscherl, provide the skills needed to build museum-quality models. Explore kit details online.
A curated selection of historically accurate, detailed wood models with laser-cut parts for easy construction. Many kits feature true plank-on-frame or plank-on-bulkhead construction and include detailed instruction manuals.
1:24 Scale Wood Model. Length: 10", Width: 3", Height: 1-1/2". Skill Level 1. A great introduction to model ship building, this is the first boat in a series of progressive model tutorials. Includes a combo tool kit with hobby knife, paints, brushes, sandpaper, tweezers, and clamps. Dories were developed on the East Coast in the 1800s for fishing and lobstering.
MS1470CB - Wood Model Dory Combo Kit - Paint & Tools: $49.99
MS1470 - Wood Model Dory Kit Only: $29.99
1:24 Scale Wood Model. Length: 12", Width: 4", Height: 15". Skill Level 2. An intermediate kit, recommended after the Grand Banks Dory. Sailing Prams are of Norse origin.
MS1471 - Wood Model Ship Kit Only: $49.99
MS1471MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 4 1oz. Bottles: $19.99
1:24 Scale Wood Model. Length: 14", Width: 3", Height: 14". Skill Level 3. This kit is the third in a series of progressive model tutorials. Known as Friendship sloops or Maine lobster sloops, these boats were fast sailors.
MS1472 - Wood Model Ship Kit Only: $69.99
MS1472MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 4 1oz. Bottles: $19.99
1:48 Scale Wood Model. Length: 11 3/4", Height: 10". Features laser-cut basswood parts, cast metal, brass, and hardwood fittings, and a detailed illustrated instruction manual. A great starting point for learning ship modeling.
MS1457CBT - 18th Century Longboat Combo Kit - Paint & Tools: $69.99
MS1457 - 18th Century Longboat Kit: $49.99
1:24 Scale Wood Model. Length: 24". This kit is recommended for beginners and experts alike, offering a true plank-on-frame experience. It includes laser-cut basswood, cast metal, brass, and hardwood fittings, and a comprehensive 48-page instruction booklet with over 130 color photos.
MS1460 - 18th Century Armed Longboat Kit: $99.99
MS1460MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 10 1oz. Bottles: $49.99
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Length: 24", Height: 4-5/8". Based on original plans from the Nautical Maritime Museum, this kit features plank-on-frame construction with laser-cut wooden components and authentic scale whaling gear.
MS1850 - HMS Bounty Launch Kit: $99.99
MS1850MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 7 1oz. Bottles: $34.99
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Length: 17-1/4", Height: 14-3/4". Features laser-cut cherry & basswood parts, cast metal, brass, and hardwood fittings. Follows the original plank-on-frame method of construction.
MS2033 - New Bedford Whale Boat Kit: $169.99
MS2033MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 6 1oz. Bottles: $29.99
1:32 Scale Wood Model. Length: 24", Height: 16". Based on the craft discovered in 1954, this kit uses plank-on-bulkhead techniques. Features laser-cut wooden molds, keelson, and transom, with basswood construction.
MS2032 - Willie Bennett, Skipjack Kit: $169.99
MS2032MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 8 1oz. Bottles: $39.99
1:32 Scale Wood Model. Length: 26-3/8", Height: 28-1/2". Based on drawings and documentation from the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard. Features true plank-on-frame construction with laser-cut keel and ribs.
MS2150 - Emma C. Berry Kit: $169.99
MS2150MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 8 1oz. Bottles: $39.99
1:24 Scale Wood Model. Length: 22 1/2", Height: 5". This model replicates the steam launch built in 1864. Features laser-cut basswood parts, ready-made fittings, and an illustrated instruction manual.
MS2261 - USN Picket Boat No.1 Kit: $169.99
MS2261MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 8 1oz. Bottles: $39.99
1:24 Scale Wood Model. Length: 26 3/8", Width: 13 3/4", Height: 24 5/8". This kit represents the oldest American fighting vessel, sunk in 1776 and raised in 1935. Features CAD-assisted laser-cut basswood parts and authentic fittings.
