Battleship models · Compare UK prices
Battleship Models & Kits
Explore battleship model kits from early dreadnoughts to WW2 fleets and later Iowa-class refits. Compare Bismarck, Tirpitz, HMS Warspite, USS Missouri and Japanese subjects by manufacturer, era, scale and construction method.
Choose Airfix, Revell, Tamiya, Academy and Hasegawa plastic model kits, large brick builds or Piececool metal model kits, then compare current UK offers.
Featured build · Tamiya USS Missouri, 1:700
Featured battleship model kits
Three recognisable battleships from Germany, Britain and the United States: a 1:700 Bismarck, a larger Warspite and a wartime Missouri. Each is a traditional plastic construction project with fine naval details.
Best for a detailed 1:700 Bismarck
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
295 parts · Full-hull display model
Best for a larger Royal Navy model
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
Queen Elizabeth-class battleship · 1:350
Best for a WW2 US Navy display
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Waterline model · 38.65cm long
British battleship models
Compare the Royal Navy across two world wars: a WW1 dreadnought, a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship in its later career and a compact King George V-class subject. Airfix, Academy and Revell offer distinct scales and supplied formats.
Best for a larger Royal Navy model
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
Queen Elizabeth-class battleship · 1:350
Academy’s 1:350 Warspite gives a Royal Navy battleship more room for deck and superstructure detail. Choose this for a substantial British naval project, with space for the hull, projecting gun barrels and a protective display area.
Best for a WW1 dreadnought
Challenging · Plastic · 1:600
183 parts · Royal Navy 1915 scheme
Iron Duke extends the range beyond WW2 with a British dreadnought in a 1915 scheme. Airfix’s 1:600 Vintage Classics kit has 183 parts and needs glue and paint, with fine fittings that suit a patient builder.
Best for a compact kit with supplies
Challenging · Plastic · 1:1200
Model Set · Paint, brush and glue included
This Model Set packages Revell’s small 1:1200 Duke of York with basic finishing supplies. It is a compact battleship project, but its small fittings still demand control with glue and paint. Compare code 65182 with the basic 05182 kit before ordering.
German battleship models
Bismarck and Tirpitz are sister ships, but these kits differ markedly in scale and construction demands. Compare Airfix’s 1:600 Bismarck with Revell’s 1:700 full-hull model and the much larger 1:350 Tirpitz.
Best for an Airfix 1:600 fleet
Challenging · Plastic · 1:600
170 parts · Vintage Classics plastic kit
The Airfix Bismarck offers a 170-part traditional plastic build at 1:600. It is larger than a 1:700 Bismarck, so it suits a matching Airfix fleet rather than an accurately scaled 1:700 diorama.
Best for a detailed 1:700 Bismarck
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
295 parts · Full-hull display model
Revell’s 1:700 Bismarck combines a full hull, display stand, fine masts and two Arado seaplanes. Its 295 parts call for steady assembly. Choose it when you want the complete hull rather than assuming every 1:700 warship is waterline-only.
Best for an experienced naval modeller
Expert · Plastic · 1:350
585 parts · About 71.7cm long
Tirpitz is a substantial 1:350 project with 585 parts and a hull about 71.7cm long. The Expert rating reflects the extended assembly and fine naval details. Code 05096 is the plastic limited edition; do not assume Platinum-edition metal or wooden-deck extras are included.
US battleship models
Tamiya’s 1:700 Iowa-class trio makes a useful comparison of sister ships and refits. Missouri and Iowa are WW2 configurations; New Jersey depicts the post-1982 modernisation, with missile launchers and a helicopter.
Best for a WW2 US Navy display
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Waterline model · 38.65cm long
Tamiya’s Missouri depicts the battleship in wartime configuration, with fine anti-aircraft weapons and floatplanes. The long, narrow hull gives this 1:700 model a substantial presence, while the small deck fittings reward careful handling.
Best for an Iowa-class collection
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
WW2 configuration · 1:700 waterline
Iowa adds another WW2 US battleship to the same-scale fleet. Compare its bridge, gun positions and supplied wartime appearance with Missouri; sister ships share a class, but their details and represented dates still matter.
