How to Choose the Right Accessories for Your Ship Model

Introduction

You can build a ship model entirely from scratch the  or from kit. However, if you want a more realistic look, smoother assembly, and a truly authentic result, it’s worth enhancing it with quality accessories.
On this page, we’ll guide you through the key points for choosing accessories – whether you use our ready-made sets or prefer to select the parts individually.

1) What to Clarify in Advance

What ship am I building?
It is important to know the ship type (e.g., frigate, galleon, brig), the historical period, and the scale of the kit. These three factors – type, period, and scale – determine which accessories will fit: from the deck, to the guns, to the rigging.

• Kit material: laser-cut decks are available for plastic models.
• Budget: you can upgrade your model gradually – you don’t need to buy everything at once.
• Stage of construction: some parts must be installed at the very beginning (e.g., deck), while others are added at the final stage (rigging, flags).
• Are complete sets available for my model? If yes, that’s the simplest choice. If not, the following tips will help you decide.

2) How to Navigate Our E-shop

On our website, accessories can be found in three ways:

• A) Complete category for a model
  For some kits we offer a dedicated category with the full range of accessories – see the model accessory categories.
• B) Individual sets for a model
  Some models have only one or several sets available (e.g., sails for Blackbeard 1:57, Mamoli). You can find them using the Search function – the exact name is required. You can also view all accessory types in our accessory overview.
• C) Models without available sets
  In this case, choose accessories according to the ship type, historical period, and scale, or based on available plans.

3) Deck

• Laser-cut custom decks – designed to perfectly fit specific plastic kits. Find them in the wooden decks section.
• Universal decks – available in 1:100 and 1:150 scale; suitable as replacements, but without detailed shaping and edges.

4) Hull and Deck Accessories – Guns, Carriages, Ornaments

• Ready-made complete gun sets – available for many ships in specific scales (including carriages).
  • Building the same model in another scale? We can make the set in the scale you need.
  • Building a different ship? Choose guns by period, type, and scale. You can also look at guns offered for other ships of the same period – they can often be used for your project as well. For example, HMS Victory guns can also suit other ships of similar type and era.
• Carriages – most of our guns come with matching carriages. They are listed directly in the description and among related products.
• Ornaments and deck fittings – don’t forget details such as capstans, pumps, barrels, anchors, or hull decorations. These details bring your model to life.

5) Standing Rigging

• Ready-made block sets – if available for your model, they are the easiest option. We can produce them in any scale. For very small scales (e.g., 1:250), some details may need to be simplified.
• If no set exists: Follow the plans if available. If not, use general principles based on ship type and period. For exact calculations of rope diameters and block sizes, use the calculation table and the article How to Choose Blocks and Ropes.
• Photo-etched details: We offer not only blocks and deadeyes, but also straps (for deadeyes and blocks), hooks, eyes, and other etched parts. Think in advance about the level of detail you want – for example, cranes and hooks for anchors, or hooks on blocks for hoisting. Many models already have these photo-etched sets available in our categories, or you can order them separately – e.g., a block strap with hook.

6) Running Rigging and Sails

• The choice of ropes and blocks follows the same rules as standing rigging – based on plans, ship type, and period.
• Sails are made to reflect the original design according to the ship type and historical period.
• Hanks (rings for jibs): used to attach the jib to the stay. Recommended for scales 1:100 and larger (e.g., 1:96, 1:72) and for ships from the second half of the 18th century onwards.
• Other small parts: consider photo-etched parrels (to rotate yards around the mast) or eyes for tying ropes. Many models already have these sets available in the accessory categories.

7) Flags

• We offer historically accurate flags in various scales.
• If a specific design or scale is missing, we can make it to order. With good references, we can also create new motifs.
• Want something outside historical accuracy? No problem – we can make a flag exactly to your request.

8) Need Help?

Not sure what to choose? Get in touch – we’ll recommend the right accessories based on your model, period, and scale.
👉 Contact us

9) FAQ

• You don’t have sets for my model. What now?
  If no dedicated set exists, just know three key facts – scale, ship type, and period. With them you can choose the right parts: such as guns, blocks and ropes, flags, or deck fittings.
• Can I mix accessories from different manufacturers?
  Yes, mixing is fine. Just make sure the scale and period match, to keep the build authentic.
• Can I add accessories to a model already under construction?
  
  • Deck: only possible before gluing the hull or permanently attaching the deck. If the hull is already glued with the deck, it’s too late for a laser-cut deck.
  • Guns, ornaments, deck fittings: can be added if other parts don’t block them.
  • Rigging and flags: are installed at the final stage, so they can easily be added to a model already in progress.