Model ship kits are usually rated as entry level, intermediate level, or advanced level. Although this seems to be self explanatory, there are some other factors involved.

European model ship manufacturers, which covers most of the kit manufacturers we currently stock, are of the opinion that you already have the knowledge and skills to build a model ship and therefore do not need a lot of detailed instructions.

This can pose problems for many builders who are used to getting very detailed instructions. Most of the manufacturers we carry also rate their kits differently, they rate their kits more on a quantity level than on a skill level. For example, an entry level kit may have only one mast and minimal rigging where an advanced level kit may have three masts andare heavily rigged. The skill level would be the same for the two models, only the amount or quantity is more for the advanced level kit. Another factor is the amount of detail to the hull. The more gunports there are, the harder the build.

For foreign model ship kits, Historic Ships recommends that you purchase supplemental books to assist you while learning to build models. Most all of the books listed in our book section are excellent books, but for the novice or beginner we recommend one or more of the following books:

• Ship Modeling Simplified
• Planking Techniques
• Ship modeling Stem To Stern

If you find yourself still getting stuck, you can send us an email and we will do our best to help. We also recommend Model Ship World which is an online community of model ship builders who are always happy to help someone who finds themselves in a pickle while building.