There are about 20 wooden model ship kit manufacturers throughout the world. It can be spellbinding to rule who's kit will suit the model ship constructor the best because of all the variables involved. The idea is to match up the kit constructor with the needs and wants of the constructor so at the end of the day, the ship model constructor has an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Cast Your Anchor has been in the model ship contribute company for 7 years and been ship modelers for over 30 years. Over this time we have formed opinions on model ship kit manufacturers whether straight through direct palpate or from listening to our customers recap their experiences. We have summarized our findings below for 10 of the ship model manufacturers.
Power Source Marine
We contribute the history and background of the manufacturer, location of their factory, the North American distributorship channel, their tendency when it comes to the kit skill level requirements and of course their rating.
The distributorship channel is most prominent when considering after sales service. Direct palpate in the middle of the retailer and the constructor is usually best but not in all cases. The tendency for manufacturers to build kits aimed at a inescapable constructor skill level is very prominent when it comes to the instructions that are provided in the kit. Entry level kit instructions generally assume that the model constructor will wish guidance with ship model construction techniques in expanding to exact instructions linked to the vessel construction.
Definitions:
Rating 1 -10: 1-3 Poor, 3-7 Good, 8-10 Excellent. All categories are considered equally rated because there are alternative options the constructor can exercise should there be an issue in any one of the categories.
Skill Level Tendency - Some manufacturers tend to lean towards a exact builder's skill level in their kits. Other manufacturers have a good collection of kits to suit all levels of skills. Skill Level Tendency: E - Entry Level, I - Intermediate Level, A - Ambitious Level.
Availability - Ranges from always in stock to fulfillment within a few weeks or months. Availability can be adversely affected by the distribution network of the manufacturer. If the constructor allows for direct buying the availability tends to be quite high.
Types of Vessels available - The two areas looked at were era of the vessel and the vessel type. Some manufacturers have a microscopic range while others have offerings in practically all categories. One constructor has vessel types that are unique to what other manufacturers have to offer.
Historical Accuracy - The accuracy of a model ranges from barely recognizable to reasonably accurate. Detailed facts of many vessels is not available which leaves for a fair bit of interpretation. When it comes to paint colours some manufacturers don't even try to identify the true colours of the vessel.
Detailing - Some kits are very detailed while others have minimum deck fittings. The accuracy of the detailing in terms of the era of the ship as well as the materials used at the time that the ship sailed is also considered.
Instructions - Good strict instructions that if need be have been properly translated from the host language as well as detailed instructions on the techniques of model ship production range not just from one constructor to another but in the middle of the skill levels of the kits. Novice kits tend to be more explicit with regards to modeling techniques than developed kits.
Design - This refers to part fit. Precut bulkheads and all parts that are laser cut should fit reasonably accurately without too much modification. Also there are some kits with possible build flaws that consequent in misshaped lines of the vessel.
Parts and Fittings - The fittings should be accurate, to scale and made of high ability materials depending on what the parts is.
Completeness of the Kit - The constructor should not have to buy anything outside of the kit unless there is a desire to augment the fittings or parts in order to heighten on the historical accuracy. There should be enough wood and rigging material so that extra material does not need to be purchased.
Price - The constructor should furnish a range of products at distinct price points.
Overall Value for Money - This refers to the aggregate of quality, price and product that the constructor has assembled in order to the give the constructor a inescapable overall palpate regardless of his skill level.
After Sales assistance - This refers to being able to secure extra parts or responses to customer questions about the build. Manufacturer's who have set up distribution channels tend to give fairly poor after sales service.
Manufacturer's Rating
Amati: overall Score 7.27 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "I". Force is availability of kits and after sales service. Frailness is instructions.
