Ship Models
Providing Quality Custom Maritime Replicas to a Global Audience
Our Company
Our Beginning
Maritime Replicas made its initial work with replicas of the much loved "RMS QUEEN MARY " which we produced in "groups " enabling us to offer a price of less than US$3,000.oo --- individually " handcrafted" from a molded hull of "FRP "(fiberglass) with a Superstructure of "fine-scale BRASS "sheet that could be photo-etched, together with brass moldings & tapered masts & finely detailed funnels --- with ventilation louvered panels also photo-etched & actual window openings behind which we place tinted plexiglass & achieve very realistic results!
The only Classic Ship model available at that time was a simple "plastic kit model "of Queen Mary from Brazil!
A great experience was gained from Mr. Gavin Fry ---the then Curator of the " Australian National Maritime Museum " in Sydney, Australia --- that commissioned us to produce many models for the new Museum! Gavin would only be satisfied by the International Maritime Museum "Standards "--- far above the generalized and "meaningless word "we see so often ---- "Museum quality "?
Our Model
Our models range from 6 inches to 20 feet, being the largest so far!
We do not use decals nor stickers as they eventually dry out & crack, and by utilizing "one" metal medium for the structure, we avoid the age-old problem of different materials having "differential movement" that over time & varying temperatures---suffer from "cracking".
The Most modern 21st Century modelling techniques are used---with assistance of Company software & "LASER" cutting to assist our highly expert craftsmen & women we attain the ultimate in modelling of any vessel!
We can also add "movement" to any model above 1:200 scale vessel by radio control & also to an Off-Shore OIL RIG as have previously produced--for Education or Exhibition!
We also can add realistic lighting that will last some 50 thousand hours but the hull needs special treatment!!
Warren Samut at Circular Quay, Sydney, with first of 222 models ordered by President Warren Titus!
During a vacation Cruise on the new Royal Viking Star some 30 Odd years ago, I met " Mr. Gentalman Warren Titus, the President of Royal Viking Line who was also on board!
He had heard of my hobby of building ship models & in a very memorable discussion one evening in the big grey chairs in the lounge above the Bridge he requested me to make some 222 Waterline models (as depicted in the Lounge above the Bridge he requested me to make some 222 Waterline models ( as depicted in the photograph) for a plan he had for a major marketing program to major Travel Agents!
The models were produced & they were a success--- & so began my new journey in life, of special fine detail Ship models on a commercial scale not seen before!
ROYAL VIKING STAR
the ship that started it all
Some years ago Mr. Micky Arison personally commissioned us to build 1,000 models ---4 feet in length & to the Scale of 1:250 --of the CARNIVAL FANTASY --- which were displayed in Major Travel Agents Nationwide!
MODEL OF CARNIVAL FANTASY
Our Queen Mary 2 Model
as permitted by Mr. MICKY ARISON who signed the first 100 models!
Our Queen Mary 2 Model
On Display on Board Queen Mary 2
Innovation & Production
All models are produced from fine scale BRASS sheet, brass castings & turnings, with hulls molded from premium quality “FRP”.
Construction methods unique to MARITIME REPLICAS, using these special materials, result in a model that has Lifetime Guarantee against warping or “differential movement” due to temperature variations.
Acid etch/Photo etching of windows, doors, vents, etc. provide unsurpassed detail!
MV ROYAL VIKING SUN
SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS
Of special interest. I was commissioned urgently by RCCL Executive to produce as a Gift to Mrs Rosalynn Carter as she was to Christen the new ship & to be her Godmother !
I succeded & I was give a cruise on the Inaugural & had the honour of being invited to afternoon tea with a sitting President & his family !!
Our models are produced to exacting premium standards by a team that includes two knowledgeable architects, a Naval Engineer, two highly qualified designers, and over twenty experienced craftsman and technicians.
We utilize original “General Arrangement” drawings as the basis for production, but have ALSO individually measured and photographed vessels ON SITE, when GA drawing are not available!
