We’re based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK. We operate primarily online, which allows us to serve customers across the UK and internationally with a wide range of products.

Yes – we ship worldwide to almost every country. A full list of destinations we deliver to can be found on our Deliveries (insert link here) page. If you’re unsure whether we ship to your location, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to confirm.

You can reach us by phone on 0208 447 1884 or by email at sales@premiershipmodels.com. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.

Yes. Our website uses SSL encryption and all payments are processed securely through Worldline, a trusted and established payment gateway. We never store your card details.

We don’t currently offer gift wrapping, but we can include a personalised gift message with your order. Please get in touch before placing your order and we’ll be happy to arrange this for you.

You’re welcome to visit us at our Potters Bar office, though please note we operate as an office rather than a traditional shop. We’d recommend getting in touch beforehand to arrange a convenient time. We can accept card payments in person if you’d like to purchase on the day.

We don’t currently run a loyalty or rewards scheme, but it’s something we’re working towards. We want to make sure it’s genuinely worthwhile and personal rather than just a standard points system, so we’re taking our time to get it right. Watch this space! In the meantime, signing up to our newsletter is the best way to stay informed about promotions and offers.

Absolutely. We sell products across a wide range of price points and skill levels, making them ideal for birthdays, Father’s Day, Christmas, and other occasions. We also offer corporate gifting options. Our team is happy to recommend something if you’re not sure where to start.

Our website includes a product finder quiz that guides you through a series of questions to help match you with the right product – whether you’re looking for a hand-crafted ready-made model, a kit to build yourself, or something from our range of accessories, tools, and paints. You can also browse individual product listings for detailed descriptions and full specifications. If you’d still like a personal recommendation, feel free to contact us directly and we’ll be happy to help.

Ordering online is the quickest and easiest way to shop with us – simply browse our range, add items to your basket, and proceed to checkout to enter your delivery details and pay securely. Once confirmed you’ll receive an email confirmation, and we’ll keep you updated on dispatch and delivery.

If you’d prefer to order by email, just send us the items you’d like along with your delivery address and we’ll put together an invoice and payment link for you. Please note we’re unable to take payment over the phone due to bank card handling regulations.

We don’t have a formal price match policy, but if you’ve seen one of our products listed elsewhere at a lower price, get in touch and let us know – we’ll always see what we can do.

Our full terms and conditions are available on our <a href=”/terms-and-conditions”>Terms & Conditions page</a>. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact us directly.

We take your privacy seriously. Your personal information is used only to process your order, manage your account, and communicate with you about your purchase. We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Our full privacy policy can be found on our Privacy Policy page.

We stock a wide selection of wooden model ship kits from leading manufacturers including Billings, Mantua, Corel, Amati, OcCre, and more. Kits range from beginner-friendly builds to highly detailed, expert-level projects.

Yes! We have a dedicated Beginner difficulty level in our range, designed for those just starting out or looking for a great model to build together with kids. These kits are straightforward, enjoyable, and a brilliant introduction to the hobby.

All kits include the core components needed to complete the build – timber parts, rigging, fittings, and instructions. Most kits don’t include paints, glues, or tools, but we’ve made that easy to solve. Our Essentials Tools Bundle covers every glue and tool you’ll need, and our Essentials Paints Bundle includes general paints, varnishes, and brushes to get you finished and looking great.

Some kits don’t include sails, and some have specific paint requirements – where this applies, you’ll find these available as add-ons directly on the product page. We’re also expanding our range of kit-specific paint sets over time, so you can get exactly the right colours for your model rather than working from a general palette.

You’ll typically need scalpels, tweezers, clamps, sandpaper, and wood glue or PVA as a minimum. To save you sourcing everything separately, we sell an Essentials Tools Bundle that includes everything you need to get building straight away. It’s a handy addition to any kit order, especially for first-time builders.

We offer a range of RC boats that are ready to run (RTR) or almost ready to run (ARTR) straight out of the box – no conversion needed. We also stock 70+ RC-compatible model kits for those who want to build their own. If you’re looking at a specific kit, check the product page or browse the RC Compatible category on our site to see whether it supports RC conversion. We don’t sell individual RC conversion components separately.

We don’t sell individual spare parts directly, but most of our manufacturers offer warranties covering missing or damaged components. If you run into any issues with your kit, just get in touch and we’ll contact the manufacturer on your behalf to arrange replacement parts to be sent directly to you.

It really depends on the kit and your own pace – and that’s part of what makes the hobby so enjoyable. Beginner kits can take around 20 to 40 hours, while our most advanced professional-level kits can run to 1,200 hours or more. Many of our customers work through a model over 3 to 6 months, fitting it in around daily life. There’s no rush.

Yes. We only stock kits from the best manufacturers available. All of our brands are carefully selected and we hold them to a high standard – if a manufacturer can’t consistently deliver the quality and reliability our customers expect, we won’t continue working with them. Simple as that.

