A ship of the line was a large sailing warship of roughly the 17th to mid-19th centuries, built to fight in a line of battle with broadside cannon. Models of these ships are among the most admired in the hobby, and also among the most demanding. They have many guns, a lot of planking and a very large amount of rigging.
What a ship of the line is
The term covers a range of sizes, from two-deckers up to three-deckers carrying over a hundred guns. Navies rated ships by size and gun count, so a first-rate was the biggest. For a modeler, the practical point is that more decks and guns mean more repeated work: every gun port, carriage and rigging line is multiplied.
Popular subjects and kits
A few subjects appear again and again in wooden kit catalogs:
- HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar, is commonly offered at 1:84 by makers such as Artesania Latina and OcCre, and prices for the large versions are high.
- Santa Ana, a Spanish three-decker present at Trafalgar, has been released as a wooden kit at 1:84.
- Soleil Royal, an ornate 17th-century French flagship, is popular with experienced builders, often around 1:72.
- HMS Vanguard and other two-deckers are sometimes more approachable, with fewer guns to model.
Kit contents and prices change, so check current listings. Competing kits of the same ship can differ in accuracy and in the quality of the wood and fittings.
Choosing a scale
Scale decides how large the finished model is, how fine the details are and where it will fit. Common choices for wooden warships are somewhere between about 1:72 and 1:100, and plastic kits are often smaller. Measure your display space before buying. A three-decker at 1:84 can be a substantial piece, and the rigging adds height and width beyond the hull. See our ship model stands article for sizing support.
Skill level and time
Large warship kits are usually rated for experienced builders. A first project is often easier with a simpler, smaller subject. If you do start with a ship of the line, expect it to take many months of regular work and be ready to learn as you go. Free reference drawings can help you check a kit against history; see our list of free model ship plans.
Build order overview
- Hull framework. Assemble the keel and bulkheads and check alignment before gluing anything permanent.
- Planking. Many kits use double planking, a first layer to shape the hull and a second for the finish. See planking techniques.
- Painting. Warship hulls were often finished in contrasting bands. Read how to paint a model ship hull for waterline marking and masking.
- Decks, guns and fittings. Do the work that needs open access before masts go in.
- Masts, spars and rigging. Rigging is the longest stage. See our rigging thread guide.
Display
A ship of the line is heavy and fragile once rigged. Plan the stand and, ideally, a case before the model is finished, so you can move it safely.
FAQ
Is a ship of the line a good first model? Usually not. Most builders find a smaller kit more forgiving.
Do I need extra tools? Standard hobby tools help, along with clamps for planking and fine tweezers for rigging.