There is nothing wrong with the age-old method of the “plank on frame” system of building hulls with wood superstructure, however, “fine scale BRASS” or a combination of “acrylic” and “BRASS” allows that much more flexibility – at the same time eliminating the problems associated with “differential movement” and stickers and/or decals for windows.
Global Clients
Maritime Replicas has been contracted to build models for a range of Shipping Companies, Government Institutions, major Corporations, Museums, Private Collections and individual wishing to own a premium piece of “art” that holds positive memories of a special journey, cruise or work environment – either Civil or Naval.
We have constructed a 20 foot model of famous Cruise Ship that has one side omitted to show all of the rooms, spaces, furniture, carpets, etc. that is the “Centerpiece of its Terminal – an 18 foot long TITANIC that was built for a Exhibition; plus very large and “accurate” models of two OFF SHORE Oil Rigs for Global Santa Fe – the models being specially designed to be electronically controlled to show very accurately the movement of a Drill Pipe from its Storage Rack to eventual entry to the sea bed!
These are only a few of our unique and special abilities in the very large and intricate sphere of Presentation models! On the other hand, we have a section of our skilled craftsmen and women who specialize in small GIFT/Promotional models for ideal Marketing purposes, as well as Collectors!
Some of our clients include: Cunard Line, RCI, Star Cruise, NCL, Silversea, Horn back, Edison Chouest, the US Coast Guard, the Panama Canal Authority, the Pentagon, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Australian War Memorial, the Memphis City Council, Seaway Heavy Lifting and Rotterdam Maritime Museum, as well as our famous Mariner’s Museum… and so our list continues!
RMS MAURETANIA described often as the Grand Old Lady of the Atlantic!
MAURETANIA Close up
Direct Selling
We own our own Workshop and there are neither agents nor middlemen for our ship models. Our prices are not inflated by a second party or even a third party – but directly from our Workshop.
The cheap models may resemble a particular ship and the price may look very inviting – and they may “withstand” the 20 foot test – but NOT the 2 foot test! They are inaccurate in so many ways and have no resale value.
Maritime Replicas' Motto: “Good ain’t cheap & Cheap ain’t good”
In contrast to our building method, one Company actually admits on its Website that his models have a “solid” mahogany hull, plus a variety of woods, putty, resin and metals – a certain prescription for determination is not too distant future.
Maritime Replicas gives a serious WARRANTY against any “faculty” constructions or finish, for a minimum of 10 years. We cannot help reprinting part of the Site of “Model Shipmasters” that states in no uncertain language, his attempt for two of our mutual competitors:
RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH 1937
one of the MOST popular ships in modern History & so sad that life was cut short so drastically!
Page from the Mariners Museum most impressive book on the Titanic, "TITANIC, Fortune & Fate " -- we are proud to be recognized by the leading MARITIME MUSEUM IN AMERICA!
JACK UP OFF SHORE OIL RIG
Two 8 feet high models of both a Semi-submersible and a jack up off shore oil rigs that were electronically controlled to show the procedure in picking up drill pipes & the various movements, ending with the pipe being driven into the sea bed
PORT PLANNING
Lusy
MS QUEEN VICTORIA
Vista Class" Cruise Ship " with Sister MS QUEEN ELIZABETH
Elegance & grace!
RMS QUEEN MARY 1936
during WW II as Troop Carrier!
RMS QUEEN MARY 1936
The GRAY GHOST!
Highly commended by British ADMIRALTY and AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM only model is known to be in existence to our knowledge!
Special Projects
Maritime Replicas has specialized in the production of many large, highly praised models of various vessels – a 20 foot long 1:48 scale Exhibition model of the TITANIC for Memphis City: two 8 foot high Exhibition models of both a SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE & a JACK-UP OFF shore oil rings that were electronically controlled to show the procedure in picking up Drill Pipes and the various movements ending with the pipe being driven into the Sea Bed.