Best for a Cold War refit
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Post-1982 fit · Missile launchers and helicopter
New Jersey represents the post-1982 modernisation, including Tomahawk and Harpoon launchers and a Seahawk helicopter. Choose it for a later US Navy collection rather than treating all three Iowa-class kits as matching WW2 ships.
Japanese battleship models
Move from the early-1900s Mikasa to a brick-built representation of the WW2 Yamato. Hasegawa’s waterline plastic kit and MISINI’s large brick set represent different periods and very different construction styles.
Best for an early Japanese battleship
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Early-1900s subject · 1:700 waterline
Mikasa adds a pre-dreadnought subject to a Japanese fleet. Hasegawa’s 1:700 waterline kit offers a different silhouette from later WW2 battleships, making it useful for a collection tracing the development of heavily armed warships.
Best for a large brick-built Yamato
Intermediate · Plastic
Brick construction · About 80cm long
MISINI’s Yamato builds a large battleship from coloured plastic bricks. The layered hull and superstructure provide a different construction experience from a glued plastic kit. Allow about 80cm of shelf length; check the retailer’s exact edition and packaging for the stated scale and part count.
Brick and metal battleship models
Choose interlocking bricks for a large coloured display, or folded metal sheets for a smaller sculptural model. These kits need assembly: no-glue construction does not make them ready-built or remove the need for careful alignment.
Best for a large brick-built Yamato
Intermediate · Plastic
Brick construction · About 80cm long
MISINI’s Yamato builds a large battleship from coloured plastic bricks. The layered hull and superstructure provide a different construction experience from a glued plastic kit. Allow about 80cm of shelf length; check the retailer’s exact edition and packaging for the stated scale and part count.
Best for a brick-built German battleship
Challenging · Plastic · 1:300
1:300 brick model · Display stand
This Bismarck uses interlocking plastic bricks and an included display stand. The layered hull, deck and turret assemblies make a sustained construction project. Its stated 1:300 scale is substantially larger than the 1:600 and 1:700 plastic Bismarck kits.
Best for a metal battleship puzzle
Challenging · Metal
Metal-sheet assembly · No stated scale
Piececool’s silver Missouri is a metal-sheet construction puzzle rather than a painted plastic kit. Bend and secure the small tabs with suitable pliers, working carefully through the superstructure. No reliable scale is stated for this edition.
Choosing a scale for battleship models
A smaller denominator gives a larger model of the same ship. Check the actual finished length as well as scale: Missouri is about 38.65cm at 1:700, while the 1:350 Tirpitz needs about 71.7cm before allowing for display clearance.
| Scale | Subject | What to consider | Catalogue examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1200 | Compact plastic battleships | Useful when shelf space is limited. Small parts still need controlled gluing and painting; check whether the package is the basic kit or Model Set. | Revell Duke of York Model Set |
| 1:700 | Waterline and full-hull battleships | A good starting scale for a fleet. Check hull format: waterline models sit at the water surface, while full-hull models include the underwater shape. | Tamiya Missouri / Revell Bismarck / Hasegawa Mikasa |
| 1:600 | Airfix Vintage Classics | Larger than 1:700 for the same subject. Keep a common scale if relative ship sizes matter in a fleet display. | Airfix Bismarck / Airfix Iron Duke |
| 1:350 | Larger plastic display ships | For the same ship, twice the length of 1:700. Allow room for the hull, projecting weapons, masts and a protective case. | Academy Warspite / Revell Tirpitz |
| 1:300 | Brick-built battleships | A stated brick-model scale does not imply the same surface detail or construction method as a plastic kit. Check the finished dimensions. | muuchuu Bismarck |
Some metal and brick sets do not have a verified catalogue scale. Compare the exact edition and completed dimensions rather than assigning a scale from the product image.
1:700 battleship models
A useful scale for a multi-ship collection, 1:700 includes different hull formats and periods. Compare Tamiya’s wartime Missouri, Revell’s full-hull Bismarck and Hasegawa’s early Mikasa; the shared scale does not imply identical size or an equally demanding build.
Best for a WW2 US Navy display
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Waterline model · 38.65cm long
Tamiya’s Missouri depicts the battleship in wartime configuration, with fine anti-aircraft weapons and floatplanes. The long, narrow hull gives this 1:700 model a substantial presence, while the small deck fittings reward careful handling.
