Replica yachts require special care and some level of expertise during maintenance. The UK Maritime Association has full time employees just for cleaning the model yachts. As a boat making enthusiast, you have to learn to take care of your own replica yachts. Model yacht kits come with comprehensive instructions on how to construct; however, you need to do some research into how to take care of the end product.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Model Yacht Kit’s Boats

Replicas made out of model yacht kits need special attention for maintenance against internal and external damage. The models are made up of various parts and these parts are made out of different materials with their own cleaning requirements. A few points to keep in mind are:

• Metal Parts

The metal parts need protection against corrosion and rust. To ensure this, first and foremost make sure you have bought model yacht kits that have copper and brass metal parts. These metals are naturally more rust and corrosion resistant as opposed to steel and iron. Keep good quality brass and copper polish solutions to clean the parts, thus, avoiding discoloration and maintaining the beauty of the model.

• Wooden Parts

Wood is most susceptible to damage. Over time they wither and warp marring the beauty of your replica yachts. Amongst the biggest cause of damage is sunlight. So, to begin with try to keep your replica yacht as far away from sunlight as possible. Sandpaper the wooden parts regularly to clean off the dust that settles on it. Also, keep a wooden varnish handy to apply a coat after the sandpapering. This brings back the shine of the model.

• Cloth Parts

Some model yacht kits come with spare cloth sails. This allows you to change the sails and wash and wax the old ones. It is advisable to keep cloth wax handy as well, since without wax the sails will be limp and will hang.

Apart from damages to the parts of a replica yacht, there are external damages that are possible as well. Storing the models in a proper casing and at a proper height is a foolproof way of avoiding damage. Also, while displaying the models you made it is important to keep the cabinets and shelves clean, dust and moisture free. Making models out of kits is a fun activity, so preserve your investment as you would a piece of art.

• Collector’s vs. Do-it-yourself

Are you looking for a collector’s item? Or are you looking to make your own model? Replica yachts that are readymade make up for a key part of any collector’s contemporary section. However, if you are looking to make your own model, there are several types of model yacht kits that you can choose from, depending on your own level of expertise.

• Water bound vs. Shelf Model

If you are a model boat racing enthusiast, then the Radio Control model is for you. Some model yacht kits include parts to make it an RC model. However, assembling the part is of utmost importance and it is essential to follow the instructions mentioned in the manual carefully. If you want to invest in a model to add to your collection, there is a wide range of choices from the readymade section of any boat model store.

• Sail Yacht vs. Luxury Liner

There are two types of yachts that one can acquire. This influences your choice based on how you want to display your model, or what you want to do with it. For racing purposes, the Sail Yacht is perfect. You can also buy a catamaran model if you want to race them. The model yacht kits for luxury liners are ideally for displaying.

• Level of Difficulty

Also an important factor in choosing model yacht kits is the level the builder is at. Novices and beginners would want to go with the simpler kits that are easy to understand and construct. Advanced level builders can opt for more complicated kits.

Yachts were constructed by the Dutch to catch pirates and chase ships into shallow water. They were also used for delivering pilots to waiting ships and in non-military governmental roles, such as customs duty. Yachts have an interesting history, in that they transcended from being used only by the navy to becoming a luxury boat most affluent people want to own. Today, amongst the boats owned by the rich and famous, the yacht plays a very important role. For replica boat collectors model yacht kits are a popular choice.

Model Yacht Kits: 3 Tips

Making a replica out of model yacht kits is not an easy task, as the construction process of this particular model boat is lengthy and tedious. Model yacht kits have several small and delicate parts that must be handled with great care. Generally available in plastic, metal and wood, this model is light weight, and meant to be remote controlled to be taken out on the water.

• Material

When buying model yacht kits, make sure that the material used by the manufacturer is of good quality. This is especially important if you plan to buy a RC model. Kits used for making RC models must use the best materials since this boat is supposed to go on the water and must, therefore, have coats of waterproof paint.

• Battery

This is again for RC models. Model yacht kits have a battery included in them if they are for actual sailing. This battery should be of a recognized company and of good quality. If the battery is not of good quality it can result in your model being stranded out on the water and maybe even inaccessible.