MS2263 - Gunboat Philadelphia Kit: $199.99
MS2263MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 3 1oz. Bottles: $14.99
1:24 Scale Wood Model. Length: 29 1/2", Height: 23". Based on original drawings by Howard I. Chapelle, this kit features laser-cut components and single plank-on-bulkhead construction.
MS2180 - Glad Tidings Pinky Schooner Kit: $189.99
MS2180MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 10 1oz. Bottles: $49.99
1:64 Scale Wood Model. Length: 32", Height: 26 1/2". An authentic representation of the Nova Scotia schooner. Features plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut basswood parts.
MS2130 - Bluenose Schooner Kit: $219.99
MS2130MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 10 1oz. Bottles: $59.99
1:64 Scale Wood Model. Length: 30 3/4", Height: 25". Replicates the Charles W. Morgan as a double topsail bark of 1892-1908. Features plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut basswood and copper sheathing.
MS2140 - Charles Morgan Whale Bark Kit: $399.99
MS2140MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 10 1oz. Bottles: $49.99
1:48 Scale Wood Model. Length: 33", Height: 27". An example of a turn-of-the-century Grand Banks fisherman. Features laser-cut wooden parts, including a seine boat mini-kit.
MS2109 - Benjamin Latham Kit: $249.99
MS2109MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 10 1oz. Bottles: $49.99
1:48 Scale Wood Model. Length: 26 1/2", Height: 22". A reproduction of a model built over 200 years ago, representing a 1778 privateer. Features plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut parts.
MS2015 - Fair American 14gun Privateer 1778 Kit: $229.99
MS2015MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 7 1oz. Bottles: $34.99
1:76 Scale Wood Model. Length: 22", Height: 17". A re-make of a popular kit, now with plank-on-bulkhead construction. Features laser-cut wooden components and a comprehensive fittings package.
MS2020 - Mayflower 1620 Kit: $219.99
MS2020MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 6 1oz. Bottles: $29.99
1:64 Scale Wood Model. Length: 28", Height: 18". Features plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut basswood components and lead-free Britannia metal castings.
MS2028 - Rattlesnake Kit: $239.99
MS2028MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 10 1oz. Bottles: $49.99
1:64 Scale Wood Model. Length: 32", Height: 22". An accurate representation of the replica clipper. Features laser-cut basswood parts and Britannia metal castings.
MS2120 - Pride Of Baltimore II Kit: $239.99
MS2120MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 12 1oz. Bottles: $59.99
1:48 Scale Wood Model. Length: 31", Height: 22", Width: 81/4". Based on drawings by Howard I. Chapelle. Features double plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut basswood and walnut parts.
MS2160 - Armed Virgina Sloop Kit Only: $269.00
MS2160MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 8 1oz. Bottles: $39.99
1:64 Scale Wood Model. Length: 43", Height: 27", Width: 11". A faithful representation of the reconstructed brig Niagara. Features laser-cut basswood parts and plank-on-bulkhead construction.
MS2240 - Niagara Battle Lake Erie Kit Only: $369.99
MS2240MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 11 1oz. Bottles: $54.99
1:64 Scale Wood Model. Length: 33", Height: 27". Designed by Chuck Passaro, this kit is authentic to the last detail. Features laser-cut basswood keel and bulkheads, and self-adhesive copper tape for hull plating.
MS2260 - USS Syren US Brig 1803 Kit Only: $319.99
MS2260MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 4 1oz. Bottles: $19.99
1:76 Scale Wood Model. Length: 31", Height: 22", Width: 81/4". Reproduces the frigate known for her speed and graceful lines. Features plank-on-bulkhead construction with CAD-assisted laser-cut basswood parts.
MS2241 - USS Essex 1799 Frigate Kit: $399.99
MS2241MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 12 1oz. Bottles: $59.99
1:64 Scale Wood Model. Length: 35", Height: 8 1/2". Designed as an admiralty model to showcase rich detail. Features plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut basswood and walnut components.