Preparation of Plans for Model Building
If you wish to have a model produced of your ship or boat, we are available to visit your vessel – measure it – no matter whether a yacht or a 900 foot TANKER which we have successfully carried out in the past, where we measure, photograph and prepare new General Arrangement drawing (such examples being the MATHEW Tanker, a DELOS Gas Tanker, a Mega Yacht, the Charisma, the Stanislaw YUDIN Heavy Lift, and several more. We then build the model!
HARRISBURG
S S France 1912
Attributed to John P Easton
Historian, Titanic Historic Society
The model indicated here is one of several built by the renowned BASSETT - LOWKE for GGT -- Compagne Generale Transatlantic --our model being of very similar exclusive details & finish & subsequent to very deep & accurate research we have all necessary information for the models that we are currently building!
She was the most lavish of the Transatlantic Liners & as such was referred to as the "Versailles of the Atlantic"
Although she was twice the tonnage of any previous French ship, France was at 23,666 tons, only a little more than half the size of Mauretania or Lusitania, and less then half the size of Imperator or Vaterland. She was the first of her country's ships to have quadruple screws, the first to be powered by a turbine engine, the first- indeed, the brought the French Line into the 20th Century and that from her were learned the lessons that brought forth the great French liners of the 1920s and 30s, and that culminated in the masterpiece of the shipbuilder's art, the Normandie.
S.S. Canberra
Her lines were long & sleek & extremely impressive compared to here rival S S ORIANA.
First Liner to ever have "under deck LifeboatStorage " which followed through to this day for all Cruise ships!
First P&O Liner to have Bow Thruster & first to have Air Conditioning!"
The Ten-pound Poms " as they were affectionately named ---over one million ---emigrated to Australia on board "Canberra " from 1945 to 1975 --& filled a twofold purpose in giving them a new life & increasing a much-needed population in Australia! It has been brought to our attention that there would be many who would appreciate having a "fine scale " Museum Standard model!
OLEG STRASHNOV HEAVY LIFT VESSEL WITH FULLY REVOLVING CRANE!
IN THE ROTTERDAM MARITIEM MUSEUM
Beware
Purchasing a ship model today through the Internet is very difficult. It could be called “minefield” to say the least – as virtually every Model Company who touts its ship models, whether they are good or poor quality – classify their ship models as supposedly “Museum Quality”!
These are papers available from both the Smithsonian Institute, as well as Mariners Museum & Mystic Seaport Museum, as well as the STANDARDS (quality requirements) of the International Maritime Museum Models, that would be horrified at MOST of the ship models supposedly of the Quality set down by them.
Such description of “Museum Quality” should be a warning to the would-be purchaser to be aware!
Imitations
A Maritime Replicas ship model, Off Shore Oil RIG model, or model of a PORT or Chemical Factory, just cannot be imitated. Besides continuous work in researching, perfecting and improving the many techniques that have been handed down through many generations, we also include numerous unique techniques that we have developed over many years, such as the use of Acid Etching of brass that has nearly become a “lost art” today, and a specially developed LACQUER that adheres to All materials and lasts perfectly for generations after generations and provides LIFE to our Ship models –many people making the comment about our Ship models that they “LIVE”!
The famous (and beautiful) S S NORMANDIE
WINDSTAR
Individually Hand-crafted —
Not Machine Made
One well known Competitor of Maritime Replicas ‘admits’ that his Company builds their ship models with a solid Mahogany hull and the Superstructure consists of “various other woods” and the model has a combination of plastics, putty, resin, and metals (what metals?) – and seeing photographs professionally produced, his models look quite good – until the model is received!
"Modeller over model"
Seeing a Maritime Replicas ship model it is obvious it cannot be imitated as Maritime Replicas is always an exact replica of the actual vessel – this being possible as we have a special understanding of HOW the actual ships are built and only a true artist who has a proper understanding of how the ships of old and new were and are constructed and sailed, can capture the majestic lines and beauty of all ships – even the lowly Cargo boat and ALL of our ship models “live”! The “passion” that we have for ship can be seen quite plainly in all of our model ships!
