Whether you’re looking for your first ever model kit or you’re a master shipbuilder, our range of model sailboats has the right kit for you.
Model sailing ships are a fun and exciting way to get into model building. With detailed designs and a range of modern, historical and fantastical styles to choose from, our ship models will make a beautiful addition to your display case.
Browse our sailing ship model kits today!
Our range features everything from swashbuckling model pirate ships to modern container vessels
As Australia’s largest hobby store, we pride ourselves on offering a huge selection of quality model kits to suit hobbyists everywhere. History buffs will love our Viking ships and Navy vessels, featuring historically accurate details across a range of sizes; or, if you seek guts, glory and gold doubloons, our model pirate ships will satisfy your quest for booty!
Historical ships
Model kits are a great way to explore and celebrate your favourite historical period. Tap into another era with kits featuring historically accurate details and beautiful designs that bring history to life!
No model ship collection is complete without at least one Titanic model. This tragic beauty has become a mainstay of the model ship community thanks to its timeless design, luxurious scale, and firm place in both maritime history and popular culture. Many lifelong builders started their model obsession with a Titanic kit! Disclaimer: Frontline Hobbies will accept no responsibility if Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” gets stuck in your head while building a Titanic kit.
Revell’s 1/83 Scale Mayflower Anniversary Set commemorates the legendary ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620. Featuring a detailed plastic deck, a set of Revell Aqua Colour paints and a selection of crew figures, this kit will be right at home on any history buff’s shelf.
Another of our historical masterpieces is the MENG 1/150 Taiping model kit. The Taiping was a Chinese steamer that sank in 1949, earning its place as one of the most infamous ship disasters in history. With its classic black, red and white colour scheme, the Taiping is often compared to the Titanic and the Mayflower for its historical significance and enduring popularity with model shipbuilders.
Viking and Medieval ships
Explore ancient civilisations with our range of Viking and medieval ships.
Head into battle with our Revell 1/50 Scale Viking Ship Model, featuring 64 individual shields, 32 oars and an anchor. Or travel back to the golden age of the German Hansa with our 14th-century Medieval Kogge Model Sailboats from Zvezda — place it alongside our 1/72 Medieval Lifeboat and complete the set!
Naval ships
The Trumpeter 1/200 HMS Hood memorialises the iconic Second World War British naval ship with over 480 parts and an engraved nameplate for display. Meanwhile, the Trumpeter 1/200 German Bismarck Battleship was a world-famous vessel from WWII and was the largest battleship in the world at the time. This kit comes with over 1700 parts and is a must-have for all naval enthusiasts.
Modern ships
Our small but mighty selection of modern ship kits let you assemble real-world ships used across the world today! Revell’s 1/700 Colombo Express Model is an accurate replica of one of the world’s largest container ships. Built in South Korea in 2005, the Colombo Express can hold over 93,000 tonnes and created a viral video in 2014 when it collided with another container ship at sea. The accident resulted in a 20-metre dent on the ship's left side. Don’t worry, though — all our model kits are dent free!
Pirate ships
For budding swashbucklers, the Revell 1/250 Black Diamond is perfect for young builders aged 6 and up with a modest 26 parts. We also stock a snap-fit version of the Black Diamond that’s less complex but equally satisfying to assemble.
Based on classic pirate ships from the 16th century, Revell’s 1/72 Pirate Ship is a must-have for pirate fans and comes with a challenging 896 parts.
For fantasy lovers, look no further than Lindberg’s Jolly Roger series! This range is perfect for model builders looking to create a pirate-themed tableau, with kits like the Escape the Tentacles of Fate featuring an unlucky pirate skeleton succumbing to the furious grip of an unhappy octopus.
FAQs about sailing ship model kits
Do I need additional parts or accessories to assemble my model kit?
While some kits come with everything you need for your model, most sailing ship model kits require additional tools to complete. Snap model kits are the exception to this, with parts that snap together to make assembly a breeze.
Here are the most important tools you need to get started with model building.
- Modelling cutters — A sharp cutter is essential to ensure the joints of your model parts don’t get scraped or damaged when you remove them from their packaging.
- Kit glue — Some model kits come with a small amount of glue for your model, but we recommend having an extra supply handy just in case. Trust us — you don’t want to run out of glue in the middle of building your model!
- Tool sets — Set yourself up for success by buying all your essential tools in one set! Tool sets like the Mineshima Ex.RS come with nippers, tweezers, a steel file, a screwdriver and a part separator and can last for years with proper upkeep.
I’ve never built a model kit before. Is a model sailboat the right place to start?
Ships are some of the most appealing model kits out there because of their intricate design and impressive scale. They’re also known for being more of a time-sink than other types of kits like railway models or Japanese Gundam models, with some taking months to complete depending on the number of parts.
Sadly, getting too ambitious with your first kit is often a surefire way to turn first-time model shipbuilders into last-time model shipbuilders.
Don’t be too eager straight out of the gate — pick a kit that interests you but will be easy to complete. Beginner kits like snap models are a great introduction to shipbuilding; they give you the payoff and satisfaction of completing a model without a huge time investment, while also introducing you to the fundamentals of kit building.
We recommend checking the difficulty ratings of each model kit before purchasing. If you’re still not sure, ask one of our friendly team members — we’ll find the right model kit for you!
I can’t find the right model. Can you help?
Absolutely! We always go the extra mile to ensure we have the best range of model sailboats for our customers. If you’ve browsed through our selection and can’t find the right model sailing boats for you, contact us online, in-store or over the phone on 1300 446 229!
For out of stock products, choose the “Back-order” option on the product page and enter your details at checkout and place your order. We’ll contact our suppliers and get in touch with you to confirm stock availability and delivery estimates for your order.
Our full range of model sailing ships and boats is available online — order today!