Mantua Model
Mantua Model – Italian wooden ship models with a long tradition
Mantua Model is one of Italy’s long-established manufacturers in the field of classic model-making. The company was founded in 1963 and, over the decades, has developed into an internationally renowned supplier of ship models, radio-controlled models, model aeroplanes, timber, tools and model-making accessories.
In the field of model shipbuilding, Mantua Model is best known for its historical wooden kits. The range extends from famous sailing ships and warships to research vessels, training ships and merchant vessels. The range is complemented by construction plans, rigging materials, fittings, wooden components and tools.
Historical wooden model ships
One of Mantua Model’s main areas of focus is on historical model ship kits built using traditional wooden construction methods. Many models are constructed on a frame of ribs and then planked with individual wooden strips.
Depending on the model, the scope of delivery includes, amongst other things, pre-fabricated wooden components, hull planking, masts and yards, brass and metal fittings, rigging, flags and comprehensive construction documentation.
The exact contents depend on the specific kit.
A hallmark of Mantua Model is the combination of traditional wooden model-making with industrially precision-manufactured components. Laser-cut plywood parts and etched details make assembly easier in many newer or revised kits.
Well-known Mantua Model ship kits
The Mantua Model range includes numerous well-known historical ships from various eras.
Among the best-known models are:
HMS Victory
Endeavour
Cutty Sark
Amerigo Vespucci
Bounty
Santa Maria
Niña
Pinta
La Couronne
Mercator
Some models are available in different scales or versions. For example, Mantua offers the HMS Victory both as a large, detailed model and in more compact scales.
This allows model-makers to choose a model not only based on the historical original, but also according to available space, experience and the desired level of complexity.
HMS Victory – a classic in the Mantua range
The HMS Victory is one of the most famous historical ship models of all time and has been part of the Mantua range for many years.
Mantua offers the ship in various scales. Larger versions reach a length of well over one metre and feature correspondingly extensive rigging and numerous fittings.
Depending on the version, classic frame construction, wooden planking, metal fittings, rigging twine and prefabricated deck and plywood parts are used.
Larger Victory kits in particular are aimed at model-makers looking for a long-term and challenging building project.
Historical sailing ships and exploration vessels
Alongside large warships, exploration and research vessels also play an important role at Mantua Model.
Models such as the Endeavour evoke the voyages of James Cook, whilst the Santa Maria, Niña and Pinta are associated with the early Atlantic crossings.
Such models are interesting not only because of their construction. Whilst building them, many model-makers also delve into the history, construction and rigging of the respective original vessels.
This makes historical wooden ship models a fusion of artisanal model-making and maritime history.
Mantua, Sergal and other model ranges
Mantua Model is associated with various long-established model ranges and brands. These include, amongst others, Sergal, under whose name particularly elaborate historical ship models have been and continue to be offered.
A well-known example is the Sovereign of the Seas. This large kit combines double hull planking with numerous wooden, brass and etched parts, as well as extensive rigging.
Such models particularly clearly demonstrate the focus on challenging, classic wooden model-making.
Models for different levels of experience
Not every Mantua kit has the same level of difficulty.
Smaller models with manageable rigging may be suitable for model-makers who have already gained some initial experience in wooden model-making. Large historic sailing ships with multiple masts, extensive rigging and a double-planked hull, on the other hand, require considerably more time and experience.
When making a selection, therefore, not only the scale and dimensions should be taken into account, but also:
Hull construction method
Type and extent of planking
Number of masts
Extent of the rigging
Number of fittings
Experience in working with wood
Particularly with larger historic ships, the building process can take many months.
Classic frame construction and hull planking
Many Mantua Model ship kits are based on the classic frame construction.
The keel and frames initially form the basic framework of the hull. Individual wooden strips are then fitted, bent and applied.
Depending on the kit, single or double planking may be provided. With double planking, the first layer forms the structural shape of the hull, whilst the outer layer of wood ensures a uniform and visually high-quality surface.
Fitting and sanding the planks in particular are among the characteristic steps involved in traditional wooden model shipbuilding.
Rigging, fittings and details
With historic sailing ships, it is not just the hull that determines the overall effect of the finished model.
Masts, yards, blocks, shrouds, rigging twine and numerous fittings play a decisive role in shaping the overall appearance.
Mantua Model therefore offers, in addition to complete kits, an extensive range of rigging materials and fittings.
These include, for example:
Rigging lines in various thicknesses
Pulleys
Eye bolts and rings
Brass parts
Masts and wooden strakes
Construction plans
Model-making tools
Many of these components can also be used for repairs, restorations and individual DIY projects.
Plans for historical model ships
A traditionally important part of the Mantua range is model ship plans.
In addition to complete kits, separate plans are available for various historical ships. They show the construction, hull shape, superstructure and rigging, and can be helpful both when building a kit and for your own model-making projects.
Experienced model-makers in particular also use such plans as a basis for modifications or bespoke replicas.
Mantua Model accessories for ship modelling
The Mantua range extends well beyond complete ship kits.
The range includes numerous small components and consumables that are regularly required for traditional wooden model-making.
These include wooden strips, rigging twine, metal rings, blocks, fittings, tools and various specialised parts.
This makes Mantua Model of interest not only to model-makers who wish to build a complete kit, but also for restoration work or bespoke ship model projects.
Mantua Model at Schiffsmodelle-Shop.de
At Schiffsmodelle-Shop.de, you’ll find a wide selection of Mantua Model ship kits, plans and accessories for ship modelling.
The range extends from historic sailing ships and famous exploration vessels to rigging twine, fittings, wooden components and model-making tools.
Mantua Model thus offers both complete projects for experienced wooden model-makers and numerous individual parts for repairs, restoration and DIY projects.
