U.S. Navy Resin Model Ship Kits

⚓ About Iron Shipwrights

Iron Shipwrights is a premier resin model ship kit manufacturer based in Tennessee, and one of only a few companies in the United States dedicated to producing high-quality resin ship kits. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, unmatched customer service, and no-questions-asked free part replacement policy, Iron Shipwrights has earned a stellar reputation among serious naval modelers. Every kit includes decals for every ship in the class, giving builders the flexibility to model any vessel within that class with historical accuracy. And if you ever need a replacement part, we’ll send it free of charge — your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Order through Adama Model Ships for expedited service, competitive prices, and free shipping.

Why Resin and Not Plastic?

Specialized ships like these — often too niche to attract major plastic kit manufacturers such as Tamiya — are brought to life by smaller, passionate companies like Iron Shipwrights. These kits are crafted by people with deep personal connections to naval history, determined to make these vessels available to fellow enthusiasts.

Resin kits are typically more expensive than plastic kits for several reasons:

A) Sculpting masters and creating molds are manual, time-intensive processes, requiring skill and craftsmanship. It can take nearly two days to create a single new mold, and these kits often include photo-etched brass parts — which plastic modelers usually have to buy separately.
B) Extensive research of original blueprints and historical records ensures each kit’s accuracy.
C) Resin materials themselves cost more than standard injection-molded plastics.
D) Resin kits are produced in limited runs, making them rare and highly collectible compared to mass-produced plastic kits.

What Modelers Are Saying

“Iron Shipwrights kits are terrific! I built the USS Texas (1945) and it went together wonderfully — parts fit was flawless, the detail level is very impressive, and the service is outstanding. I received the HMS Norfolkas a gift and noticed the same quality when dry-fitting. Resin kits are easier than plastic in many ways: fewer parts, better fit, and finer casting. Just wash the parts with detergent and water to remove mold residue and use cyanoacrylate glue. Considering that resin kits include photoetch parts that plastic kits don’t, the cost is nearly the same. I highly recommend trying one.”
— Bill, Model Ship Enthusiast

That was the first review we came across when researching this manufacturer to add to our catalog. Here at Adama Model Ships, we have sold many Iron Shipwrights kits — and they truly live up to their reputation.

New to model ship building? For helpful guidance and to get started. Check out our: 

Beginner Model Ship Tips 

Modeling Tools and Supplies 

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