• Construction Process

Model yacht kits have many small and delicate parts that can easily get lost or can break. When setting out to construct a model out of a kit, planning is extremely important. Study the manual and the instructions included in the kits carefully, and lay out all the parts that you are supposed to use in a systematic manner. In fact, after making a plan, you must ensure that you stick to it so as to construct the perfect model.

Model yacht kits are available in various sizes and in levels of difficulty for the convenience of the enthusiast. Once constructed, the models should be stored in a space where it is not likely to catch moisture.

3 Best Ways to Display the RMS Titanic Model

The Titanic was a massive ship. Its scale model is also larger than most ship models. It is recommended that you display your RMS Titanic model in a manner that showcases its beauty as well as its massive size. If you have a miniature model, do not worry. That can also be displayed in manner that plays upon its size. These are some ways of showcasing:

• In a cabinet

You can have a special cabinet made for your model ship collection. If you already have a display cabinet, make your RMS Titanic Model the centre piece. A larger cabinet is important here since a smaller one will appear cramped. If you have a miniature model, a smaller cabinet will do fine. However, if your model is of a decent size, it is a good idea to have a big cabinet made for it and the other models.

• In an open space

A lot of shipping companies display their models in a special room, or in the reception halls and atriums of their office. An RMS Titanic model that is more than three feet long can be displayed in such a manner. Maritime enthusiasts who own a model of the Titanic may have it displayed in a special room, along with the rest of their collection.

• Special Titanic display

The third option for display is if you have an RMS Titanic model that has lights fixed in it. The Titanic is said to have been a sight on open waters with all its lights blazing. Hire a professional who will fix one corner of your display room specially for the model. With the right lighting and the right angle of the ship, this display will bring out the glory of the Titanic like nothing else.

Display your RMS Titanic model in a manner that does justice to the tragedy and magnificence of the Titanic.

Types of RMS Titanic Model Ships

There is a mind bogglingly large variety of RMS Titanic model ships available for sale, from one foot miniatures to replicas that fit entire rooms. Some of the varieties can be categorized according to the following features:

• Size

The RMS Titanic model is available in various sizes, ranging from miniatures that can fit in to the palm of a hand to models that can fill entire rooms. Based on the budget and desire of the collector, the size of the model can be selected. Smaller models are popular with collectors for displaying in their living rooms or galleries. Bigger models are usually bought by shipping companies for display.

• Remote Controlled

There are models available that can be floated and sailed with the aid of remote controls. The RMS Titanic model is also available in this version; however, it might not be as detailed as the show pieces.

• Lights

The RMS Titanic model with lights proves to be a beautiful collectors’ item. It is said that the beauty of a lit up Titanic on the dark waters is unparalleled. If you wish to opt for this it is advisable to hire a professional to set it up where you want. The expert will ensure that the impact of the lit up Titanic is maximized with the right lighting around it.

• Details

And, finally there is the highly detailed RMS Titanic model. This ship was known for its beauty and artistry. Therefore, to do it full justice a highly detailed model is the best option. An exact replica of the Titanic including all the small details is available. This is also the most expensive option. The Titanic after all had set a high benchmark for luxury.

Key Features Replicated in the RMS Titanic Model

Reputed model ship stores craft these models with utmost care and meticulousness. The following are some of the main features of a high quality RMS Titanic model:

• Material Used

A good quality RMS Titanic model should be made of high quality wood and metal. Look out for models that are made out of teak wood, brass and copper metals. This is because teak wood is sturdy and at the same time it can be carved into shape very nicely. Copper and brass are metals that do not rust. Avoid buying models that are not made with good quality wood and steel. Steel rusts easily and as result the wires and plates might break before their time.

• Attention to Detail

A good quality RMS Titanic model will be made with very high level of attention to details. The insides and the various decks will be well constructed and made to resemble the actual ship as closely as possible. Some models even come with miniature furniture in them. Some models are made with little LEDs fixed in them to illuminate the beauty of the ship in the evening. The more detailed the model is the higher its cost will be.

• Size

The Titanic was the largest ship of its time, with nine decks and a passenger capacity of over 2,000 people. A RMS Titanic model built to scale should be large enough to emphasize the majesty of this mighty steam-liner. Buying a model that is large will do justice to the grand Titanic.

