Artesania 22901 1/84 Santisima Trinidad at Trafalgar 1805 Wooden Ship Model Kit

Educational Toys

Model Ships 101: Exploring Material Options Available and Tips for Assembly

Published on December 2, 2024

Building model ships can be highly rewarding and relaxing. This hobby combines creativity with craftsmanship, allowing you to create beautiful miniature versions of iconic vessels. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about watching a miniature vessel come to life as you carefully piece together each part.

From the selection of materials to the final touches, this activity offers endless opportunities for creativity and precision. Let’s dive into the various building materials available, from traditional wood to modern plastics and resins, and explore how each can impact the look and feel of your final creation.

Materials for Building Model Ships

Plastic

source: trumpeter-china.com

Thanks to their affordable price point and ease of use, historically accurate plastic model ships are a popular choice for beginners and hobbyists. Made from durable, lightweight injection-moulded plastic, these designs offer a good balance of quality and accessibility. For newcomers to the hobby, they’re an excellent way to get started because they’re typically simpler to assemble. Most kits come with clear, detailed instructions that guide you through each step of the process, making it easier for you to create a finished ship that looks impressive without too much frustration.

Another great benefit of plastic model boats is their durability. Unlike some other materials, plastic is less prone to cracking or breaking, so you don’t have to worry as much about accidental damage while working on or displaying your creation. This makes plastic an ideal choice for those who plan to show off their creations over time.

Additionally, plastic model ships are highly customisable, making them perfect for those who enjoy painting and personalising their works. Whether you want to add intricate details or simply give it a fresh coat of paint, this material is easy to work with, ensuring that your ship truly reflects your style.

Metal

Metal plays a crucial role in building scale ships, especially when it comes to mechanical components and fine details that can’t be easily achieved with other materials. Here are some of the most common metals used:

Brass is a favourite for parts like rudder hinges, propellers, and internal components for RC boats. It’s easy to work with, doesn’t corrode like mild steel, and is ideal for making things like radio masts, handrails, and cranes. You can paint it, blacken it, or glue it with epoxy and CA, making it highly versatile;
Copper is another popular choice, especially for live steam engine components. It doesn’t corrode easily and is easy to shape, although epoxy doesn’t bond well to it. Copper wire is often used temporarily during glue-ups, offering a sturdy hold during assembly;
Steel, though not commonly used for most boat parts due to rusting concerns, can still be found in ballast weights and sometimes in live steam engines. Piano wire is also used for RC boat servo push rods;
Lead is excellent for ballast due to its high density. While it’s affordable, it must be handled carefully since it’s toxic. Reclaimed tire weights are a great way to source lead without spending much.

Wood

Wood is often considered one of the most versatile materials in building model ships, offering a wide range of possibilities for both beginners and seasoned builders. Different types of wood come with unique characteristics that can significantly impact how your model turns out. Beyond just colour and texture, the true value of wood lies in its stability, stiffness, and strength. Some types bend easily without cracking, making them perfect for crafting intricate curves in your ship’s hull, while others are more prone to checking or cracking, so they may require extra care during assembly.

What makes wood stand out, though, is the fact that you can work with it in various ways, from carving to sanding, which allows you to bring out detailed designs and authentic textures. Additionally, the flexibility of certain woods means that even complex shapes, like decks and masts, can be crafted without much trouble. Many modelers love working with wood because of its natural feel and the personal touch it adds to a project, making it not only a functional material but also one that offers plenty of creative freedom.

Resin

Resin is another popular material used in building model ships, particularly for crafting hulls. It typically comes in two main types: polyester-based and epoxy-based, each with its advantages. Polyester resin is generally more affordable, though it has a strong odour and requires proper ventilation, so it’s best used in well-ventilated areas or outdoors. On the other hand, epoxy resin has very little odour, which makes it easier to work indoors. However, it’s more expensive than polyester resin. When working with epoxy, it’s important to note that “lay-up” epoxy is quite different from regular glue epoxy – it’s thinner, allowing for easier application in fiberglass work.

Tips for Building a Model Ship

Fujimi 1/350 Yamashiro Plastic Model Kit

source: amiami.com

Are model ships hard to build? This hobby can be both challenging and rewarding, depending on the complexity of the kit you choose. If you’re a beginner, I recommend choosing simpler models with fewer parts and clear instructions, though they still require patience and attention to detail. Here are a few tips to guide you along the way:

Choose a beginner-friendly kit – Start with a simple model that matches your skill level. Kits for beginners usually come with clear instructions and fewer parts to assemble, making the whole process more enjoyable;
Check your tools – Most model boat kits will require basic tools like sandpaper, small pliers, and a wood plane. Be sure to gather everything you need before you begin. Some kits even offer a complete toolset to get you started;
Follow the instructions carefully – Every kit will come with its set of guidelines. Make sure you follow them step by step to ensure everything fits properly and your model looks great when finished;
Add details – Once the hull and deck are in place, add small details like masts, rigging, or sails. These finishing touches will bring your model to life and make it unique.