How We Construct Our Wooden Model Ships & Boats

Examination and Research

At RJ Model Ships, we make sure that meticulous detail and accurate scale construction are evident in all of our wooden model ships. Each design is carefully researched through the use of historic paintings, photographs, CAD 3-D renderings and actual drafting sketches.

3D Hull Plans

Cruise Ship Draft

Tall Ship Rigging Draft

Top Quality Materials

• The highest quality rare woods (i.e. ebony, rosewood, blackwood, mahogany, jackwood and sycamore) are used to construct all of our wood model boats. They are subjected to specific seasoning procedures to ensure that all models, from model fishing boats to speed boats, will withstand severe climate changes and will never warp or split.
• The detailed, hand-stitched sails of every tall ship wooden model ship we offer are constructed of fine linen. The detailed riggings and linings are also of linen, and are painstakingly fastened by hand.
• Ornaments and decorations (i.e. cannons, portholes, anchors, dials and wheels among other details) are sculpted of brass, chrome and other metals.

Assembled Using Meticulous Plank-on-Frame

Skilled builders and artisans are responsible for the construction of every one of our handcrafted wooden model ships. To create a sturdy, perfectly aligned, built-to-scale masterpiece, each model’s frame and hull have to be precisely assembled. Narrow pieces of wood are cut into individual planks and then fastened one-by-one to the frame of the ship’s hull. When the frame planking is finished, individual pieces of wood are then fastened to the exterior of the hull, finalizing this assiduous process.

Individual planking

Finalizing deck according to draft

Detailing our Models

Each model ship is micro-sanded a number of times to ensure maximal uptake for paint and varnish. Each time the model is micro-sanded, a layer of primer, paint and varnish is applied. This time-consuming re-application and layering process is what gives our model boats and ships their realistic sheen.

Side-view of a micro sanded hull

First Coat of Tall Ship paint

First Coat of Exterior Varnish on Speedboat

Finished Speedboat