1/700 Scale Ship Model Kits at MPM Hobbies
The 1/700 scale is the most widely collected scale in naval ship modeling, offering an ideal balance between display size and surface detail. At MPM Hobbies, this category spans a broad range of manufacturers and subject matter — from WWII-era capital ships and aircraft carriers to Cold War-era destroyers, modern naval vessels, and historic submarines. Whether you are building your first naval kit or expanding an established fleet, the 1/700 scale offers unmatched variety and historical depth.
Why 1/700 Scale?
1/700 is the dominant scale for naval modeling worldwide, and for good reason. Kits at this scale are large enough to capture fine hull details, deck fittings, and superstructure elements, yet compact enough to display multiple vessels together. The scale is well-supported by aftermarket detail sets, photo-etch brass, and dedicated rigging materials, making it a natural choice for modelers who want to push their builds further.
Subject Matter and Historical Coverage
The 1/700 category covers an exceptionally wide range of naval history. Subjects commonly found in this scale include Imperial Japanese Navy and U.S. Navy warships from World War II, Royal Navy vessels from multiple eras, Soviet and Russian naval subjects, and contemporary surface combatants. Submarine kits, auxiliary vessels, and landing craft round out the subject range, giving modelers access to nearly every chapter of naval history.
Manufacturers and Brand Range
MPM Hobbies carries 1/700 scale ship kits from a wide range of manufacturers. Established Japanese producers such as Tamiya, Hasegawa, and Fujimi have long defined the standard for 1/700 naval kits. Chinese manufacturers including Trumpeter, Hobby Boss, and Flyhawk have expanded the range significantly, bringing new subjects and competitive detail levels to the scale. Specialty and boutique producers round out the selection with limited-run and highly detailed offerings.
Detailing and Finishing 1/700 Naval Kits
Finishing a 1/700 ship model involves a distinct set of techniques compared to armor or aircraft modeling. Hull painting, waterline versus full-hull display choices, rigging with fine thread or stretched sprue, and the application of photo-etch railings and ladders are all common steps in a 1/700 build. Weathering with washes, salt chipping, and oil paints helps replicate the appearance of vessels at sea. Explore our Model Paints and Model Tools categories for supplies suited to naval builds.
Browse Other Ship Scales and Related Categories
If 1/700 is not the right fit for your project, MPM Hobbies also carries naval kits in other scales. Browse our full Scale Ships menu to explore all available ship scales. You may also be interested in Scale Aircraft and Scale Armor model kits for related subjects.
