How Much Do Plastic Ship Model Kits Cost?

By: Michael Snedden   On: 7 October 2026 

Plastic ship model kits can cost from around $15 for a small, straightforward kit to $500 or more for a very large, highly detailed model.

Price is affected by the model's scale, physical size, number of parts, manufacturer, detail level and whether extras such as photo-etched metal parts are included.

Campbelltown Hobbies currently carries more than 1,000 plastic ship model products, including battleships, aircraft carriers, submarines, sailing ships and famous vessels such as the Titanic.

What Is the Average Cost of a Plastic Ship Model?

There is no meaningful single average because plastic ship kits range from small-scale beginner builds to enormous display models containing thousands of parts.

Current examples from Campbelltown Hobbies show the range clearly:

• Academy 1/350 Cutty Sark — about $15.29
• Academy 1/800 Battleship Tirpitz — about $21.59
• Academy 1/700 USS Enterprise CV-6 — about $58.49
• Academy 1/700 USS Missouri Modeler's Edition — about $71.99
• Aotori 1/350 USS Atlanta — about $149.99
• Border Model 1/350 Yamato — about $350.99.

At the extreme end, Campbelltown Hobbies also lists a 1/200 Yamato at around $569, with approximately 2,800 parts and a finished length of more than 1.3 metres.

So rather than asking for an average price, it is more useful to decide what scale and level of complexity you actually want to build.

What Factors Affect the Price of a Plastic Ship Model?

Scale

Scale describes how large the model is compared with the real vessel.

Common ship modelling scales include:

• 1/1200
• 1/700
• 1/600
• 1/350
• 1/200

A 1/350 battleship will normally be substantially larger than a 1/700 version of the same ship.

Larger scale often means more material, more detail and more parts.

Number of Parts

A simple kit may contain relatively few components.

An advanced ship model can contain hundreds or even thousands.

The 1/200 MonoChrome Yamato sold by Campbelltown Hobbies contains around 2,800 parts, which makes it a completely different type of project from a small $20 kit.

Detail Level

More sophisticated kits may include:

• Fine deck details
• Individual weapons
• Lifeboats
• Aircraft
• Railings
• Masts
• Radar equipment
• Detailed superstructures

High-detail kits take longer to design, manufacture and build.

Photo-Etched Parts

Some premium plastic ship kits include very thin metal detail parts known as photo-etch.

These can be used for fine components that would be difficult to reproduce convincingly in moulded plastic.

The HobbyBoss 1/700 HMHS Britannic, for example, includes photo-etched parts as well as more than 570 plastic components.

What Types of Plastic Ship Models Can You Build?

The category is much broader than battleships.

Campbelltown Hobbies carries model kits covering:

• Battleships
• Aircraft carriers
• Submarines
• Cruisers
• Frigates
• Sailing ships
• Ocean liners
• Historical vessels

Its broader model-kit range specifically identifies ships ranging from sailboats and military vessels to historical ships such as the Titanic.

That gives builders the choice of modelling a favourite period of history rather than simply choosing by scale.

How Much Do Small Plastic Ship Kits Cost?

Some smaller kits can cost less than $30.

Current examples include the Academy Cutty Sark around $15 and the Academy Tirpitz around $22.

These can be a useful way to try ship modelling without immediately committing to a large project.

However, purchase price is not the only cost.

Depending on the kit, you may also need:

• Model glue
• Paint
• Brushes
• Hobby knife
• Sanding tools
• Masking materials

Always check what is included.

How Much Do Large Plastic Ship Kits Cost?

Large kits can move well into the hundreds of dollars.

Campbelltown Hobbies currently lists examples including:

• Dragon 1/350 Scharnhorst — about $207
• Border Model 1/350 Yamato — about $351
• MonoChrome 1/200 Yamato — about $569.

The higher cost generally reflects the size and complexity of the model rather than simply the subject.

A large-scale ship can become a long-term modelling project.

How Much Does a Titanic Plastic Model Cost?

Titanic is one of the most recognisable model ship subjects.

Campbelltown Hobbies carries several Titanic kits in different scales and configurations, including Academy and Airfix versions.

Some versions are conventional display kits, while others add features such as LED lighting. Campbelltown Hobbies also lists an Academy Titanic kit with an LED set.

That is a good example of why searching only for “a Titanic model” is not enough.

Scale and included features matter.

Which Scale Is Best for Beginners?

There is no universal beginner scale.

A smaller scale can reduce the finished model's size and price, but very tiny parts can sometimes make construction more fiddly.

A beginner may prefer a kit with:

• Moderate parts count
• Clear instructions
• Straightforward colour scheme
• Limited photo-etch
• Manageable display size

A 1/700 ship can be an excellent project, but a highly detailed 1/700 kit can still be far more difficult than a simpler larger model.

Always consider the individual kit rather than scale alone.

Do Plastic Ship Kits Come Already Painted?

Usually not.

Most traditional plastic model ship kits are supplied as unassembled plastic parts and are intended to be glued and painted.

For example, Campbelltown Hobbies states that the HobbyBoss Britannic requires assembly and painting and that glue, paints and modelling tools are sold separately.

Part of the appeal is creating the final finish yourself.

Are Expensive Plastic Ship Models Worth It?

They can be — for the right builder.

A large premium kit can offer:

• Far more detail
• Larger finished size
• Greater parts count
• More intricate construction
• Photo-etched details
• A substantial display piece

But a beginner does not need a $500 ship model to enjoy the hobby.

A $40–$80 kit can provide many hours of building and painting.

The best value comes from choosing a model that suits your experience and the amount of time you actually want to spend building it.

Where Can You Buy Plastic Ship Models?

Campbelltown Hobbies currently lists more than 1,000 products in its Plastic Ship Models category, with brands and subjects ranging from inexpensive small-scale kits through to large premium battleships.

The store also carries paints, adhesives, modelling tools and accessories needed to complete a build.

Summary

Plastic ship model kits can fit almost any modelling budget.

Current examples range from:

• Around $15–$30 for some smaller kits
• Around $40–$80 for many mainstream models
• $100–$200+ for larger or more detailed kits
• $300–$500+ for major premium projects

Price is influenced by scale, size, parts count and detail.

For a first model, buying the biggest or most expensive kit is rarely necessary. Choose a subject you actually want to build at a complexity level you will enjoy.

Campbelltown Hobbies' current Plastic Ship Models range includes more than 1,000 listings covering naval ships, submarines, liners and historic vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a plastic ship model cost?

Plastic ship kits can start around $15–$30, while very large detailed kits can cost $500 or more.

What affects the price of a plastic ship model?

Scale, physical size, parts count, detail level, manufacturer and included extras such as photo-etched components all affect price.

What are the different types of model ships?

Popular subjects include battleships, aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, cruisers, sailing ships and ocean liners.

How much does a Titanic model ship cost?

Prices depend heavily on scale and features. Titanic kits are available from several manufacturers and in different configurations, including versions with lighting.

Do plastic ship model kits need glue and paint?

Many do. Always check the individual kit because glue, paint and modelling tools are often sold separately.

Are plastic ship kits good for beginners?

Yes, provided you choose an appropriate kit. Look for a manageable parts count and straightforward construction rather than simply choosing by scale.

What is the most popular model ship?

Famous historical vessels such as Titanic, Yamato, Bismarck, Missouri and Enterprise are repeatedly produced by model manufacturers, although popularity varies between builders and periods.

Where can I buy plastic model ships?

Campbelltown Hobbies carries more than 1,000 plastic ship model listings covering a wide range of scales, manufacturers and subjects.