Established in Italy in 1879, Amati moved speedily from printed fretwork models to the model ship line. For over 120 years, Amati, thanks to the collaboration with designers and craftsmen, offers to the modelers the best products and the contemporary technology. Nowadays customers can rely on a large and varied choice of models from the most gorgeous and predominant America's Cup, to historical sailing ships, and world-wide known motor boats and submarines. Thanks to the high ability of items, detailed construction plans, the product's originality and the constant introduction of new designs, Amati is a world leader in the wooden ship model hobby. Retailer is serviced direct or straight through distributors in Canada and the Us.
Artesania Latina: overall Score 7.27 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "I". Force is price and overall value for money. Frailness is after sales assistance and parts and fittings.
Artesania Latina began its journey in 1970 in Barcelona Spain. In 1979, 80% of revenues came from outside Spain and their products were known and recognized in 40 countries on five continents. A key aspect in the evolution of the company has always been innovation. In 1994, Artesania Latina released a second house of products, basically but not exclusively for women and in 2001, they opened an office in Hong Kong focused on strategic positioning in emerging markets. In the 34 years of activity, Artesania Latina has continued to evolve in line with the needs of the store every day, year after year, with a passion for the hobby attracting thousands of friends around the world. Retailer is serviced straight through a seller in the Us.
Billings Boats: overall Score 6.73 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "I". Force is availability of kits, types of vessels available and completeness of kit. Frailness is after sales service, price and instructions.
In the early 50s Ed Billing, a old Raf pilot during Wwii, was working as an Architect in the town of Esbjerg in Denmark. His wife was running a Hobby shop called Vestjydsk Hobby and Mr. Billing was proudly displaying his build up model of a Danish Fishing Boat. At that time there were no actual model boat kits around, from which you could make a boat. One day a Danish magazine saw this gorgeous model in the window of the Hobby Shop and were very interested in buying 50 "build ups" of this Fishing Boat for a competition the upcoming summer. Mr. Billing was very keen on the idea, but it was a huge undertaking production 50 models, so he came up with the idea to make the model as a kit, exactly the same way you would build a real ship. This was when the opinion "plank-on-frame" was invented by Mr. Billing, which is now used by all model boat manufacturers around the world. Up until 1958 the kits were produced under the name "Vht" Vestjydsk Hobby Teknik, but this changed as Mr. Billings products became known outside Denmark. during the 60s, 70s and 80s the kits were improved, and slowly made easier for consumers to build. The frames were precut or die cut, and in the 60s Abs-hulls were introduced for the population that wanted to go out sail with Rc. In 1989/90 the first laser cut motor was brought in, and everything became easier to produce, but also to make for the model builder. August 2008 was the 50th Anniversary of the Billing Boats brand name. Retailer is serviced straight through distributors in Canada and the Us.
Bluejacket: overall Score 6.73 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "E". Force is instructions and after sales service. Frailness is types of vessels available and detailing.
BlueJacket Shipcrafters, Inc., located in the United States, has been in continuous performance since 1905. In 1905, Horace E. Boucher, a French-born naval architect with the U.S. Navy department and head of the Navy's model shop in Washington, founded the model company that bore his name. Boucher's models were prized by museums all over the country-more than 40 are in the Smithsonian alone. His innovative idea of mass producing cast fittings and selling kits to the normal collective started a new commerce in the United States and helped turn what had been the art of a few craftsmen into a hobby enjoyed by thousands. The company name was changed to BlueJacket Shipcrafters after Boucher's death. Bluejacket strives to build the finest and most historically strict wooden model ships in the world. Retailer is serviced direct or straight through distributors in the Us.
Constructo: Score 7.64 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "I". Force is price and overall value for money. Frailness is after sales assistance and design.
Founded in 1942, Constructo wooden model ships was a pioneer in its field. Constructo, a well-established Spanish toy and games manufacturer, added wooden ship kits to its line only a few short years ago. The kits are of high quality, with accurately cut laser parts. Constructo produces high ability kits for children.
Corel: overall score 6.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "A". Force is historical accuracy, parts and fittings and completeness of kits. Frailness is instructions and after sales service.
