1. Construction
All models are 100% hand built from scratch by skillful and experienced craftsmen. The models are built according to the scale of the original ships through original plans or pictures, using the plank-on-frame construction method. The hull is built with strips of wood just like the way to build a real boat. The hull is hollow inside, not a piece of solid wood.
Inside the hull, there is epoxy that helps to keep the strips bonded closely to one another and not split, crack, or twist even in variable climatic conditions.
Another major concern of the customers is whether you can custom make as our design? YES, we can, you just provide us with the drawings and detailed photos showing all the angles of the ship/ boat. In case you do not have the drawings, we can build from the photos with no problem. We have been building many models based on the old photos or postcards with our master craftsmen’s experience.
2. Materials
All of our models are made of wood. The outside appearance of wood can be stained like the color of precious woods, but you can see the wood grains. Some classic speed boats, we use imported mahogany to build on the deck, like the original boat to increase the value of the model. You can notice that many models are painted like the color of the original boat/ ship, but the construction of the hull is all made of wood, there are no plastic or resin molding.
TALL SHIPS/ HISTORIC SHIPS: Canons, ornaments, figurehead are made from metal; the sails are made from linen.
SPEED BOATS / MODERN YACHTS: Fittings, trimmings, steering wheels, switches, gauges, gear, rudder, and propellers are made from brass chromed as stainless steel. Plush seats are hand-stitched from imitation leather with a large variety of colors for your choice. The windows are made from clear plexiglass.
3. Measurements
Most of the models are measured with the overall length, width, and height.
4. Timing of work
It takes hundreds of man-hours to build one tall ship model such as HMS Victory, USS Constitution, Wasa, Sovereign of the Seas, Friesland, Soleil Royal, San Felipe, etc. The speed boats look simpler as there are no masts or rigging lines; however, there are 9 – 12 coats in total to finish one boat by wet and dry sanding. The final step is hand-polishing by rubbing the hull with a piece of wool with wax. Once the speed boat is high gloss polished, it just looks like a mirror.
5. Custom-made models
Q. Can you custom-make my model?
A. Yes, we can custom make any model with the scale/ size upon your request. We just need you to provide us with the plan/ drawings and photos of the real boat. In case you do not have the drawing or photos, please tell us the name of the ship/ boat you wish to build, and our team will do research and manage the ship data for you.
6. Dropship program
We do offer dropship within the USA. However, we are sorry that we do not offer dropship for international yet.
7. Placing an order
We accept orders through the website, email or you can contact us by phone.
8. Shipping time
Within 2 days after payment is cleared.
9. How are the ships packed?
Each ship is individually packed in a carton box with solid styrofoam, or a wooden frame is used to protect the ship from breakage when the box is accidentally tipped upside down, dropped, or even has heavy objects placed on it. All of our models are fully assembled and ready for display; there are no kits. Some parts of the model, such as antennas, flag pole, bowsprit of the historic ships, can be removed to avoid damage during shipping.
10. How are the models shipped, and Shipping charges?
We mostly ship Fedex and UPS worldwide. Most of the countries now we can offer free shipping. If you don’t see free shipping at check out page, this means your country is limited. Please contact us for extra shipping charges. For most of the Historic Ship Models, we do not offer free shipping internationally due to the box being oversized, and the shipping charge varies from country to country. Please contact us for sthe pecific shipping charge if you are interested. Normally, you will receive the model within a week of your order. International buyers may pay any import tax in your country. If you need expedited shipment, please contact us for the extra air freight charge.
11. Display case
We have the display cases available, which you can see at our display cases page, to preserve the model from dust. These boats are as a part of world history, we suggest putting the model in the display case to have the model more valuable. Any special request for a custom-made display case is welcome.
12. Terms of payment
We accept most credit cards and PayPal.
13. Problems
Q. What can I do if I receive a different model or my model is broken when I unpack?
A. Please notify us by fax or email immediately, within 7 days of shipment arrival. Please provide us with photos of any damage..
14. Return/ Exchange Policy
For some reasons if you wish to return the item, please consider not to remove the item out of the wooden crate or remove the item out of the styrofoam. You can open the carton box, lift up the whole wooden crate, and check the models that are packed in the wooden crate. Since the items are packed in solid styrofoam, you can open the carton box, lift up the top part (styrofoam lid) and check the model. Please do not cut any strips or take the model out of the wooden crate or out of the styrofoam. It is very risky to damage the model when you return it if you open or remove the item from the wooden crate or out of the styrofoam.
Returned or exchanged products must be in brand-new, original condition, and have all original packaging, materials, and accessories. We only accept and refund in full when the model is returned in its original condition.
Buyer pays return shipping.
Shipping charges: Sorry, we cannot refund original shipping charges.
The following items can’t be returned or exchanged because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can’t accept returns for:
Custom or personalized orders
Digital downloads.
Thank you very much for shopping at QualityModelShip