Best for a detailed 1:700 Bismarck
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
295 parts · Full-hull display model
Revell’s 1:700 Bismarck combines a full hull, display stand, fine masts and two Arado seaplanes. Its 295 parts call for steady assembly. Choose it when you want the complete hull rather than assuming every 1:700 warship is waterline-only.
Best for an early Japanese battleship
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Early-1900s subject · 1:700 waterline
Mikasa adds a pre-dreadnought subject to a Japanese fleet. Hasegawa’s 1:700 waterline kit offers a different silhouette from later WW2 battleships, making it useful for a collection tracing the development of heavily armed warships.
1:600 battleship models
Airfix’s Vintage Classics range offers Bismarck and Iron Duke in the same scale. These are separate WW2 and WW1 subjects, so they suit a historical collection rather than a single wartime scene.
Best for an Airfix 1:600 fleet
Challenging · Plastic · 1:600
170 parts · Vintage Classics plastic kit
The Airfix Bismarck offers a 170-part traditional plastic build at 1:600. It is larger than a 1:700 Bismarck, so it suits a matching Airfix fleet rather than an accurately scaled 1:700 diorama.
Best for a WW1 dreadnought
Challenging · Plastic · 1:600
183 parts · Royal Navy 1915 scheme
Iron Duke extends the range beyond WW2 with a British dreadnought in a 1915 scheme. Airfix’s 1:600 Vintage Classics kit has 183 parts and needs glue and paint, with fine fittings that suit a patient builder.
1:350 battleship models
For the same ship, 1:350 is twice the length of 1:700. Academy’s Warspite and Revell’s Tirpitz offer larger traditional builds, with more display space and careful handling needed for their deck fittings and masts.
Best for a larger Royal Navy model
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
Queen Elizabeth-class battleship · 1:350
Academy’s 1:350 Warspite gives a Royal Navy battleship more room for deck and superstructure detail. Choose this for a substantial British naval project, with space for the hull, projecting gun barrels and a protective display area.
Best for an experienced naval modeller
Expert · Plastic · 1:350
585 parts · About 71.7cm long
Tirpitz is a substantial 1:350 project with 585 parts and a hull about 71.7cm long. The Expert rating reflects the extended assembly and fine naval details. Code 05096 is the plastic limited edition; do not assume Platinum-edition metal or wooden-deck extras are included.
How to choose a battleship model
Start with the named ship and the version represented, then compare hull format, assembly method, build demands and display space.
Match the ship and refit
A battleship can look very different over its service life. Tamiya Missouri represents WW2, while Tamiya New Jersey depicts the post-1982 refit. Compare the weapons, aircraft and markings with the period you want.
Choose waterline or full hull
For a sea diorama, a waterline kit such as Hasegawa Mikasa avoids modelling the hull below the water. Revell Bismarck includes the complete hull and a stand for display. Scale alone does not tell you which format is supplied.
Choose the assembly method
Traditional plastic ships need careful gluing and finishing. MISINI Yamato uses coloured bricks, while Piececool Missouri uses folded metal tabs. Compare our difficulty ratings with the work you enjoy.
Check supplies and space
The Duke of York Model Set includes basic paints, a brush and glue; many standalone kits do not. A large Tirpitz or brick Yamato needs far more room than a small-scale battleship, so measure your shelf and case before choosing.
Compare recommended battleship models
Compare each recommendation by era, scale and Model Steam construction rating. Each current new-kit price and Buy Now button refer to the same stored retailer offer. Open the product page for full details and other offers.