Where available, we include a downloadable copy of the kit instructions directly on the product page. Please note that not all manufacturers make their instructions available online, so this won’t be present on every listing – but where we have them, you’ll find them there.

A: This varies by kit and manufacturer, but most of our wooden model ship kits are constructed primarily from laser-cut wood – typically a combination of plywood for structural parts and lime or walnut wood for planking and detailing. Kits also commonly include metal fittings, rope, fabric for sails, and plastic or cast metal parts for smaller details. If you need clarification on a specific kit before purchasing, feel free to contact us.

A readymade model ship is a fully constructed, hand-finished wooden model – no building required. These are completed to a high standard and are ready to display straight from the box, making them ideal for collectors, interior decoration, and corporate gifting.

Our readymade range is crafted by specialist partners from around the world, each with decades of experience in the industry. Every model is hand-finished and inspected for quality before dispatch.

Readymade models are carefully packaged with protective materials to ensure safe transit. Larger or more delicate pieces may require additional packaging – full details on how we pack and deliver our models can be found on our Packing & Delivery page.

We take historical accuracy seriously. Our readymade models are produced with reference to authentic plans and historical documentation where applicable. Product listings include details on the vessel depicted and its provenance.

Yes. Our readymade range is well-suited to corporate environments, boardrooms, reception areas, and as premium gifts for clients or staff. We can also arrange custom nameplates or company branding on selected models, making them a genuinely personal and memorable gift or display piece. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Readymade models vary from compact desk pieces to large statement display models. Dimensions are listed on each product page. If you have specific size requirements, please contact us and we can help narrow down the options.

Selected models in our range come with a certificate of authenticity – in particular, models from our partner OMH include one as standard. For other models, provenance details are included in the product listing. If documentation is important to you, feel free to contact us before ordering and we’ll confirm what’s included with a specific piece.

Our readymade range covers a broad spectrum depending on the type and size of model. As a rough guide, J Class yachts start from around £100, historical ship models from around £200, and technical or working vessel models from around £300. Prices increase with scale, complexity, and craftsmanship, so there’s something available at most budgets. Exact pricing is listed on each product page.

Yes, readymade models are covered under our standard returns policy. However, please note that any readymade model that has been customised – for example with a ship name or bespoke branding – cannot be returned. Please see our <a href=”/returns”>Returns page</a> for full details, or contact us if you have a specific concern.

If you’re looking for something specific that isn’t in our current range, a custom commission may be the right option. Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and we’ll provide a quote – you can email us at sales@premiershipmodels.com or call us on 0208 447 1884.

Our readymade models are built by specialist artisan partners using a combination of traditional woodworking techniques and modern manufacturing methods, including CNC machining, laser cutting, and 3D printing. This blend of craftsmanship and technology allows for high levels of detail and consistency across our range. Every piece is inspected for quality before dispatch.

Our readymade models are constructed from a combination of materials depending on the model and manufacturer. The hull and main structural components are typically built from wood – commonly lime, walnut, or mahogany – while masts, spars, and finer structural elements use a mix of wood and metal. Rigging is made from thread or cord, and smaller fittings such as cannons, anchors, and deck hardware are usually cast in metal or formed from resin. Some components may also incorporate laser-cut or 3D-printed parts where precision detailing is required. Display bases and name plaques are generally finished in wood with brass or metal hardware.

A custom model ship is a bespoke model built entirely to your specification, replicating a specific design at a chosen scale and finish level. Depending on the type of design and your required timeline, our models are produced using a combination of traditional hand-crafting, 3D printing, CNC, and laser techniques – allowing us to deliver the best result for your project.

The process begins with a consultation to establish your requirements – the vessel, scale, level of detail, and intended use. We then provide a formal quotation and timeline. Upon agreement, the model is crafted to specification and quality-checked before delivery. To get started, email us at sales@premiershipmodels.com and we’ll take it from there.

Custom models are popular with private collectors, yacht and boat owners, maritime businesses, shipping companies, and naval institutions. They’re also a distinctive choice for trade shows and events, corporate display pieces, and as memorable gifts – for example, gifting a client a scale model of their new yacht while it’s still being built is something we’ve helped make happen more than once.

Our custom model process runs from initial enquiry through to delivery, and is managed across three stages:

1. Enquiry Stage Get in touch with our sales team and we’ll assess your requirements – covering details such as the type and name of the subject, your preferred scale, number of models, quality level, delivery timescale, and budget. We’ll provide a formal quotation, and once agreed, an invoice is raised and a 50% deposit is taken to proceed.

2. Pre-Production Stage Our team works with you to complete a Model Maker’s Brief (MMB) – a detailed specification document that the model makers will build to. Where applicable, 3D renders are produced in black and white and then colour, with up to five revisions before sign-off. Please note that any changes requested after the MMB or renders have been signed off may result in additional costs.

