TALL SHIP MODELS
accuracy -- quality -- prestige

Acquiring a tall ship model seems to be easy. Just Google the phrase "tall ship models" and a dozen sites immediately appear. Even the commodity-goods seller Amazon claims a prominent spot. Many people, however, find this profusion a problem. Given so many choices, one might get confused, tired, and then choose the one who appears to be 'consumer friendly' and (faulty) promises 'museum quality.' But please be mindful of what you are picking as a model's questionable accuracy and mediocre quality will show when it is right in front of you, and when your guests ask embarrassing questions like "why the bowsprit is so short?", "do real tall ships look this shiny?", "how come this Vasa has its middle mast not parallel with the other two masts?", "why the gunport covers are black metal?"...

Building a decent tall ship model requires experience, skills, and the unwavering pursuit for authenticity. Anyone can cite a long list of books but books are abound and talent scarce. And good books only work in the hands of honest craftsmen who don't skip the difficult parts. The goals and the passion of the owners of the firm also play a big role. This is why ModelShipMaster has sent ship models to numerous museums (five prestigious ones), motion pictures, ship builders, maritime business owners, and the distinguished collectors.

Tall ship models might appear pretty good from afar (as in small photos) but they might greatly disappoint when in front of you. When you search, look for large close-up photos that zoom in details in small sections of the models. Inaccurate and models usually have ridiculous short bowsprits (to make the box smaller for lower shipping cost), extremely bad boats on deck, thick cloth sails, cheap thin bases, simplified rigging... These models originates from a single source that ridiculously have their ships' flags fly opposite to wind direction (For tall ships, wind blows from aft.) Some retailers claim to be "widely recognized leader in handmade tall ships" and "museum quality" but painted his ships like plastic toys and rig them with bright white rope. When you look, ask yourself some questions: does it look like a painted plastic toy or a tough, seasoned tall ship? Does it deserve a good place in your beautiful home or esteemed office? Can it become a heirloom? Will its value increase dramatically in the next decade when its creator is no longer around?   

Some model makers discuss a great deal about their ships' quality but never support their statements with photos. We encourage you to ask for confirmation. If the hull is claimed to be plank-on-bulkhead, ask if that is true or it is solid wood block with veneer planks on the outside. Another question is if the small boats are wooden, built by hand or plastic casting. Just don't fall for the sweet talks. Focus on proof. The photos below have stunned many.

One important feature in tall ships is the rigging system. Countless sellers, if not all, simplify their ships' rigging. This includes the one whose tall ships are >$6,000 apiece. Low-end makers not only cut labor costs by using humongous deadeyes and blocks but also 'save' shipping expenses by cutting bowsprits and masts ridiculously short.

Tall ships are difficult to make not only in their complex rigging but also realism appearance. One needs artistic skills to make a tall ship look tough. That's why the makers who are accustomed with painted products such as warship models won't be able to convey tall ship art. Their tall ships look shiny and pristine like toys.

We hope that the above photos could assist you to distinguish between the 'good-looking' and the premium. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our email is Services@ModelShipMaster.com or ModelShipMaster@Hotmail.com

"My darling wife loves the tall ship models once she sees them, but she is much more practical than I am, at least in the short term, so she doesn't buy for the future...if there is no space for something now, she says "why buy it. I, however, am much more future oriented, and very aware of the fact that items of high quality but limited appeal to the general public may not be available in the future....books that aren't on the best seller list, classical music recordings, etc. There is always a niche market for high quality items, but it frequently becomes very expensive. Unfortunately, we live in a culture where it is nearly impossible to go broke making mediocre movies or producing annoying and cloned rap music, but quality, if not priced "competitively", frequently becomes extinct, in the mass market sense...try finding a a good quality toaster or other small appliance at any price. I fully plan on unveiling all of the acquisitions when we have more space, I hope, in a few years, assuming I don't prematurely expire ( I am 63, but in much better shape than most my age... I should know, I'm a physician). Interestingly enough, my wife inquired today as to whether a friend of hers could bring her grandchildren over to see my ship models, as they seem to have a fascination for sailing ships (probably watched Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean too many times), so I would say that's a positive sign. Anyway, as usual, I have probably communicated more than you wish to hear. Keep the colors flying and thanks to all your artisans for their greatly appreciated efforts. Scott B."