| Model / brand | Era | Scale | Difficulty | Price | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revell 05098 Bismarck | WW2 | 1:700 | Challenging | £25.05 | |
| Academy 14105 HMS Warspite | WW2 fit | 1:350 | Challenging | £59.95 | |
| Tamiya 31613 USS Missouri BB-63 | WW2 | 1:700 | Challenging | £31.50 | |
| Airfix A04210V HMS Iron Duke | WW1 | 1:600 | Challenging | £21.75 | |
| Revell 65182 HMS Duke of York Model Set | WW2 | 1:1200 | Challenging | £13.88 | |
| Airfix A04204V Bismarck | WW2 | 1:600 | Challenging | £19.76 | |
| Revell 05096 Tirpitz | WW2 | 1:350 | Expert | £84.99 | |
| Tamiya 31616 USS Iowa BB-61 | WW2 | 1:700 | Challenging | £39.97 | |
| Tamiya 31614 USS New Jersey BB-62 | Post-1982 | 1:700 | Challenging | £29.99 | |
| Hasegawa 151 Battleship Mikasa | Early 1900s | 1:700 | Challenging | £27.52 | |
| MISINI M7001 Yamato | WW2 subject | Not stated | Intermediate | £88.60 | |
| muuchuu MUU80001 Bismarck | WW2 subject | 1:300 | Challenging | £82.99 | |
| Piececool USS Missouri | Iowa-class subject | Not stated | Challenging | £22.99 |
Battleship models by era
The represented configuration matters more than the ship’s launch date. Compare early capital ships, WW2 battleships and later refits without assuming that every kit depicts the same period.
Early-1900s battleships
Hasegawa Mikasa represents an early Japanese pre-dreadnought. It belongs to a different generation from the later Yamato and Iowa-class subjects.
First World War dreadnoughts
Airfix Iron Duke offers a Royal Navy dreadnought with a 1915 scheme, useful for a collection focused on the First World War.
Second World War fleets
Bismarck, Tirpitz, Warspite and Missouri offer familiar WW2 battleship subjects. Choose matching scale, hull format and configuration for a historical fleet scene.
Later battleship refits
Tamiya New Jersey 31614 depicts the post-1982 modernisation with missile launchers and a helicopter. It is a later fit of a WW2-built ship rather than a WW2 configuration.
Browse all battleship models
Browse battleship construction kits by country, era, scale, material or brand. Compare traditional plastic builds, metal puzzles and brick models, then use the numbered pages to see the full current selection.
Hasegawa Battleship Mikasa 1:700 Waterline Model Kit 151
Battleship model FAQs
Which scale should I choose for a battleship model?
For the same ship, 1:350 is twice the length of 1:700. A 1:700 fleet usually takes less space, while larger kits allow more room for individual details. Check actual dimensions: Tamiya Missouri is 38.65cm long, and Revell Tirpitz is about 71.7cm.
What is the difference between waterline and full-hull kits?
Waterline models depict the ship above the water and suit sea dioramas. Full-hull models also show the underwater hull and usually need a stand. Tamiya Missouri is a waterline kit; Revell Bismarck is a full-hull model.
Are Bismarck and Tirpitz the same model?
They are different ships of the same class. The Airfix Bismarck is 1:600, the Revell Bismarck is 1:700 and the Revell Tirpitz is 1:350. Their parts, fittings and represented appearances differ.
Is Tamiya’s New Jersey a WW2 model?
The ship served in WW2, but Tamiya 31614 New Jersey depicts the post-1982 modernisation, including missile launchers and a Seahawk helicopter. Missouri 31613 and Iowa 31616 are the wartime recommendations here.
Is the Duke of York Model Set different from the basic kit?
Yes. Revell 65182 is the Model Set with basic paints, a brush and glue. Revell 05182 is the standalone 1:1200 kit. Check the exact product code and supplied contents before comparing prices.
Does Revell 05096 Tirpitz include Platinum-edition upgrades?
Do not assume so. Revell 05096 is the 1:350 plastic limited edition with 585 parts. Photo-etched upgrades, metal barrels and wooden decking are edition-specific extras; check the actual box contents rather than relying on a broad retailer title.
Can I build a battleship without glue or paint?
The MISINI Yamato and muuchuu Bismarck use coloured interlocking bricks. Piececool Missouri uses metal tabs and requires suitable pliers. These remain construction kits, and no-glue assembly can still need patience and precision.
Are aircraft carriers and cruisers battleships?
No. This guide focuses on battleship subjects, including early pre-dreadnoughts, dreadnoughts and later capital ships. Enterprise and Ark Royal are aircraft carriers; Belfast, Suffolk and Prinz Eugen are cruisers. Explore the country guides for a broader range of naval subjects.
Related categories
Explore more military models, model materials and building formats.