A Little About Us
Premier Ship Models is a Corporate Professional Ship Model building company based in London. Successfully delivered over 300 Customised Ship Models to a global clientele spanning 50 countries during the last 17 years. Collaborative working with our clientele and technical staff has enabled Customised Ship Models to be built using a range of ‘Collective Services;’ Scale Ship Models to Desktop Ship Models, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality, Restoration, Rebranding and Refitting, Display Cases & Valuation Services. Our skilled colleagues use a variety of different techniques, modern methods and the latest technology to create that inspirational customise ship model.
Earlier this year, we were tasked with constructing a custom yacht model; the Edmiston 499 GT. In real life, Edmiston’s fantastic vessels are all of extreme luxury and grandeur. In yachting terms, the number 499 is very important. This represents the gross tonnage of the ship, and a lot of new builds are governed by regulatory agencies to manage the safety of both passengers and crew. Once you meet the 500 GT threshold, the regulations become far more restrictive, therefore, to evade this restrictions, yacht builders, owners and brokers design ships to fit just within the 499 GT limit. Edmiston have mastered this.
This particular custom yacht model was to measure in at a scale of 1 to 100, meaning its length was 52 centimetres.
It is based on their upcoming ‘Project Secret’ yacht, set to be released in 2025, and is currently available for purchase.
Edmiston themselves were the client. They have firmly established themselves in the modern superyacht industry, pioneering both luxury experiences and sustainable practices to promise an exciting future for clients and the oceans alike.
Their founder, Nick Edmiston, is celebrated globally as a top authority in superyacht building and ownership, as well as an expert in classic yachts. With hundreds of years of combined experience in sales and charters, their brokers are deeply committed to advancing the future of yachting and meeting the evolving needs of their clients.
Between the oceans and skies, Edmiston delivers exceptional service and stands ready to make clients’ desires a reality.
This Edmiston 499 GT yacht model was designed to be 3D printed and, as outlined in the overview, measured 52 centimetres in length (not including the base).
In terms of materials, the model was crafted solely from ABS resin, with a timber base and a metallic plaque.
The field of 3D printing is highly specialised, requiring knowledge in three key areas:
- The material
- The printer
- The methodology behind the piece and the intended final outcome
The entire process demands extensive expertise. Edmiston’s external 3D-printing agent combines two core skill sets when constructing models: digitally creating the model and preparing it for printing, along with the separate skill of assembling the printed components to an exacting professional standard.
The build time was set at three weeks; a target that was met seamlessly.
PSM’s bespoke projects begin with comprehensive consultations to ensure full alignment with the client’s vision, allowing it to come to life exactly as they envision. Emphasising transparency, PSM provides regular progress updates, with decisions on delivery timelines and payment terms made collaboratively.
The focus on 3D printing starts with developing an initial digital model. High-quality materials are sourced according to the project brief, and 3D simulation modelling and laser-cutting techniques are applied to achieve precise results.
To ensure efficiency, production is paused for client approval of the digital render, providing an opportunity for feedback and any necessary adjustments. Upon receiving approval, work resumes swiftly to optimise time and resources.
An interesting phase involves preparing the digital render for 3D printing, which requires specialised software. The render is divided into manageable sections, with each model component clearly labelled and organised. Advanced software checks ensure that each part meets specifications for scale, strength, and waterproofing.
Once the digital render is finalised, the project moves to laser-cutting and assembly. This hands-on stage, known as ‘finishing,’ demands expert craftsmanship. For traditional models, the hull is often divided into three segments, bonded with adhesive, then left to dry before detailing. The hull is also primed to ensure its structural durability.
During this time, PSM’s 3D specialist prepares and paints smaller components individually.
Clients receive frequent photos and updates throughout the process, with their satisfaction as the highest priority; feedback is encouraged and integrated to deliver the desired outcome.
For the Edmiston 499 GT yacht model, a distinctive colour scheme of white, black, and brown was chosen, complemented by tinted windows and intricate side decals. Reinforced metallic support beams and an informational plaque on the base’s lower left corner added further distinction. The model also featured two swimming pools on deck – one near the bridge and another toward the stern – along with small umbrellas and sunbeds.
Lastly, the model was fitted with a pristine acrylic display case for added protection.
Edmiston were utterly thrilled with the completed model and eagerly looked forward to displaying it with pride. It was a pleasure to help them create a meaningful keepsake, and working on yacht models is always a rewarding experience, offering plenty of scope for creativity!
We now eagerly anticipate our next project and are exceptionally pleased with the outcome of this one!
Commission your own model
If you would like to have your own bespoke model built, please complete the contact form below.