3. Production Stage Our model makers construct your model to the agreed specification. You’ll be kept informed at key milestones through photos or video, and a 30% payment is collected at the 75% completion point. Once finished, your model is quality-checked against the MMB before being carefully packed and shipped. The remaining balance is collected prior to dispatch.

To get started, email us at sales@premiershipmodels.com and we’ll take it from there.

The more reference material you can provide, the better – photographs, technical drawings (in 2D or 3D) and builder’s plans all help us achieve the highest level of accuracy. That said, we can work from images alone if that’s all that’s available. Our team will guide you through exactly what’s needed during the initial consultation.

Lead times vary depending on the size, complexity, quantity, and budget involved. In most cases commissions take between 2 and 6 months, though highly detailed or large-scale pieces may take longer. For clients with tighter deadlines, faster turnarounds can sometimes be accommodated for – we’ve delivered commissions in as little as 3 weeks, though this is reflected in the cost. A clear timeline will always be confirmed as part of your quotation.

We can work to virtually any scale depending on your requirements and intended display space. Common scales include 1:50, 1:75, 1:100, and 1:200, but we’re not limited to these – our largest commission to date measured 4 metres in length. We’ll advise on what works best for your vessel, space, and budget.

Custom models are priced on a per-commission basis, reflecting the complexity, scale, detail and quantity required. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we’ll prepare a tailored quotation.

Yes. We have experience producing models of historic, decommissioned, and heritage vessels. Provided sufficient reference material is available, we can work to recreate vessels to a high degree of accuracy.

Yes. A 50% deposit is required to commence work on a custom model. A further 30% is collected at the 75% completion stage, with the remaining balance due prior to dispatch. Full payment terms will be outlined in your formal quotation.

Yes. We keep clients informed throughout the commission, providing progress updates at key stages. Photographic updates are available on request for all commissions, and we can also arrange virtual meetings with our Production Manager for clients who would like a more hands-on view of progress.

The build method for a custom model depends on the vessel type, level of detail required, and your delivery timeline. We use a combination of traditional hand-crafting, 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting to produce the best result for each individual commission. This flexible approach means we can work across a wide range of scales, complexities, and budgets without compromising on quality.

Our custom models are constructed from a combination of materials selected to best suit the subject and the level of detail required. For traditional vessel types, the hull and main structural components are typically built from wood – commonly Sapele or Teak – while masts, spars, and finer structural elements use a mix of wood and metal. Rigging is made from thread or cord, and smaller fittings such as cannons, anchors, and deck hardware are usually cast in metal or formed from resin. For subjects that demand the highest level of precision and detail, models may incorporate extensive CNC machining, laser cutting, and 3D printing – and in some cases may be constructed almost entirely using these methods. Display bases and name plaques are generally finished in wood with brass or metal hardware.

Yes – we offer made-to-order display cases, meaning your case is built specifically to fit your model rather than being an off-the-shelf size. You can use the price calculator on any display case page to get an instant estimate.

Because every case is made to order, you don’t need to work out the case size yourself. Simply enter the dimensions of your model into the pricing calculator on our display case pages, and it will automatically factor in the appropriate clearance to determine the right case size and provide a price.

Yes – because our display cases are made to order, size isn’t a limitation. Whether you have a compact desk model or a large statement piece, we can produce a case to fit. Use the price calculator on our display case pages or request a quote for larger commissions.

Absolutely. If you’re purchasing a model or kit and want a display case to go with it, you can request a quote or use the price calculator at the same time. If you need any help getting the right dimensions, our team is happy to assist.

Yes. If you’re commissioning a custom model, we’d recommend discussing a display case at the same time so we can ensure the case is designed around the finished piece. Get in touch alongside your commission enquiry and we’ll factor it in.

Glass provides a clearer, more premium finish and is the traditional choice for display cases. Acrylic is lighter, more durable in transit, and includes UV protection to help prevent fading over time – however it is more prone to surface scratching than glass. Acrylic is also available for international delivery where glass cases are not.

For international customers who prefer a glass finish, it is worth considering ordering the case without glazing and sourcing glass locally – this can be a cost-effective way to get the best of both options.

Both choices will protect your model effectively, and the decision largely comes down to personal preference and your location.

Most of our display case types are available for international delivery. The exception is our readymade glass case, which is available for UK delivery only due to the fragility of glass in long-distance transit. Our flat pack and acrylic options are available worldwide.

A flat pack display case is shipped unassembled to reduce the risk of damage in transit and keep delivery costs down. Assembly is straightforward. Please note that our flat pack frame option does not include glass – you would need to source and fit your own glass panel locally. Our flat pack with acrylic includes the panel as standard.