Frequently Asked Questions

Are your model boats available for hire? Regrettably, we do not offer rental services for our model boats due to their delicate nature, which makes them susceptible to damage if not constantly and carefully handled.


Can I arrange shipment of my order myself? Yes, you can, except for the modern art prints. If you would like to arrange shipment yourself, please email us to request the carton size and weight for your chosen item. Collection is from Bristol, BS34 8RD, United Kingdom. We'll securely pack your model for export.


Can I cancel my order? You can cancel your order anytime before we have notified you of the courier tracking number. Please telephone or email us to cancel your order. We will refund the full amount that you have paid including shipping. If your order has been dispatched, it will be treated as a return.


Do you buy second hand model ships? We're sorry but we don't buy second hand model ships in any form or size. We don't buy kits or models made from kits. If you're looking for a place to sell your model ship, you could try eBay.


Do you evaluate models? Unfortunately it's very hard for us to evaluate models based on pictures. You're better off searching eBay or Google for a model similar to yours in shape and size to find out how much you could sell it for.

The Model Boats Magazine is a great source of information about everything to do with model boats.


Do you have a printed catalogue or price list? All our products for sale are displayed on our website. We don't have a printed catalogue and cannot send you one. Any product that you can add to the basket is in stock and available for dispatch within 3 or 4 days of purchase.

 

Do you have a model shop in London? While we do not operate a physical model ship store in London, our primary operations are conducted online. Nonetheless, we do extend an invitation for you to personally view our models at our location in Bristol, UK. It's worth noting that visits must be scheduled in advance, so we kindly ask that you contact us via phone or email a few days prior to your intended visit.

If you plan to drive, street parking is available. Alternatively, if you're traveling by train, our location is conveniently a short walk from Bristol Parkway station.


Do you make bespoke model ships? No, we don't make bespoke models. We can make the ship models on our website in a larger or smaller scale if you wish. We can also paint them in a different colour or supply them just varnished. Please contact us to enquire about it.


Do you repair models? 
No, we don't repair models. Sorry!


Do you sell antique ship models? All our ship models have been built recently by our skilled workers. They are not antique ship models.


Do you sell display case for ship models? Yes, we are now offering acrylic display cases for our own models. You can add a display case to your model at the checkout. If you don't see an option to add a display case, please email us the name of the model that you would like to purchase and its code number so that we can advise on the display case price. 

Read more about our acrylic display cases.


Do you sell kits? We don't sell kits at all - and our models are not made from kits. We don't buy new kits from anyone because we don't sell them.


Do you sell model ship plans? We don't sell model plans.


Do you sell model ship supplies?  We don't sell model ship supplies. If you're looking for ship model flags, model boat fittings, tools, accessories and consumables, have a look at the following websites:

Maritime Models 

Hobbies


Do you sell radio controlled models? Our model ships and airplanes are not radio controlled. We don't sell radio controlled models.


Do you ship internationally? Yes, we do. If you are outside the United Kingdom, please email us to request delivery charge to your country. Please tell us the name of the city and postcode and we'll email you back with the shipping cost. Models are dispatched via DHL or UPS.  


How much VAT and import duty do I need to pay if I am abroad? VAT rates and import duty vary according to each country. We recommend that you check on your own government website what those charges are. DHL will charge customs clearance as follows (amount may vary):

  • European countries: €20
  • USA: US$20


How to clean a ship model? Use a painter's brush or makeup brush to clean a ship model and remove all the dust. The best way to keep a model clean is to place it in a display case. We are now selling acrylic display cases. Please contact us if you would like one for your model ship or aviation model.


I'm interested in donating a ship model. What steps should I take? One viable option would be to reach out to your local Maritime Museum to see if they're interested in adding your model to their collection. To locate the closest Maritime Museum in your vicinity, simply perform a web search using the phrase 'maritime museum near me' on Google or any preferred search engine.


What is your returns policy? We offer a 14 day returns policy for deliveries in the United Kingdom. We don't accept returns of orders sent outside the UK.

  • Items must be returned in their original packaging and the customer must ensure that the item reaches us in perfect condition.
  • The customer is responsible for the postage cost when returning the item to us.
  • We'll issue a refund for the price of the item (the original shipping cost to send the item will not be refunded) two days after we receive the item back. 

Please contact us by email or telephone before sending anything back to us.


Where are your models dispatched from? All our model ships, nautical decoration, and airplane models are dispatched from Bristol, UK, via courier.

Please email us to request delivery charge to your country if it isn't listed in the tab "Shipping Cost".


Should you have any queries about our ship models, please do get in touch.

Our address: 7 Kings Drive, Bristol, BS34 8RD, England, UK.
Phone: 0770 2965 152 (international 00 44 770 2965 152) or
Phone: 01454 250562 (international 00 44 1454 250562)
Email: info@admiraltyshipmodels.co.uk

VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT OUR PACKAGING

Shipping was on time. It was so well packaged I could have done with a chainsaw to release it. A pleasure doing business with a professional outfit.

DAVID S | 2 JULY 2022

The packaging was fantastic. You have made it very safe for bumps and poor handling with very good support in the box itself.

JOHN P | 3 JAN 2022

Model arrived 4 days early and in perfect condition. Packaging could resist a nuclear warhead. Almost needed a chainsaw to unpack ;).

ALEXANDER G | 16 JAN 2022

Was nervous a bit about shipping to Canada but it had an absolutely amazing and sturdy packaging. The customer service is amazing.

MIMI L | 12 FEB 2022