It is not a “Job” – it is “LOVE”!
Time for Production
It is very unusual for us to have “stock” or “inventory” of models, as we build models to the Client’s requirements and thus, we are “true” custom modelers. We do not compete with other companies, who keep inventory of many ships.
Our average time for production is three (3) months.
However, with our “Classic Atlantic Liners” we keep to the scale of 1:350.
In order to keep our prices as competitive as possible against wood models that are basically “machine made”, we try to obtain from 3 to 5 orders for any specific ship –but a “one Off” model does not cost that much more, and we are always ready to negotiate, if needed!
FRANCE
Progress Reports
Once we complete our initial preparation and begin the physical building of your Ship model in parts –as is the building of actual ships today– with many parts being produced individually, we then send email photographs to you on a regular basis to keep you informed of progress and what details that will be seen once the finish is applied.
It is fascinating and great to watch your model ship slowly coming alive!
UNITED STATES
Registered & Certified
Maritime Replicas registers each ship model and any other type of model in the name of the Owner and a Certificate of Authenticity & Registration is issued with every ship model.
Ordering
All models are produced to Individual Order with an optimum delivery time of 3 months.
Prices vary according to complexity, size and quantity.
A substantial reduction is possible if a “series production run” is achievable.
WE INVITE YOU TO CONTACT US FOR A QUOTATION!
Terms
50% down payment to begin the process – with the balance payable at completion of the model with a gallery of all sides and views of the model, in order for the Client to make comment or add something forgotten or removed before shipping out!
Payments
We don’t accept personal checks and/or Money Orders.
*Direct Bank transfers are preferable to eliminate possible "hacking".
Duty and Taxes
The Handcrafted nature of our superior quality models has resulted in them being classified as “Works of Art” by the International Tariff Code and, as a result, our products are not subject to Import Duties, except such Taxes as VAT in some countries!! We do not include them in our Price Quotations.
Shipping, Handling and Insurance
The client is responsible for Shipping and Insurance once the model/s are complete.
Maritime Replicas will assist the Shipping Agent or Company with any problem that hopefully will not occur.
We usually ship by DHL, but if you have a different preference or wish to ship by Airfreight or for large quantities, it may be better by Sea Freight as “Consolidated Shipping” (which we have always found to be both reliable and without damage). Sea Freight has a maximum time element of approximately one (1) month to most countries.
We always automatically insure ALL models together with the Shipper Company, and the price is indicated as one price.
We do not charge for Handling!
Packing
We pack all of our ship models in “double boxing” with the Outer box being of wood and all spaces in the two boxes being filled with “foam” packing against any impact.
And as Maritime Replicas develops in a fascinating and exciting way over the years – and is presently re-organizing in a number of areas, we feel that we have played an important part in the recognition of the “beauty” if ships – the very important connection of countries and people since civilization began!
We hope that we have played a part in the Heritage of Ships by being as accurate as humanly possible with many types of vessels!
NAVY
Aircraft Carrier CVN 76 USS RONALD REGAN
Australian BATHURST CLASS MINESWEEPER
LIBERTY SHIP
MEXICO MUSEUM
Honored to produce Models of historic Oil Tankers that first sailed from Mexico! Very limited information as on poor quality Black & White Newsprint photo as indicated!
DISNEY FANTASY
DISNEY FANTASY CLOSE-UP
"Disney Magic Exhibition Model"
It has come to our attention that images of the 20-foot long model at the Disney Magic as indicated - were shown on Pinterest-- but they didn't know.
Contact us at 305-921-9690, today, to speak with the experts in building Maritime Replicas and discuss your ideal model ship.
The DISNEY MAGIC Model
DISNEY MAGIC Exhibition Model
20 feet long to scale of 1:48. We delivered this model on the day before the arrival of the actual ship & it has been viewed by millions!
We hope that we have played a part in the Heritage of Ships by being accurate as humanly possible with many types of vessels!