Thermopylae Display Ship Model – Premier Ship Models

Custom models are popular with private collectors, yacht and boat owners, maritime businesses, shipping companies, and naval institutions. They’re also a distinctive choice for trade shows and events, corporate display pieces, and as memorable gifts – for example, gifting a client a scale model of their new yacht while it’s still being built is something we’ve helped make happen more than once.

Our custom model process runs from initial enquiry through to delivery, and is managed across three stages:

1. Enquiry Stage Get in touch with our sales team and we’ll assess your requirements – covering details such as the type and name of the subject, your preferred scale, number of models, quality level, delivery timescale, and budget. We’ll provide a formal quotation, and once agreed, an invoice is raised and a 50% deposit is taken to proceed.

2. Pre-Production Stage Our team works with you to complete a Model Maker’s Brief (MMB) – a detailed specification document that the model makers will build to. Where applicable, 3D renders are produced in black and white and then colour, with up to five revisions before sign-off. Please note that any changes requested after the MMB or renders have been signed off may result in additional costs.

3. Production Stage Our model makers construct your model to the agreed specification. You’ll be kept informed at key milestones through photos or video, and a 30% payment is collected at the 75% completion point. Once finished, your model is quality-checked against the MMB before being carefully packed and shipped. The remaining balance is collected prior to dispatch.

To get started, email us at sales@premiershipmodels.com and we’ll take it from there.

The more reference material you can provide, the better – photographs, technical drawings (in 2D or 3D) and builder’s plans all help us achieve the highest level of accuracy. That said, we can work from images alone if that’s all that’s available. Our team will guide you through exactly what’s needed during the initial consultation.

Lead times vary depending on the size, complexity, quantity, and budget involved. In most cases commissions take between 2 and 6 months, though highly detailed or large-scale pieces may take longer. For clients with tighter deadlines, faster turnarounds can sometimes be accommodated for – we’ve delivered commissions in as little as 3 weeks, though this is reflected in the cost. A clear timeline will always be confirmed as part of your quotation.

We can work to virtually any scale depending on your requirements and intended display space. Common scales include 1:50, 1:75, 1:100, and 1:200, but we’re not limited to these – our largest commission to date measured 4 metres in length. We’ll advise on what works best for your vessel, space, and budget.

Custom models are priced on a per-commission basis, reflecting the complexity, scale, detail and quantity required. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we’ll prepare a tailored quotation.

Yes. We have experience producing models of historic, decommissioned, and heritage vessels. Provided sufficient reference material is available, we can work to recreate vessels to a high degree of accuracy.

Yes. A 50% deposit is required to commence work on a custom model. A further 30% is collected at the 75% completion stage, with the remaining balance due prior to dispatch. Full payment terms will be outlined in your formal quotation.

Yes. We keep clients informed throughout the commission, providing progress updates at key stages. Photographic updates are available on request for all commissions, and we can also arrange virtual meetings with our Production Manager for clients who would like a more hands-on view of progress.

The build method for a custom model depends on the vessel type, level of detail required, and your delivery timeline. We use a combination of traditional hand-crafting, 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting to produce the best result for each individual commission. This flexible approach means we can work across a wide range of scales, complexities, and budgets without compromising on quality.

Our custom models are constructed from a combination of materials selected to best suit the subject and the level of detail required. For traditional vessel types, the hull and main structural components are typically built from wood – commonly Sapele or Teak – while masts, spars, and finer structural elements use a mix of wood and metal. Rigging is made from thread or cord, and smaller fittings such as cannons, anchors, and deck hardware are usually cast in metal or formed from resin. For subjects that demand the highest level of precision and detail, models may incorporate extensive CNC machining, laser cutting, and 3D printing – and in some cases may be constructed almost entirely using these methods. Display bases and name plaques are generally finished in wood with brass or metal hardware.