MS2262 - USF Confederacy 1799 Frigate Kit: $649.99
MS2262MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 15 1oz. Bottles: $74.99
USS Constitution 1797: 1:76 Scale Wood Model. Length: 4", Height: 32". Based on 1927 Navy drawings, this kit features laser-cut wooden parts and extensive photo-etched brass detail.
MS2040 - USS Constitution 1797 Kit: $569.99
MS2040MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 11 1oz. Bottles: $54.99
USS Constitution Cross Section: 1:76 Scale Wood Model. Length: 48". Features nearly 600 laser-cut basswood parts and detailed instructions.
MS2045 - USS Constitution Cross Section Kit: $219.99
MS2045MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 11 1oz. Bottles: $54.99
1:96 Scale Wood Model. Length: 36", Height: 22 1/2". Replicates Donald McKay's 1851 clipper ship. Features plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut basswood and self-adhesive copper coil.
MS2018 - Flying Fish Kit: $399.99
MS2018MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 11 1oz. Bottles: $54.99
1:48 Scale Wood Model. Length: 35", Height: 8 1/2". Replicates the steam packet built in 1884. Features laser-cut basswood and limewood parts, and photo-etched brass detail.
MS2190 - Chaperon Sternwheel Steamer Kit: $369.99
MS2190MS - Acrylic Paint Set - 9 1oz. Bottles: $44.99
Beautifully rendered and historically accurate WWI plane kits.
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Length: 14-1/8", Wingspan: 17-3/4", Height: 7-1/4". The favorite plane of Manfred von Richthofen. Features laser-cut basswood and birch plywood, and Britannia metal castings for the engine.
MA1040 - $299.99
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Wingspan: 21", Fuselage Length: 14-1/16". Features laser-cut birch parts and Britannia metal parts for the Clerget engine.
MA1030 - $219.99
1:16 Scale Wood & Metal. A detailed model of the Clerget 9B engine. Includes laser-cut basswood parts for the propeller and a wooden engine stand.
MA1031 - $49.99
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Wingspan: 22-1/2", Fuselage: 18-1/4". Features 184 laser-cut parts and over 100 Britannia metal parts for the Mercedes-Benz engine.
MA1001 - $219.99
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Wingspan: 20", Fuselage: 15-3/4". Designed from original plans, this model reproduces virtually every detail of the real airplane.
MA1002 - $219.99
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Wingspan: 32-1/2", Fuselage Length: 20-1/2". Features 300 laser-cut basswood and birch parts, and Britannia metal casted rotary engine.
MA1010 - $399.99
1:16 Scale Wood Model. Wingspan: 30", Length: 15". Reproduces the original aircraft's structural components. Features laser-cut basswood and Britannia metal parts for the engine.
MA1020 - $119.99
Kits manufactured in the USA of historic American Civil War artillery and related models.
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 7-7/8", Width: 3-3/4", Height: 3-1/4".
MS4010 - $64.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 8", Width: 4-1/2", Height: 3-1/3".
MS4008 - $64.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 8", Width: 4", Height: 3-1/4".
MS4007 - $64.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 5", Width: 3-1/2", Height: 3".
MS4014 - $54.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 8", Width: 3-3/4", Height: 3-1/4".
MS4013 - $64.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 10", Width: 4", Height: 3-1/4".
MS4003 - $64.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 8-1/4", Width: 4", Height: 3-1/2".
MS4001 - $64.99
1:16 Scale Wood & Metal. 3-1/4 inches.
MS4000M - Metal Wheels: $29.99
MS4000 - Wood Wheels: $24.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 10", Width: 4", Height: 3-1/3".
MS4002 - $54.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 6", Width: 4-1/2", Height: 6-1/2".
MS4016 - $59.99
1:16 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 8-1/2", Width: 4", Height: 6".
MS4017 - $99.99
1:24 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 8-1/4", Width: 5-1/4", Height: 3".
MS4005 - $54.99
1:16 Scale Metal Model. Length: 7-7/8", Width: 3-3/4", Height: 3-1/4".
