FAQ About Model Sailboats, Steam Boats, and Ships from the HMS Victory to the Titanic

Specific Model Questions

What are your best selling models?
Our best selling model hands-down is our replica Titanic at 32 inches. This ship is a great overall value. You won’t find a better Titanic model ship for this price anywhere else. Our U.S.S. Constitution, HMS Victory and Riva speedboat models are very popular as well.

Are your models fully assembled?
Yes, absolutely. All of our models are fully assembled by hand from the hull up and are prepared and packed with care.

Construction Questions

How are your models made?
Each of our model ships is built from scratch by experienced master artisans, not from any sort of kit. To create the subtle details and contours of deck and hull, the plank-on-frame method of construction is employed. This requires hundreds of hours of painstaking, hand-wrought work.

What woods are used in the construction of your models?
Typically you’ll see ebony, rosewood, blackwood, mahogany, jackwood and sycamore. That is, the highest quality rare woods are used to construct all of our wood model boats. They are subjected to specific seasoning procedures to ensure that models will withstand severe climate changes and will never warp or split. Click here for detailed information about the construction of our model ships.

Ordering Questions

How do I place an order?
Placing an order is easy. Each product page has a “Shopping Cart” button in the top right-hand corner. To add models or to view the contents of your cart, simply click this button. To check out, select the “Check Out” button to fill in your contact and shipping information as well as payment method. You will receive an invoice via email confirming your order.

Do you wholesale your model ships?
Yes, depending on the size of your order. Please contact us for a quote.

What payment options are available?
We accept payment through credit card, cashier’s check, money order or Paypal.

Is my order secure?
Your order is 100% secure through encryption provided by Verisign.

How is shipping processed?
Upon receipt of payment, your order is shipped fully insured within two business days via FedEx Ground (estimated arrival 3-5 business days).

How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free within the 48 contiguous states in the continental U.S. (this excludes Alaska and Hawaii). We are happy to accommodate shipping to these two states and internationally through worldwide shipping. For a quote, please contact RJ Model Ships using the link at the bottom of this page.

Who provides your shipping and why?
We choose to ship using FedEx because they provide personal, hands-on services instead of automated, machine-based services. This is crucial for the safe transport of fragile model ships. Your investment is important to us!

Do you provide next-day shipping?
Next-day shipping is available, but not free-of-charge. Contact us for a quote by using the link at the bottom of this page.

How are models packed?
Packing handcrafted masterpieces is painstaking indeed. After much deliberation, we’ve discovered the optimal means of packing these intricate and delicate models so that they arrive unscathed. If you’re interested, take some time to look at how we pack our model ships and model boats .

What do I do if my model arrives damaged?
In the event that your model arrives damaged, it is your responsibility to notify us within 9 days after you receive your delivery. Please use our "Contact RJ Model Ships" link. Further to expedite the process, please email us pictures and descriptions of damages.

What is your return policy?
If you would like to return your model you must notify us within 7 days after you have received your model by phone or email and the reason for the return. In most cases a 30% restocking fee will be applied and will be deducted from your refund.

Do you ship internationally?
Of course! We are happy to accommodate shipping worldwide, but unfortunately it’s not free (our free shipping only applies to the U.S. mainland states). International buyers must pay all customs duties and fees. For a quote, please contact us via the link at the bottom of this page.

Model Care Questions

How do I assemble my display case?
The Plexiglas pieces that make up the top and sides of your case slide easily into their frame. After you’ve positioned these pieces, simply screw the frame together. No adhesive is needed. *Please note that only our cruise ship and speed boat display cases come with plexiglass. Our tall ship display cases do NOT include glass.

How can I protect my model ship from dust?
We strongly suggest you purchase a model ship display case to help preserve the integrity of your investment (especially if you’ve purchased a model sailboat). This will keep your model in museum-quality condition and increase the overall value of your model ship.

How do I clean my model ship?
Our model ships are very intricate and delicate, and can easily be damaged by improper cleaning. Carefully use a can of compressed air to lightly blow away dust particles from between narrow openings, like the paddles of a model steam boat. It is best to avoid having to go through this nerve-racking process by ensuring that your model is protected in a display case.