Corel, located in Milan Italy has been production model kits for duration and contemporary ships since 1971, and enthusiasts will know about their high quality. The company pride themselves in the build of some of the highest ability model boat kits available to the modeler with the best plans in the business. Corel are also able to contribute very high ability fittings and materials to model boat
builders. Retailer is serviced straight through a seller in the Us.
Dumas: overall score 7.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "E". Force is types of vessels available and after sales service. Frailness is price and overall value for money.
Al Dumas started marine model boat kits in Milwaukee, Wi in 1946. These kits were made of balsa wood with parts printed on the wood for modelers to cut out. About 1980, Dumas moved to its present location at 909 E 17th St. Most of the boats are not only gorgeous on display, but they can also be run with galvanic or gas power and radio control. Dumas line of model boats is most encompassing. Dumas has an exclusive license to build Chris-Craft mahogany runabouts and delight craft. Retailer is serviced direct or straight through distributors in the Us.
Mamoli: overall score 6.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "A". Force is in detailing, parts and fittings and completeness of kits. Frailness is availability, price and after sales service.
Besides its normal market activity, the firm has established a "Naval Modeling Department" for the production of duration ship kits. The models presented, which from the structural point of view are of an very developed conception, are the logical continuation of a line begun more than 20 years ago by the designer Luigi Volonté, whose long palpate allowed him to personally set up and consequent a production, which was regard as one of the best, both for the premise of construction and the clearness of the plans, which are full of perspective drawings and fully described in four languages. Retailer is serviced straight through one seller in the Us.
Mantua: overall score 6.09 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "A". Force is in detailing, parts and fittings and completeness of kits. Frailness is availability, instructions, price and after sales service.
Mantua Model, located in the ancient town Mantova, Italy, has built its credit on the extreme in large, elaborately detailed ship model kits. Mantua Model Group (includes Sergal and Panart) have been producing duration model boat kits since after the war and were the first company to innovate and use the cutting ability of laser beams to furnish very strict and high ability products. Designed for the experienced modeler, most use a aggregate of photo-etched brass and cast or machined bronze fittings. Any feature solid bronze ornament cast one piece at a time by the lost wax method. Retailer is serviced straight through one seller in the Us.
Midwest Models: overall score 7.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "E". Force is instructions, completeness of kits and after sales service. Frailness is price, types of vessels available and detailing.
In 1952, friends combined their passions for model airplanes to build a thriving company dedicated to providing high ability products to enthusiasts around the world. More than 50 years later, Midwest's product line and distribution have grown and changed, but its passion for ability has remained steadfast. Today, Midwest Products is a prominent supplier worldwide of ability raw materials, accessories and kits to distributors and retailers. population use our products for leisure, educational and professional pursuits, from model airplanes and boats to architectural and educational projects. Retailer is serviced direct or straight through distributors in Canada and the Us.
Model Shipways: overall score 7.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "I". Force is instructions and after sales service. Frailness is historical accuracy and price.
Model Shipways (A department of Model Expo), in continuous performance since 1946, is the oldest ship model premise in America. As a prominent constructor and supplier of historically strict and authentic model kits and precision tools, Model Expo serves more than 40,000 customers and hobby market throughout the world. Model Expo was founded in 1976 and partners with over 40 clubs worldwide to include Italy, Spain, Europe, and China. Retailer is serviced straight through a distributors in the Us.
Occre: overall score 5.64 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency "A". Force is historical accuracy and completeness of kit. Frailness is availability of kits, instructions and after sales service.
Above all else, OcCre (Ocio Creativo) is a brand whose possible for improvement is based on its very integrated team of people, capable of creating products of exquisite build and creativity. OcCre is a fairly new company with a manufacturing premise in Spain. Retailer is serviced straight through a seller in the Us.
Cast Your Anchor continually looks for the best fit in the middle of the ship model constructor and the ship model kit manufacturer. Should you wish to annotation on this narrative or would like more information, please palpate Cast Your Anchor at castyouranchor@bellnet.ca.
Rating of Wooden Model Ship Kit Manufacturers