MS4012 - $59.99
1:16 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 10", Width: 4", Height: 3-1/3".
MS4009 - $64.99
1:16 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 7-1/2", Width: 3-1/2", Height: 3-1/2".
MS4020 - $64.99
1:24 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 8-1/4", Width: 4-1/2", Height: 3-1/2".
MS4004 - $54.99
1:16 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Includes Limber (Length: 10", Width: 4", Height: 3-1/3") and Cannon (Length: 8-1/4", Width: 4", Height: 3-1/2").
MS4003CB - $99.99
Historically significant western and horse-drawn vehicles representative before the motor age.
1:12 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 13", Width: 5", Height: 8".
MS6009 - $129.99
1:12 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 10", Width: 9", Height: 8-3/4". Features laser-cut basswood parts and realistic accessories.
MS6005 - $119.99
1:12 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 19", Width: 6", Height: 9". The most historically accurate Conestoga wagon kit ever produced, with working brakes and suspension.
MS6002 - $149.99
1:12 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 14-1/4", Width: 5-3/4", Height: 9". The most complex and accurately detailed kit Model Trailways has ever produced.
MS6006 - $399.99
1:12 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Height: 25" ladder extended. This 1890 wagon was a transitional design, hand-pulled before horses were commonly used.
MS6007 - $169.99
1:12 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 13-3/4", Width: 6", Height: 8-3/4". Replicates the original with steerable wooden wheels, working suspension, and opening doors.
MS6001 - $219.99
1:12 Scale Wood & Metal Model. Length: 10", Width: 6", Height: 9". Historically accurate and relatively easy to build, featuring laser-cut basswood and Britannia metal parts.
MS6004 - $119.99
High-quality acrylic paints and historic stains formulated for wooden models. Available in 1 oz. bottles.
A wide range of colors for historical accuracy, including trim colors, hull colors, and deck colors. Available individually.
Price: $4.99 per 1 oz. bottle
Metallic finishes for adding realistic metallic effects to models. Available individually.
Price: $4.99 per 1 oz. bottle
Wood stains and protective finishes to enhance the natural beauty of wood. Available individually.
Price: $4.99 per 1 oz. bottle
Convenient paint sets offered for most kits. Check online for availability.
Essential supplies for model assembly and finishing.
Handmade in Italy, these fine art brushes are available in various series (Top Graphic, Series 32, Series 33, Preciso) and sizes, suitable for acrylic painting and detail work.
A range of adhesives including Cyanoacrylates (Super Thin, Maxi-Cure, Gap Filling) and Epoxies (5 Min., 15 Min., 30 Min.). Also includes accessories like Teflon Tubing, Extender Tips, and CA Debonder.
Reusable stainless-steel applicators for low viscosity glue.
Enhance your finished models with display cases, bases, and specialized tools.
Finest dark American walnut, pre-routed and unfinished, available in various lengths.
Cases with routed bases and formed edges, requiring light sanding and staining. Glass not included.
Pedestals slotted to fit the keel, available in different heights.
A specialized tool made from MDF for creating accurately scaled ratlines on model ships. Available in three scale ranges.
A selection of high-quality tools for precision modeling.
Accommodates virtually any size keel, making plank-on-bulkhead hull assembly fast and accurate.
Produces a tight, consistent knot every time.
For nailheads approximately 1/16" diameter.
A comprehensive set including knives, blades, routers, planes, drill bits, and a wood storage case.
Bends wooden planking strips to the correct curvature using heat.
Processes dozens of blocks at a time, requiring an electric drill or rotary tool.
Hold planks firmly in place during hull construction. Available for different bulkhead thicknesses.
A sturdy wood vise that grips the keel and holds it fast for planking.
Turns ordinary thread into realistic 3-strand scale rope.
Guides such as "Planking the Built-Up Ship Model" by Jim Roberts and "How to Build First Rate Ship Models From Kits" by Ben Lankford.
Assists in marking the waterline on model hulls.
Allows the use of wooden trunnels instead of metal nails for authentic construction.
