Model Boats

First published over 50 years ago, this great old magazine will be perfect for you if you like building model boats or just enjoy soaking up all of the elements of this huge hobby. Covering every type of model boat including, warships, tugs, lifeboats, historical ships, ferries, submarines and yachts to name a few. Both ‘seaworthy’ remoted controlled vessels through to static display models are featured as well as conversions, modifications, hints and tips and general ‘brain-storming’ ideas to get your juices flowing! Each issue features kit and model reviews, show and club reports and news from the boat modelling world. Model Boats magazine publishes 12 great issues a year.

Model Boats

WELCOME TO THE MAY 2026 ISSUE OF MODEL BOATS

Compass 360 • If you have a news story for these pages, please contact the Editor, Lindsey Amrani, via e-mail at editor@modelboats.co.uk

A COPY OF WARSHIP 2026

How to become a Viking shipbuilder • Tomasz Klyszynski recommends going Norse with the build of Billing Boats’ wonderful 1:25 scale wooden kit for the Oseberg longship

BILLING BOATS’ 1:25 OSEBERG LONGSHIP KIT

Inchcolm, second time around • Peter Koch-Osborne revisits a Clyde puffer he first modelled half a century ago!

SS Unity–based tramp steamer Part 1 • Nick Ward takes a break from building and flying R/C aircraft and rediscovers his love of model boat building…

A Terrible idea • Warminster MBC member Mike Payne provides a build guide for his simple to construct from this month’s free pull-out plan Type 31 frigate, along with a few tips on sailing her gleaned from his own personal experience with the prototype

MV Wyuna • John Parker flags up a candidate worthy of consideration by scratch builders

BOILER ROOM • Richard Simpson addresses that frequently asked question: “Should I lag my gas tank?”

Savvy salvaging • Glynn Guest has a tip before you skip…

TEST & MEASUREMENT KITS • Dave Wiggins examines a few of the small, but invaluable, test kits that were available to model boat enthusiasts during the 1950s and ‘60s

Your Models • Whether you’re highly skilled and experienced or completely new to the hobby, you’re definitely invited to this launch party! So please keep the contributions coming by emailing your stories and photos to editor@modelboats.co.uk

Your Letters • Got views to air or information to share? Then we want to hear from you!

Next month in Model Boats • In the June 2026 issue of Model Boats, on sale from Friday, May 22, don’t miss…

HMS TERRIBLE SEMI-SCALE TYPE 31 FRIGATE