A RMS Titanic model is a wonderful addition to the connoisseur’s collection. The tragedy of the Titanic makes it an even more valuable ship model to have in one’s collection.

Sovereign of the Seas and the Sovereign Ship Model

The largest ship ever built, The Sovereign of the Seas (1638) inspires the Sovereign ship model. The original ship was constructed in the Royal Dockyard, Chatham, by Phineas Pett, on the orders of King Charles I. Several thousands of craftsmen were said to have laboured on the ship for over three years to build it. A masterpiece of its period, the ship stood at a height of 75 ft, with a keel length 127 ft and overall length of 215 ft. It measured 48 feet in the beam, 168 feet along the gun deck and with 1141 burden tonnage.

The ship had taken part in several wars, including the second and third Dutch Wars from 1652 to 1692 and the battles of Beachy Head in 1690 and Barfleur in 1692 (when the Royal Navy fought with the Dutch). Rebuilt in 1660 and 1692, the ship met an abrupt end in 1696 when it was burnt accidentally at Chatham.

Here are some interesting facts about a typical sovereign ship model:

• Available as full hull models with 100 guns and three full gun decks, they are crafted to the best specifications.
• Time- and effort-intensive works of art, the intricate ship model is handmade to the finest quality and excellent craftsmanship.
• It has hand carved decorations with embroidered flags, accurate deck details, fitting and handmade sails.
• Built to 1:48 scale, these are mounted on the original baseboards and have three stump masts.
• Like the original ship, the best models are richly decorated and done in boxwood to extremely high standards. Hull, deck, carvings, and mast varnished to perfect, striking finish
• It features exact replicas of flags from King Charles I’s reign
• Sails are also made of hand sewn weathered lines.
• Wooden pieces of figurines, figureheads and decorations are meticulously hand carve, and built to the finest detail
• Culverins and cannons are made of brass with each one turned using a lathe.
• Rigging is hand laid, with several rigging thicknesses used for natural representation of the original ship rigging. It uses special wax treated rigging for presentation and durability.
• Uses wooden plank on frame; several thin planks are mounted on an inner series of frames, over which a second layer of fine planks are used.

The price of a sovereign ship model varies, depending on its size, detailing and craftsmanship. Its sizes may range from very large models available at about 3 meters in length (made on custom order) to small ones 65 cm in length (best used as centrepiece displays).

History of the HMS Bounty Model

Built in 1784 at Blaydes shipyard in Hull, the ship was renamed as Bounty by the Royal Navy. A relatively small sailing ship at 215 tonnes, the Bounty was mounted with only four pounders and ten swivel guns.

As part of a Navy mission, the ship was to travel to Tahiti, pick up breadfruit plants and transport them to West Indies. The purpose was to provide cheap food for slaves. The ship was refitted at Deptford in June 1787 and its cabin was converted to house the potted breadfruit plants. The ship began its journey in December 1787 under the leadership of William Bligh and reached Tahiti in October 1788 after ten months at sea.

After staying for five months in Tahiti, the ship set sail in April 1789. However, the ship witnessed a mutiny from several members on the board who had taken to the Tahitian style of living and one Christian Fletcher who had married a local Tahitian lady. The mutineers took over the ship and set off for Tahiti, putting the sailors loyal to Bligh ashore and picking up their Tahitian wives and girlfriends. Bligh and several of his supporters had to leave the ship.  In a bid to escape the British Law, the mutineers settled on the Pitcarin Island. They were not discovered for 25 years. The ship was burned on January 23, 1790 to avoid detection by the Royal Navy.

There was only one casualty in this mutiny and that person too was killed due to stoning by the local natives of Tahiti.

Features of the HMS Bounty Model

The HMS Bounty Model is an exact replica of the original ship. These models are created by skilled artisans who prepare the model after studying each and every detail presented in the original drawings and the plans. The HMS Bounty Model is not sold in the form of an assembly kit but in the form of a fully assembled miniature ship.

Ideal for gift and display purposes, established online suppliers of the HMS Bounty Model, such as Premier Ship Models, use only good quality wood and other material and great effort is made to display every detail. The model is available in various sizes with superb workmanship that reminds you of the original ship and the associated stories.

