Custom Orders
We gladly accept the commissioning of Custom Builds. All we need is pictures if possible and dimensions including the beam. Please read the info below as to some insight as to the process.
We have chosen the best builders in the business to supply our customers with the finest quality products available. The finished product is a some of it’s parts. We have searched the world over to find the best and most competitively priced models available. - Brass Cannons. Chrome and Brass plated details - Woods such as Walnut, Cherry, Oak and Teak, Yellow Siris, Rosewood, Light Ebony, Blackwood, Mahogany and others - Thick canvas sails that hold their shape and remain wrinkle-free - A solid wood base with supports for the ship or boat
Now with the highest quality materials available, we have the model built. There are five stages of production: research, design, component construction, assembly and inspection. Research Our builders use every available resource to insure that our models are authentic as possible.
We obtain copies of the ship's original plans (if available), artist's renditions, and drawings, or when possible pay a visit to the original ship (USS Constitution in Boston Harbor, HMS Victory in Portsmouth, England, USS Constellation in Baltimore Harbor and Cutty Sark in Greenwich Pier, to name a few).
With our research complete, we use specialized software called CAD (Computer Aided Design) to draft a 3D image of the ship and a majority of the tiny pieces.
Component Construction
Once we have made the necessary pieces (over one thousand for a majority of our models), we start construction. We have a specialized production process with experts at each stage. This allows the models to be made faster, yet still meet our strict quality standards.
Hull and deck planking:
The model is built using the plank-on-bulkhead construction method. This is a painstaking process that is the most time-consuming and most difficult part in building a model ship. If this process is done perfectly, the model looks as it should; if not done perfectly, the model looks obviously wrong. To build the hull, the following steps are taken: The bulkheads are slotted over the keel (the ribbed frame of the hull).
The individual wood planks are soaked in water so that they can be shaped around the bulkheads to conform to the hull.
Each individual plank is perfectly shaped and glued to every bulkhead of the ship. Special-sized planks are cut and added to the hull, just like construction of the real vessel, to fill in any gaps between planked areas. A second layer of planking is applied over the primary planks to complete the hull. The hull is now sanded and layers of clear coat are applied to protect the wood.
The gun ports are cut out from the side of the hull according to the plans. After planking the hull, we carefully lay the deck planks and paint the hull the colors of the real ship.
Details added:
With the hull now complete, we add all of the details and fittings to the model (cannons, ship's wheel, stern details, figurehead, etc.) and the model is painted.
Masts, rigging and sails:
Tremendous skill and patience is required to tie the hundreds of extremely small knots needed to complete the rigging. Again, if this process is done perfectly, all of the lines are taut and there is equal tension on the masts. If not done perfectly, many lines will be loose and look obviously wrong. We use various colors and varied thickness to ensure the rigging lines are as accurate as possible. The masterfully stitched sails are made out of thick canvas (so that they will not wrinkle). We typically position the sails so the model will look as if it were at full sail.
Every stage of production is carefully overseen to insure the highest level of quality. Once a model meets our high quality standards, it is made available for sale. After an order is placed, each and every model is inspected before it is shipped to you.
The finished product will be shipped by common carrier fully Insured. Also If you order in quantity, your order will be shipped on pallet(s) by common carrier. Please call for quote.
Display cases:
Beside preventing dust, a display case always increases the value of your model and will help it hold it’s value. We suggest that you put the ship in a display case.
Examples of our custom builds 
Choose an image to begin
Please E-mail your information to or contact one of our experts by the methods below
Bob & Dee Dee Winfrey Owner’s 704-254-3573 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. Monday- Saturday Sundays 12:00 to 5:00 PM EST PO Box 611 Marshville, NC 28103 | |||||||||||||||
