The construction time of a ship model varies enormously, from a few hours to hundreds of hours of work. For a simple beginner’s ship model, you should count on 10 to 30 hours, spread over multiple building sessions. Complex historical sailing ships can take months or even years. The main factors that determine construction time are the size, level of detail, number of parts, and your own experience with model building.

What determines the construction time of a ship model?

The construction time of a ship model depends on various factors that influence each other. The most important is the size of the model – you build a 20-centimeter ship much faster than a one-meter-long model. The number of parts also plays a major role. A simple fishing boat might have 50 parts, while a detailed frigate can have 1000.

The material your model is made from also affects construction time. Plastic building kits are usually faster to build because the parts are already preformed. With wooden models, you often have to cut and sand parts to size yourself. Metal parts require other processing techniques that take time.

The level of detail is perhaps the biggest time factor. A model with working pulleys, detailed rigging, and miniature decorations takes much more time than a basic version. It also makes a difference whether you use a ready-made building kit or build from scratch. With scratch-building, you make all parts yourself, which easily doubles or triples the construction time.

How many hours does a beginner’s ship model cost?

A typical beginner’s ship model costs between 10 and 30 hours of construction time. These are usually smaller models of 20 to 40 centimeters, such as a simple sailboat or fishing vessel. These models have relatively few parts and often come as a complete building kit with clear instructions.

For your first project, it’s smart to choose a model with preformed plastic parts. These usually fit together precisely without many adjustments. A popular starter project is, for example, a small cutter or sloop. You can build this in about 15 hours, divided over 5 to 8 building sessions of 2 to 3 hours.

It’s important to realize that these times apply to pure building. Drying times for glue and paint are added to this. You also need to account for learning moments – your first model always takes more time because you have to learn new techniques. After a few models, you work much faster and more efficiently.

Why does one ship model take longer than another?

The differences in construction time between ship models are enormous. A historical sailing ship like a 17th-century frigate, for example, has many more details than a modern motor yacht. Just the rigging of such a sailing ship, with all its ropes, blocks, and sails, can cost dozens of hours of work.

The scale of the model also makes a big difference. A model at 1:50 scale is much larger and more detailed than the same boat at 1:200 scale. At the larger scale, you have to make more parts and can add more details. Prefab parts versus cutting and shaping yourself also saves an enormous amount of time. If you have to cut all the planks for a ship’s hull yourself from balsa wood, you’re easily busy for a weekend before you can even start building.

Decorative elements like sculptures on the bow, windows in the cabin, or miniature cannons significantly increase construction time. A VOC ship with all its decorations can require 200 hours of construction time, while a modern tugboat of the same size can be finished in 40 hours.

How do you best plan the construction of a ship model?

Good planning is half the work in model building. The ideal session duration is between 2 and 3 hours – long enough to get into your work, but not so long that your concentration wanes. Preferably plan your sessions at fixed times, for example every Saturday afternoon or two evenings per week.

Always account for drying times in your planning. Glue usually needs 24 hours to fully cure, paint often 4 to 8 hours between coats. Plan these waiting times smartly by, for example, painting in the evening so it can dry overnight. Work in logical construction phases: first the hull, then the deck, then the superstructure, and finally the details and rigging.

A good workspace is essential for efficient work. Ensure a fixed place where you can leave your model between building sessions. Invest in good tools like sharp knives, fine brushes, and a good lamp. With the right tools, you not only work faster but also with more pleasure and better results.

Which ship models are suitable for your available time?

For weekend projects of 5 to 10 hours, small plastic models are ideal. Think of speedboats, small sailboats, or lifeboats at 1:72 scale or smaller. These models have few parts and are perfect for seeing if model building is something for you.

Do you have a month’s time and can you invest 20 to 50 hours? Then medium-sized wooden building kits come into view. A classic Dutch botter, a fishing cutter, or a small yacht are beautiful projects for this time budget. These models give you more satisfaction than the quick projects but don’t yet require an enormous time investment.

For true enthusiasts, there are the long-term projects of 50+ hours. Historical sailing ships, detailed naval vessels, or large passenger ships fall into this category. These projects can take months or even years, but the result is impressive. With us, you’ll find an extensive assortment of model building sets with clear time indications, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. We have a suitable project for every time budget, and with our automatic discounts on multiple items, it becomes extra attractive to immediately order the right tools along with it.