History and Importance of the Cutty Sark Models

The Cutty Sark is one of the three ships in London which is on the Core Collection of the National Historic Ships Register. The other two ships on the list are the HMS Belfast and SS Robin. The Cutty Sark was damaged by fire in May 2007 while undergoing conservation and is currently being restored. Likely to reopen in 2012, the Cutty Sark belongs to the clipper category which refers to fast sailing ships of the 19^th century having three or more masts and a square rig. The main feature of these clipper ships is that they could carry limited bulk freight while having a large total sail area. Here are certain facts about the Cutty Sark:

• The ship was designed by Hercules Linton and built in 1869 at Dumbarton, Scotland to out sail Thermopyale.
• The ship’s planking, deadwoods, stems etc were made of American rock alm and secured by brass bolts.
• The ship was 212 feet 5 inches (64.74 m) long with a draft of 21 feet (6.40 m) and deadweight of 921 tons.
• The ship was launched on November 22, 1869 under Captain John Willis.
• The Cutty Sark participated in a tea race in 1872 but lost the same by a week due to the loss of her rudder. The ship and the crew are greatly remembered for their persistence in continuing with the race by building makeshift rudders.
• The Cutty Sark regained its reputation and won the wool race several times beating its arch rival Thermopylae.
• The emergence and popularity of steamships forced Cutty Sark’s owners to sell it to a Portugese firm Ferreira in 1895.
• The ship was again sold to the Cia de Navegacao de Portugal after four years and renamed Maria di Amparo.
• The Cutty Sark was restored as a tea clipper in 1924 after having been brought back in 1922.
• The ship was damaged in 1952 due to a collision and sent to a custom built dry dock after repairs in 1954.

Cutty Sark Models: Features

Cutty Sark models are available in various sizes and totally handcrafted from the scratch. Here are some features of these models:

• The hull of the model is build on the basis of plank on frame technique
• Copper plating has been done on the hull.
• The colors used match with the original ship
• Decks are made of teak wood and finished with good quality varnish
• The ship’s figurehead is metallic and the masts have been made of solid wood
• The model has been designed after studying the original ship and its pictures.

Cutty Sark models are fully assembled and ready to be shipped any time.

Importance of the Bluenose Model Ship

The main purpose of designing Bluenose was to develop a schooner that could not only meet the high standards of the Lunenburg fishing fleet but also compete for races. The need for a racing schooner was felt after the first international fishermen’s trophy was won by Gloucester. The Bluenose was designed by WJ Roue, a naval architect and constructed at the Smith and Rhuland Yard in Nova Scotia. The overall maximum length of the ship was 145 feet with racing trim water line length of 112 feet.

Financed by Captain Angus Walter and four Halifax businessmen, this Nova Scotia ship won the race in 1921 and continued to win the trophy for several years, despite the fact that several new ships were built to beat the Bluenose.  The Bluenose was very powerful and even in her last race ran at an average speed of 14.15 knots, which is one of the fastest face ever recorded over a fixed course by a canvassed vessel.

The Bluenose model ship’s popularity is attributable to its winning prowess and the fame it achieved. Apart from winning the annual International Fishermen’s Trophy race for Canada a number of times during the period between the two world wars, the Bluenose served the fishing fleet for nearly 20 seasons. The Bluenose achieved the distinction of high liner on many times and served here owners well. However, a combination of war related factor and the global depression forced the ship’s owners to sell it in 1942 to the West Indian Trading Company. After spending four years as freighter, the Bluenose was wrecked on a reef near Haiti in January 1946.

A replica of the original Bluenose was commissioned by the government of Nova Scotia in 1963 and is known as Bluenose II. Meanwhile, the original Bluenose was commemorated on a Canadian fifty cent stamp in 1928.

Features of the Bluenose Model Ship

The Bluenose model ship is made of good quality wood displaying vibrant authentic colors. An ideal gift for friends and colleagues, the model motivates people to aim for victory. The Bluenose model ships are available in various sizes and for all types of budgets. Some salient features of these models are:

• They are fully assembled and ready to ship
• Made from excellent quality wood, these ships make excellent decorative items
• Original plans have been studied to incorporate all the details
• Designed and manufactured by expert craftsmen
• Multiple layers of paint and varnish to make its hull shine

So you too can order this Bluenose model ship for decorating at your home or gifting it to your friends.