Easy to Build Wood Model Ships

Choose a model that interests you and you'll be more likely to finish building it.

You can find wood model ship kits for beginner to expert builders. Before you buy a kit, research it to ensure you don't purchase a model that's too easy or too hard for your skill level. When you're done with your research, choose a kit that interests you. If you're interested in a particular model, you're more likely to finish it.

Instructions

Before buying a wooden ship model, check to make sure the instructions are adequate and understandable. According to the Association of Ship Modelers, European kits tend to have poor instructions and plans, and are difficult for beginners to complete. Look for plans that are drawn to scale so it's easier to transfer measurements.

Materials

Ensure the wood and other pieces like the castings and deadeyes are of good quality. Poor quality materials are hard to work with and more apt to break. Look for sub-assemblies made from pre-cut wood so you don't have to build them from scratch.

Scale

It's easy to assume that a larger scale model will be easier to assemble than one with a smaller scale. However, there is more detail in a larger scale model, and little mistakes will be more easily noticed. The most common scale is 1:64, which means that 3/16 real inches is equal to one scale foot.

Recommendations

The Ship Modelers Association has a list of recommended models for beginners posted on their website.

References

• Association of Ship Modelers: What is a good beginner's model kit to start with?

Resources

• Model Ship Kits: What To Expect
• Seaways Ships In Scale Magazine
• Association of Ship Modelers