Beautifully detailed scale fittings in metal and wood for enhancing model realism.
Highly detailed, perfectly round barrels and various styles of buckets.
Stanchions for model ship railings.
Available in bulk and standard packs, in various sizes.
Available in bulk and standard packs, with true scale diameters.
Used for various rigging applications, available in multiple sizes.
Scale cannonballs in various sizes.
Bread & Butter and Plank-on-Frame wood life boat kits, and Master Korabel Lifeboats.
Available in metal and walnut, with different base types and sizes.
Model Shipways Beautiful Blocks made of Swiss pear wood, available in single, double, and triple sheave configurations, as well as standard walnut and boxwood blocks. Bulk pricing available.
Available in walnut and boxwood, in various sizes, with bulk pricing options.
Jackstay eyebolts for rigging, available in different sizes and bulk packs.
Brass parrels and wood cannon wheels for mast and yard assemblies.
Available in walnut and boxwood, in various sizes.
Cherry wood and boxwood grating strips, and assembled walnut gratings.
Fine Ballooner Cotton sail cloth.
Small dimple copper plates and 66 ft. copper tape for hull sheathing.
Boxwood steering wheels and pedestals.
Specialty cutting tools, knives, and custom blades for every hobby need.
Diamond polishing sets and miniature file sets for fine detail work.
Nickel-plated diamond core hole saws for rotary tools and drills.
Sanding stick with a rotatable abrasive belt.
Assorted hobby knives, blades, sharpening stone, and super glue.
Sets of small files and picks for intricate carving and detail work.
Miter boxes for precise angle cuts, available with or without fine kerf saws.
A range of knives (No.1, No.5, No.7) and specialized blades (Curved Edge, Stencil Edge, Chisel Edge, etc.).
Sharper and thinner than hobby knife blades, ideal for cutting wood veneers.
Thin slot aluminum miter boxes and ultra-thin razor saws for fine kerf cuts.
A comprehensive set including knives, gouges, and blades for carving and cutting.
Essential tools for precision work and comfortable modeling.
Durable cutting mats with a grid pattern and self-healing surface.
Double-sided, self-healing cutting mats.
A flexible LED magnifying lamp that can sit on a desk or clamp on the edge.
Head-mounted magnifier with multiple magnification powers and LED lights.
Magnifier with alligator clips and a weighted base for hands-free work.
A classic magnifier with a glass lens, brass body, and wood handle.
A versatile magnifying lamp with a flexible arm and clamp mount.
Eyewear with powered LED lighting and multiple magnification levels.
Magnifier with double ball joint arms and alligator clips for holding parts.
A selection of the most popular hand tools for modeling.
Curved and straight clamps useful for rigging and gluing small parts.
Spring-activated metal clamps with rubber-coated ends.
Small wooden clothespins ideal for clamping delicate parts.
Spring-loaded alligator clips with serrated jaws.
A vise with multiple holes and pins to hold irregularly shaped parts.
Pro quality needle nose pliers and chain nose cutter pliers.
A 4-piece set including chain, flat, round, and sidecutter pliers.
General purpose and specialized tweezers, including magnetic stainless steel and pearl/bead holding tweezers.
Precision drill bits and pin vises for scale modeling.
Available individually in sizes #51 - #80, and in sets.
Hexagon shank drills for use with rotary tools and hand drills.
A spiral action drill for reaching tight spots, with a set of drill bits.
Includes a pin vise and a set of high-speed steel twist drills.
Pro quality pin vise with reversible chucks.
A compact drill press with variable speed settings, suitable for modeling tasks.
A selection of useful power tools for modeling.
Includes a 3-litre air tank, regulator, air hose, and a dual-action gravity-fed airbrush. Features auto-stop functionality and low noise.
A fold-up spray booth with an exhaust fan, ideal for spraying scale models. Includes filter, turntable, and wall power pack.
A miniature table saw perfect for hobby and model work, including saw blades and a cross-cut support.
A Dremel-type rotary tool with a flexible shaft and 40 accessories for polishing, grinding, and cutting.