Start here · Essential guide
Model Ship Plans: Finding and Using Scale Plans for Wooden Boats
Where to find scale plans for model ships and wooden boats, what a good plan set includes, how scales work, and how to judge a plan before you build.
Model ship guides
From plans and planking, to rigging, paint and display.
Guides to model ship plans, hull building, wooden and plastic kits, RC model boats, lifeboat models, finishing, rigging and display.
82 in-depth guides
7 topics
Nov 2026 latest guide
Featured guides
Guides to start with
Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.
Making a Model Boat Hull: Methods and Materials
An overview of the main ways to make a model boat hull, from solid and bread-and-butter to planked, clinker, fibreglass and vacuum-formed, and how to choose.
Wooden Model Boat Kit Brands: Mantua to Keil Kraft
A guide to wooden model boat kit brands, from Italy's Mantua, Amati and Corel to Caldercraft, Billing Boats, Model Shipways and vintage Keil Kraft.
Plastic Model Ship Kits: 1/72 to 1/350 Scale
A guide to plastic model ship kit scales from 1/35 to 1/1250: what each scale suits, typical model sizes, Trumpeter's 1/350 range, tools and upgrades.
Radio Control Setup for Model Boats
A step-by-step guide to setting up radio control in a model boat: choosing a radio, wiring the ESC and motor, rudder servo, failsafe, antenna and waterproofing.
Browse
Explore by topic
Plans and Hulls
Finding and reading scale plans, then framing, planking and sealing a hull.
Kits and Subjects
Wooden and plastic ship kits by brand, scale and famous vessel.
RC and Working Models
Radio control, motors, batteries and the lifeboat models built to run on the water.
Finishing and Display
Paint, decals, rigging details, stands, cases and dioramas.