Model Shipways Mayflower 1620 — 1:76 Scale Wooden Ship Model Kit

An American legend. A British ship. A remarkable modeling project.

In September 1620, the Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers bound for a new life in North America. After 66 days at sea, she arrived off Cape Cod, considerably farther north than intended.

The passengers would go on to establish Plymouth Colony, and their voyage would become one of the best-known chapters in early American history.

Four centuries later, the Mayflower remains one of the most recognizable ships ever to sail the Atlantic. And one of the most rewarding subjects for a wooden ship modeler.

A Classic Model Shipways Kit, Beautifully Updated

The Model Shipways Mayflower is based on the extensive research of naval architect William A. Baker, who designed the Mayflower II, the full-size replica that crossed the Atlantic in 1957 and remains a major attraction in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Originally introduced by Model Shipways in the late 1950s, this classic kit has been updated with plank-on-bulkhead construction and precision laser-cut wooden components, giving builders an accurate framework for creating the ship's distinctive hull.

At 1:76 scale, the completed Mayflower measures an impressive 22 inches long and 17 inches high, with the high stern, elaborate rigging, and unmistakable silhouette of a 17th-century merchant ship.

Quality Materials, Authentic Details

This is a traditional wooden ship model, designed for builders who enjoy the craftsmanship as much as the finished result.

The kit includes:

Laser-cut wooden components for accurate hull construction

Plank-on-bulkhead hull construction that recreates traditional shipbuilding techniques

Ready-to-use hardwood blocks and deadeyes for realistic rigging

Precision-cast Britannia metal fittings for fine shipboard details

Brass detail components for added authenticity

Five diameters of rigging line for the ship's standing and running rigging

Detailed plans and a 52-page illustrated instruction manual, prepared by respected ship modeler Chuck Passaro

The result is a highly detailed model that captures the character and workmanship of a historic sailing ship.

Build the Mayflower Alongside Olha Batchvarov

Here's something you don't get with most model kits: the opportunity to watch a master modeler build the very same ship.

Acclaimed ship modeler Olha Batchvarov is building the Model Shipways Mayflower in a series of live sessions on YouTube, sharing her techniques, decisions, and solutions as the project progresses.

Better yet, all previous sessions are available to watch for free.

Start with the first meeting, follow the construction step by step, pause whenever you need to, and revisit the more challenging techniques as often as you like.

Whether you're building your own Mayflower or simply want to improve your ship modeling skills, it's a wonderful resource.

WATCH OLHA'S MAYFLOWER BUILD ON YOUTUBE

Model Specifications

Recommended for modelers with some previous wooden shipbuilding experience.

Instructions & Resources

Download Illustrated Instruction Manual (PDF)

Download Parts List

Completed model photographs courtesy of Ships of Scale and Ernie Carrasco.