Model ships are scale representations of modern and historic sea vessels and are not only limited to ships as the name implies. The difficulty of crafting model ships ranges from fairly easy to really challenging for the more avid model ship collectors. Model ships may be as simple as it is crude or may exude fine craftsmanship and detail worthy to be displayed in museums. In fact, there are a handful of museums around the globe that highlights impressive model ships across the globe.

Traditionally, model ships have been constructed of wood, but nowadays most of the model ships kits available mostly or even totally contain only plastic parts. There are also some model ships that use sheet metal in construction. A lot of people enjoy building ship models either as a relaxing and challenging hobby while some have even ventured as far as starting their model ship businesses either by building other people?s model ships or making customized model ship kits. Utmost patience and care coupled with critical thinking are some of the basic skills one needs in order to build model ships. But for those who think they do not have any of the mentioned skills, then perhaps starting on your first model ship may bring out those qualities in you.

History of Ship Models

Model ships have gone a long way from the first types of model ships made by the Egyptians 5,000 years ago. Funeral boats were an integral part in Egyptian burial practices since these were believed to carry the souls of the departed to the afterlife, thus, tedious effort was exerted in making highly detailed, beautifully crafted and richly colored funeral boats made from sycamore. From the 12th to 15th century, model ships were used as symbols taken to the church to bless the said vessels and the crew aboard these ships who are at sea. Galleys and Galleons are the more popular types of model ships and may still be seen in museums. Unlike the Egyptian funeral boats, however, these blessing symbols are quite crudely made.

The first well-crafted ship models were actually made just for nobility by shipwrights or those who design ships to show the ships that they intend to build. More interestingly, French prisoners of war who spent many years held captive made use of their time by making ship models using scraps of wood and bone, often using human hair for rigging. Model ships later evolved into an art form due to exceptional craftsmanship and are still sought after in this day and age.