Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

1. What does scratch modelling mean?
2. What is a semi kit?
3. How easy is it to build a semi kit?
4. The plans are hard to read ... what do I do?
5. Can I buy plans only and really scratch build?
6. I live in the overseas ... what about shipping costs?
7. What do I do about motors, running gear, radio control etc?
8. Which is the best model to start with?

What does scratch modelling mean?

In its literal sense scratch modelling means building from the plan from scratch - from basic materials and no completed parts. That includes the hull, deck, superstructure and all the fittings. It would be a very difficult and skilled job to build a model warship hull from the type of plans that are available. When Fleetscale build a new model the hull mould is produced from a wooden pattern by a highly skilled pattern maker to an accuracy of the nth degree. The plans that we supply for completing a model from a Fleetscale hull are generally not suitable for building the hull alone. For this we have to rely on the original builders plans which are scaled to produce the model scale required. It can be extremely difficult to obtain the builders plans. Building a model from a Fleetscale hull - and better still a deck if available, is much the easier and cost effective way to complete a very accurate scale model ship.

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What is a semi kit?

A semi kit is a part kit. You get the basics - the more the better if you want to complete the model in the shortest possible time. Everything has to be put together with a certain amount of skill in DIY techniques, using the correct adhesives etc. The fittings would be time consuming to produce from scratch so if they are available for the particular model you wish to build it would be a good decision to use them. Another decision to be made is how accurate do you want your model ship to be. Do you want it to be accurate in close up (fine scale) and survive close scrutiny by an expert - suitable as a museum display piece - or do you want it to look good in the water from a distance of 10 - 15 ft (stand off scale) or even closer for viewing by non experts. Whilst the fine scale model could also be a working model with propulsion and radio control it would be fitted with accurate scale model propellers and rudders which would be relatively expensive to obtain (but they are available, just the same) compared with the stand off scale model which would simply be fitted with propellers and rudders that would be purely functional.

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How easy is it to build a semi kit?

It depends on your skills. A semi kit is not like a Revell Kit where all the plastic injection moulded parts slot together - a place for everything - and everything in it's place. With the Revell kit (or similar) you will get an exploded parts drawing with everything numbered and labeled and a slot or hole for everything. With a semi kit you have to read and interpret the plans and make sure you position everything in the correct place and in the right build order. If you are new to building model ships we recommend you buy "Building Scale Model Warships" by Tim Morgan. You can purchase it online from this website. The techniques and guidance within this book would be equally applicable to building any of our model ship semi kits and not just warships.

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The plans are hard to read ... what do I do?

The superstructure of a warship is extremely complicated and cluttered with equipment, more so than a merchant ship. It can be difficult to define exactly what is what and goes where unless you have already built a model ship. If you really are stuck you will find the answers you need by studying photographs of the actual ship (they exist for every ship that has been built) or visiting a museum where they may be exhibiting the original builders model or indeed visiting the actual ship. For instance the SS Great Britain is on display in Bristol. We will shortly publish on this web site a list of museums where builders models are displayed and sites where the actual ships are on view to the public. In addition to that we will publish photographs of models completed by some of our more experienced, skilled, model builder customers as and when they become available. 

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Can I buy plans only and really scratch build?

If you must, but as we said earlier it would be difficult to scratch build the hulls from the available plans. The cost of the plans is £15 for most, and £35 for the Jecobin plans (the best) where indicated. Some people like to buy the plans first to see what they are letting themselves in for, then they buy the semi kit. We will deduct the cost of the previously purchased plans from the cost of the semi kit in that instance

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I live overseas ... what about shipping costs?

As we have stated elsewhere on this web site (Terms & Conditions) because of the length of the models the shipping costs generally speaking (except most EU countries where we can ship by road) are based on volumetric weight not actual weight because they have to go air freight. In addition to this most shipping companies have total length restrictions. The Bismarck, for instance, is 2m long and CANNOT be sent by road (except for the UK) to Europe because the max length is 1.75m. In addition, due to volumetric weight being imposed on air freight a package weighing 5kg may actually be charged at the 15kg rate. Furthermore there are anomalies within Europe. Whereas we may be able to send the Bismarck to Portugal for £59 it would cost £90 to ship to Norway - the same as it costs to ship to the USA and Australia! 

If you would like to see the approximate shipping costs would be for a particular model click on buy (where available) on the page for that model and enter the shopping system. Don't bother to put your name and address details in at this stage just select the destination from the pull down list of countries. and go on to "Next". The total cost will be displayed including the shipping cost. The cost of shipping fluctuates from day to day AND has increased dramatically in recent times. As a result it will not be accurate but must only be used as a guideline and in some cases may be twice that shown by the online shopping system.  It is most likely you will have to pay a surcharge which will be advised prior to delivery. It is simply not possible to keep the shipping charges up to date without grossly overcharging everyone so we would rather get an accurate quote from the shipping companies prior to delivery. If you would like a ball park cost of shipping e-mail enq@fleetscale.co.uk with your requirements and we will advise you of the situation. An accurate quote will be provided once you place your order. None of the above applies to orders for fittings, books, and other parts excluding hulls as they are shipped by weight and not volumetric parcel size.

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What do I do about motors, running gear, radio control etc?

Again, buy a book. "The Complete Marine Radio Control Manual" by Hugh Bright is available for sale on this web site on the Publications page. Here you will find answers to your questions. We do not supply radio control equipment and cannot advise you. Running gear (prop shafts, propellers, rudders) is available for some models from us and we can quote you for the supply of same. We will shortly produce a "Resources" page which will advise you where you can obtain those items not supplied by Fleetscale.

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Which is the best model to start with?

Depends on you skills. If you are new to ship modelling we suggest you start with one of the smaller models that comes complete with a deck and a complete set of fittings. The Vosper Fast Patrol boat may be a good one to start with. It will be relatively economical to ship and the cost of the semi kit is much less than the larger kits.