Model Boats

First published over 50 years ago, this great old magazine will be perfect for you if you like building model boats or just enjoy soaking up all of the elements of this huge hobby. Covering every type of model boat including, warships, tugs, lifeboats, historical ships, ferries, submarines and yachts to name a few. Both ‘seaworthy’ remoted controlled vessels through to static display models are featured as well as conversions, modifications, hints and tips and general ‘brain-storming’ ideas to get your juices flowing! Each issue features kit and model reviews, show and club reports and news from the boat modelling world. Model Boats magazine publishes 12 great issues a year.

Model Boats

WELCOME TO THE JULY 2026 ISSUE OF MODEL BOATS

Compass 360 • If you have a news story for these pages, please contact the Editor, Lindsey Amrani, via e-mail at editor@modelboats.co.uk

Use not as intended • Tomasz Klyszynski flags up why it’s worth a look taking a look at what the automotive industry has to offer when it comes to products and materials with modelling purpose potential….

Evelyn • Having never built a plank-on-frame hull before, Martin Crapper bravely set to work on this Porthmadog brig, affectionately known in her day as the ‘Pudding Ship’, ultimately achieving sweet success…

Nonsuch • Charles Oates pays tribute to the artist/inventor Rowland Emett with this wonderfully whimsical and delightfully detailed model boat build…

Norada • John Hollis presents his first ever sailing vessel build, a Wherry yacht that not only looks wonderful out on the water but features an interior that absolutely wows!

Hoverfly • Glynn Guest provides a step-by-step guide to the construction of the R/C airboat/hovercraft hybrid model that can be built from this month’s free pull-out plan

The Daring class destroyers • Ready to take on a new challenge? John Parker recounts the history of, and modelling options for, these classic post-war naval vessels

BOILER ROOM • Richard Simpson draws on his experiences with a past project to present the pros and cons of buying second-hand plant

A Simprop radio for the boat guy • Five decades on, Dave Wiggins re-engages with the German radio sets he spent many an hour working on back in the 1970s…

Your Models • Whether you’re highly skilled and experienced or completely new to the hobby, you’re definitely invited to this launch party! So please keep the contributions coming by emailing your stories and photos to editor@modelboats.co.uk

Your Letters • Got views to air or information to share? Then we want to hear from you!

Next month in Model Boats • In the August 2026 issue, on sale from Friday, July 17, don’t miss…

HOVERFLY