Billing Boats
Billing Boats – a Danish tradition of model shipbuilding dating back to the 1950s
Billing Boats is one of Europe’s most established manufacturers of model ship kits. The company’s roots date back to the early 1950s, when Ejnar ‘Ed’ Billing began developing model ships as kits in Denmark.
The brand combines classic wooden model shipbuilding with modern manufacturing and today offers a wide selection of historic sailing ships, fishing cutters, working vessels, lifeboats, motor vessels and radio-controlled models. The range is complemented by fittings sets, construction plans, paints and model-making accessories.
The history of Billing Boats
The origins of Billing Boats are closely linked to traditional wooden model-making. In the early 1950s, Ejnar Billing worked as an architect in Esbjerg. His wife ran a hobby shop there, in whose shop window Billing displayed a model of a Danish fishing cutter that he had built himself.
When a Danish magazine wanted to order several copies of this model, Billing came up with the idea of offering the ship not as a finished model, but as a kit. The construction was based on that of a real ship, with a keel, frames and planking.
Until 1958, the models were sold under the name ‘Vestjydsk Hobby Teknik’. In August 1958, the brand Billing Boats was finally established. Over the following decades, the kits were continuously refined. Prefabricated frames, plastic hulls and, later, laser-cutting technology made the models more precise and easier to assemble.
Wooden models, plastic hulls and classic frame construction
Many Billing Boats models are based on the classic frame construction method. In this process, the keel and frames first form the basic framework of the hull. This is then planked with wooden strips and further developed.
Depending on the model, the contents include, amongst other things, wooden parts for the keel and frames, planking strips, deck sections, masts, fittings, rigging, construction drawings and instructions.
A well-known example is the Mary Ann, which is regarded as one of the early Billing Boats models and remains popular to this day. Building such a model teaches many typical techniques used in traditional model shipbuilding: fitting and gluing frames, planking the hull, sanding, varnishing, and fitting the superstructure and rigging.
In addition to classic wooden hulls, Billing Boats also offers models with pre-fabricated plastic hulls. These make it easier to get started in RC model shipbuilding, as a large part of the labour-intensive hull construction is already complete.
Models for beginners and experienced model-makers
Billing Boats categorises its models according to skill level. The categories range from Beginner through Advanced Beginner and Experienced to Expert.
Beginner models have a comparatively simple design, whilst Expert models are significantly more complex and require many hours of work. It is not just the size of the model that is decisive here. Hull construction, rigging, fittings and the number of individual parts also influence the actual level of difficulty.
This allows you to choose a kit that suits your own level of experience – from your first classic wooden model to an elaborate historic sailing ship.
Historic sailing ships, fishing boats and working vessels
An important part of the Billing Boats range consists of historic sailing ships, classic yachts, fishing boats and working vessels.
Well-known models include, for example, the America, various fishing boats, as well as tugs and coastal vessels. The brand’s Danish origins are particularly evident in the selection of Scandinavian working and fishing vessels.
Models such as the St. Canute are prime examples of this focus. Such vessels are of particular interest to model-makers who prefer classic functional and working vessels over well-known warships or large sailing ships.
RC model boats from Billing Boats
Part of the Billing Boats range is suitable for conversion into RC model boats. On compatible models, a motor, speed controller, servo, receiver and battery can be retrofitted.
Models with plastic hulls in particular lend themselves to a relatively straightforward RC conversion. Motorisation is also possible with wooden models, provided sufficient space is allowed during construction for the propulsion system, electronics and access to the components.
The actual RC equipment is not usually included in the kit and must be selected to suit the specific model.
Fittings, plans, spare parts and accessories
Billing Boats also offers fitting sets and other accessories for numerous models. Depending on the model, these include metal and plastic fittings, rigging materials and other detail parts.
Separate construction drawings and instructions are available for many models. This is particularly useful for model-makers who wish to restore or complete older Billing Boats models.
The range also includes paints, stains, tools and other model-making accessories. The manufacturer provides specific colour recommendations for various models. In addition, construction aids are available which can be particularly helpful when building wooden hulls and assembling frames.
Billing Boats – Danish model-making tradition to this day
Billing Boats developed from a small Danish hobby business into an internationally renowned model-making brand. In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the kits were continually simplified and improved. In the early 1990s, laser-cutting technology was introduced into production.
In 2016, Billing Boats was acquired by the Vestergaard Group. The combination of historic sailing ships, Scandinavian working vessels, classic wooden hulls and radio-controlled models continues to make Billing Boats a versatile brand in model shipbuilding to this day.
Billing Boats at Schiffsmodelle-Shop.de
At Schiffsmodelle-Shop.de, you’ll find a selection of Billing Boats model ship kits and accessories. The range extends from classic wooden models, through historic sailing ships and fishing boats, to models with pre-built plastic hulls.
You’ll also find accessories and components for building and customising your model. Billing Boats thus offers suitable projects for beginners as well as comprehensive kits for experienced model boat builders.