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Frequently Asked Questions

Building Questions
Model Questions
Company Questions
Ordering Questions
Shipping Questions
Ownership Questions



Additional questions? Contact Us or Call us at (888) 700-8528

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Building Questions

Who builds your models? 
*Chris Dixon Studios is an officially Authorized HMS Dealer*
Since 1959, building tall model ships has been a HMS passion. HMS are model-ship experts and feel this shows in the quality of our models. To learn more about HMS.

How are your models constructed?
A majority of our models are built using the plank-on-frame or plank-on-bulkhead construction method. This is a painstaking process, taking hundreds of hours, in which each individual plank is added to the hull one at a time. Our models are not constructed from pre-made, pre-measured, mass-marketed, mass-produced model kits. Learn more about how our models are built.

What woods do you use to build the models?
We use only the highest-quality woods available such as cherry, birch, maple, blackwood, white lotus, walnut, rosewood, teak, yellow siris, light ebony and others.

Q. These are not kits. Does that mean you create every piece of the ship yourselves?
Essentially all of the pieces of the model are made by HMS (figureheads, stern details, planks, sails, etc). Pieces that are too time consuming or expensive to create ourselves, we purchase in bulk such as the brass cannons, blocks, deadeyes and other parts we need large quantities of.

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Ship Model Questions

Will I receive my model fully assembled?
Yes! There is absolutely no assembly required. 

What is the difference between High, Superior and Museum quality?
The main difference is the time and quality level of the model. High quality models are typically merchant and exploration vessels, Superior are typically warships from the Age of Sail and Museum quality take up to 1000 man hours to build. For more information please read our Quality guidelines:

Quality Guide

We offer the highest quality and best value for the price. We hope this shopper’s guide will help you find the model that is perfect for you.

High Quality –
Primarily merchant vessels, exploration vessels, and cruise liners. All of these models are hand-crafted by master builders with decades of experience and built with high quality woods and fittings. These models are somewhat easier to construct than a typical warship from the Age of Sail. This allows these authentic replicas to be more affordable.

Superior Quality –
Primarily warships from the Age of Sail make up this category. Warships had more cannons and details that a typical ship of the period. To make authentic models of these warships, more time, pieces and attention is required over our merchant or exploration replicas.

Museum Quality –
For the person who demands the best available, these replicas have details that can only be achieved by master builders. Taking up to 1000 hours to construct, these models use the best available pieces and parts and receive additional attention to details at all stages of production. Accordingly, only a limited number of these models can be built.

Why do some of your models, such as the HMS Victory Limited Edition, have a metal plated hull?
The hulls are metal plated to make our models as authentic as possible. Starting in 1780, ships had the underwater portion of the hull plated metal to prevent the Teredo worm from damaging the hull.

Which is your best model ship?
This is a very difficult question. It varies based on your budget and the type of ship you are looking for. Our most popular ships are the HMS Victory and the USS Constitution, primarily due to how they look and their historical significance. If you have a question about which ship is right for you, or as a gift, just contact us.

In the model description, it shows the scale such as the HMS Victory 1:108 scale. What does this mean?
The scale is a ratio of how large or how small the ship model is relative to the real ship. The real HMS Victory is 108 times larger than our model, hence the 1:108 scale.

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HMS Questions

Are these model kits?
No. However, we do build model-ship kits upon request.

I am interested in a model ship that you do not currently build. Can you make it for me?
Yes! We can build almost any model ship to your specifications, regardless of size or complexity. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Can you modify a model currently offered to my specifications?
Yes! We build all of our model sailing ships from scratch and can modify anything you would like (Sails, size, painting, adding copper hull, etc).

Are all your models currently in stock?
Yes!Most of our models are in stock and ready for immediate shipping .

Do you offer display cases for your models?
Yes! We offer solid rosewood display cases for all of our model sailing ships from 36" to 40". 

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Ordering Questions

How do I place an order?
There are two easy ways to place an order:

1. On each model page there is an “Add to Cart” button. This will add the model to your purchase. Then press "Express Checkout," fill in your information and payment method. We accept all major credit cards. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your order. 

2. Call us at (888) 700-8528 to place your order over the phone.

What happens after I place an order?
When your order is placed, you will see an "Order Receipt" page, which will have your Order number order on it. This is a confirmation that your order has successfully been placed and is being processed. You will receive an e-mail confirmation. If you do not receive this message within a couple of hours of placing your order, please contact us.

Can I modify an existing order?
Yes, we allow certain last minute changes to your order if needed. We do not allow orders to be edited or canceled after your order has been shipped, or within the 7 days prior to Father’s Day or Christmas.

What are your payment options?
We offer many options for purchasing from us:

- Online credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or AMEX)
- Online digital check
- Online via Paypal
- Via standard mail (check or money order)
- Call us at (888) 700-8528 with your credit card or check.

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Shipping Questions

How long will it take for my model to arrive?
Your model will arrive in approximately 2 to 7 business days. We ship models 3 times per week.

Is next-day delivery available?
Yes, we can have your model ship delivered to you by tomorrow (in contintential US only). Please call us for a rate quote.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship internationally! Please contact us for a quote. The typical rate to an airport in Europe/England is around $100 for our standard 37" models; however, rates can and do vary significantly.

How much will I be charged for insured shipping?
We currently offer FREE insured shipping in the continental US and to major cities in Canada. The typical cost to professionally crate a model ship is over $200, we include this in the purchase price.

How do you package your models?
After years of research we have developed the optimal packaging for a model ship. For many years, we have shipped models across the world without incident. To learn more about our professional packaging – Click Here!

How large is the shipping box and how much does it weigh?
The typical box for our standard 37" tall models is 41"L x 16"H x 31"H and weighs less than 25 pounds.

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OwnersQuestions

How easy it is to unpack/uncrate my model ship?
While our packaging is optimal for shipping, it is very easy to unpack. Simply remove the two front wood supports on the crate, undo the bungie straps holding down the model and then slide the model out of the crate.

How do I assemble my display case?
Slide the glass/plexi-glass into the frame and screw the case together. No glue or caulking is needed.

What is the best way to care for my model once I receive it?
We recommend a display case to protect your model from dirt or damage. Over time, the sails will become soiled and they will not be able to be cleaned, unless the ship is re-rigged. To clean off the deck, we recommend carefully using a can of compressed air to blow away dust particles

Additional questions? Contact Us or Call us at (888) 700-8528

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