WarshipsPopular pick
How to choose a warship model
Size first
Ships are long. In 1/350 the battleship Bismarck is about 72 cm and Yamato about 75 cm; an aircraft carrier can pass 70 cm too. The same ships in 1/700 are half that length, and in 1/1200 under 25 cm. Pick the biggest scale your shelf can take, not the biggest one you can afford.
Waterline or full hull
Most 1/700 kits are waterline models: the hull stops at the waterline so the ship sits flat, perfect for a sea base. Most 1/350 kits are full hull, showing the keel, propellers and rudders, and come with a display stand. Some kits let you build either.
Detail and difficulty
A ship kit is less about big assemblies and more about patience with many small parts: anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, boats, catapults and aircraft. Railings are usually left out of plastic kits and added with optional photo-etched metal sets, which experienced builders love and beginners can skip. Painting is straightforward (most ships use two to four greys plus a deck color), but camouflage schemes on some ships, such as Bismarck's 1941 stripes, need careful masking.
Where to start
A 1/700 battleship or destroyer from Tamiya is the classic first ship. If you want something big without painting, look at the brick-built battleships, which come with printed or sticker details. Read our warship kit guide for specific recommendations.
Quick answers
What is the easiest warship kit for a beginner?
A Tamiya 1/700 waterline kit. The part count is manageable, the fit is good and the finished model is shelf-friendly.
What is photo-etch?
Thin metal parts etched from brass or steel sheet, used for railings, radar and ladders that would be too thick in plastic. They are optional upgrades, sold separately for most kits.
How do I display a ship model?
Full-hull ships go on their stand or on pedestals. Waterline ships look great on a painted sea base made from textured gel or putty.
Do ship kits include aircraft?
Battleship and carrier kits normally include their floatplanes or a selection of deck aircraft, but carriers often show only part of the air group. Extra aircraft sets are sold separately.