Model Ship builder

Until the early 18th century, virtually all European small craft and many larger vessels were built without formal plans being drawn. Shipwrights became model ship builders and would construct models to show prospective customers how the full size ship would appear, and to illustrate any advanced building techniques. Ship models constructed for the Royal Navy were referred to as Admiralty models and were principally constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries to depict proposed warship design. Although many of these models did not illustrate the actual timbering or framing, they did show the form of the hull and usually had great detail of the deck furnishings, masts, spars, and general configuration. Some of these grand models were decorated with carvings of great beauty and were evidently constructed by teams of artisans. In recent years, widespread Internet access has played a major role in promoting model ship builders, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to show off their work and share techniques. Internet sites such as Modelwarships.com, Steelnavy.com, or Model Shipwrights are oriented to plastic model ship builders, while others such as Hyperscale focus largely on aircraft or other subjects but can regularly feature plastic ship models as well.

There are both amateur and professional model ship builders today who practice a craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. CAD and laser technology have found their way into model shipbuilding but the genuine model ship builder still relies upon meticulous craftwork. Museum quality ship models such as ours are in high demand as objects d’art for interior decoration in both the private and corporate world.

The Model Shipyard
Tel: +27 44 691 1531 | Email: model.shipyard@pixie.co.za
Dock of the Bay Studio
Shop16, Ocean View Mall
Mossel Bay, 6506
South Africa

Historic Model Ship Builder