|
|
|
|
Who builds your
models? We do! Since 1959,
building tall model ships has been our passion. We
are model-ship experts and feel this shows in the
quality of our models. To learn more about us,
click
here.
How are your models
constructed? A majority of our models
are built using the plank-on-frame or
plank-on-bulkhead construction method. This is a
painstaking process, taking hundreds of hours,
in which each individual plank is added to the
hull one at a time. Our models are not
constructed from pre-made, pre-measured,
mass-marketed, mass-produced model kits.
What woods do you use to
build the models? We use only the
highest-quality woods available such as cherry,
birch, maple, blackwood, white lotus, walnut,
rosewood, teak, yellow siris, light ebony and
others.
Q. Your website states
these are not kits. Does that mean you create
every piece of the ship yourselves?
Essentially all of
the pieces of the model are made by us
(figureheads, stern details, planks, sails, etc).
Pieces that are too time consuming or expensive to
create ourselves, we purchase in bulk such as the
brass cannons, blocks, deadeyes and other parts we
need large quantities of.
| |
|
|
Will I receive my model
fully assembled? Yes! There is
absolutely no assembly required.
What is the difference
between High, Superior and Museum
quality? The main difference is the
time and quality level of the model. High quality
models are typically merchant and exploration
vessels, Superior are typically warships from the
Age of Sail and Museum quality take up to 1000 man
hours to build. For more information please read
our shoppers
guide.
Why do some of your
models, such as the HMS Victory Limited Edition,
have a metal plated hull? We metal
plate the hulls to make our models as authentic as
possible. Starting in 1780, ships had the
underwater portion of the hull plated metal to
prevent the Teredo worm from damaging the hull.
Which is your best model
ship? This is a very difficult
question. It varies based on your budget and the
type of ship you are looking for. Our most
popular ships are the HMS Victory and the USS
Constitution, primarily due to how they look and
their historical significance. If you have a
question about which ship is right for you, or
as a gift, give us a call at (877) 932-6787.
In the model description,
it shows the scale such as the HMS Victory 1:108
scale. What does this mean? The scale
is a ratio of how large or how small the ship
model is relative to the real ship. The real HMS
Victory is 108 times larger than our model, hence
the 1:108 scale. | |
|
|
|
Where are you located? Can
I come see the models in person? Our
showroom is in Pasadena, Ca, please call us at
(800) 313-9128 for an appointment to come and see
all of our models.
Do you sell model kits?
No. However, we do build model-ship
kits upon request.
I am interested in a model
ship that you do not currently build. Can you make
it for me? Yes! We can build
almost any model ship to your specifications,
regardless of size or complexity. Please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Can you modify a model
currently offered to my specifications?
Yes! We build all of our model
sailing ships from scratch and can modify anything
you would like (Sails, size, painting, adding
copper hull, etc).
Are all your models
currently in stock? Yes! All of
our models are in stock and ready for immediate
shipping (unless otherwise noted).
Do you offer display cases
for your models? Yes! We offer solid
rosewood display cases for all of our model
sailing ships from 36" to 40". | |
|
|
How do I place an order?
There are two easy ways to place an
order:
1. On each model page there
is an “Add to Cart” button. This will add the
model to your purchase. Then press "Express
Checkout," fill in your information and payment
method. We accept all major credit
cards. You will receive an e-mail
confirmation of your order.
2. Call us at (877)
932-6787 to place your order over the phone.
What happens after I place
an order? When your order is placed,
you will see an "Order Receipt" page, which will
have your Order number order on it. This is a
confirmation that your order has successfully been
placed and is being processed. You will receive an
e-mail confirmation. If you do not receive this
message within a couple of hours of placing your
order, please contact us.
Can I modify an existing
order? Yes, we allow certain last
minute changes to your order if needed. We do not
allow orders to be edited or canceled after your
order has been shipped, or within the 7 days prior
to Father’s Day or Christmas.
What are your payment
options? We offer many options for
purchasing from us:
- Online credit card (Visa,
MasterCard, Discover or AMEX) - Via
standard mail (check or money order) - Call us
at
(877) 932-6787 with your credit card or check.
| |
|
|
How long will it take for
my model to arrive? Your model will
arrive in approximately 2 to 7 business days. We
ship models 3 times per week and you will be
emailed the DHL Express tracking number.
Is next-day delivery
available? Yes, we can have your
model ship delivered to you by tomorrow (in
Continental US only). Please call us for a rate
quote.
Do you ship
internationally? Yes, we do ship
internationally! Please contact us for a
quote. The typical rate to an airport in
Europe/England is around $100 for our standard 37"
models; however, rates can and do vary
significantly.
How much will I be charged
for insured shipping? We currently
offer FREE insured shipping in the continental US
and to major cities in Canada. The typical cost to
professionally crate a model ship is over $200, we
include this in the purchase price.
How do you package your
models? After years of research we
have developed the optimal packaging for a model
ship. For many years, we have shipped models
across the world without incident. To learn more
about our professional packaging – Click Here!
How large is the shipping
box and how much does it weigh? The
typical box for our standard 37" tall models is
41"L x 16"H x 31"H and weighs less than 25 pounds.
Can I pick up my model in
person? Yes, you can pick up your
model at our showroom in Pasadena, CA. Please
contact us to set up an appointment.
| |
|
|
How easy it is to
unpack/uncrate my model ship? While
our packaging is optimal for shipping, it is very
easy to unpack. Simply remove the two front wood
supports on the crate, undo the bungie straps
holding down the model and then slide the model
out of the crate.
How do I
assemble my display case? Slide the
glass/plexi-glass into the frame and screw the
case together. No glue or caulking is
needed.
What is the best way to
care for my model once I receive it?
We recommend a
display case to protect your model from dirt or
damage. Over time, the sails will become soiled
and they will not be able to be cleaned, unless
the ship is re-rigged. To clean off the deck, we
recommend carefully using a can of compressed air
to blow away dust particles
| |
| |
|

 |