How can a commercial kit model be detected?
This issue of detection can be very challenging for novice and intermediate collectors. I recommend obtaining copies of catalogues printed by major production ship model manufacturers (see our list of commercial ship model kit companies) to become familiar with what is available in the hobby market. Though kit manufacturers vary their production of particular ships, popular vessels like Constitution, Victory, Sovereign of the Seas, Bluenose, Endeavour and Wasa are usually available. It is useful to understand various types of hull construction methods the kits employ (largely solid-block hull or plank-on-bulkhead). One should also become aware of types and range of commercial metal and plastic fittings sold in catalogues – like gun barrels, anchors, hatches, fife rails, rigging blocks – as these items will most likely show up on completed kit-built ship models. In my opinion, many European commercial ship model kits yield simplistic models composed of rudimentary wood working methods,
