Model shipbuilding: Hamburg’s International Maritime Museum displays rare treasures

A trip on the ‘Stettin’ can have consequences: for the Austrian model-maker Stefan Bachl, it was the inspiration to build a replica of the icebreaker himself. His model and one of the ‘Cap San Diego’ – built jointly with his North German colleague Christoph Poll – will be on display this weekend, alongside the work of many other exhibitors. Both ships were created entirely using a 3D printer. And both are seaworthy.

Free entry for craft enthusiasts

Model boat builders who are interested can earn their own admission to the museum on these two days. Anyone who builds a paper model using the ‘James Caird’ model kit and brings it with them will be granted free access to all decks.

• Click here for the craft sheet and assembly instructions

​The connection to Hamburg is also a personal one for the two model-makers. Stefan Bachl saw the ‘Stettin’ on a sightseeing cruise during his last visit to Hamburg. Christoph Poll had already been a guest on the ‘Cap San Diego’ on several occasions. That’s when the spark was ignited. The pair used original construction drawings as the basis for their replicas. The challenge: large ships, small scales.

The Superlatives of Miniatures

The Model-Making Days are the largest event of their kind in northern Germany. A total of 48 international exhibitors are showcasing their models on decks one to five. Highlights include, amongst others, the model of the sailing ship ‘Preussen’, built by an 89-year-old exhibitor, and a diorama of the HMS ‘Hermes’ measuring almost four metres in length.

Exhibits, talks, workshops

Added to this are countless projects – ranging from remote-controlled ships and elaborate homemade constructions to dioramas featuring large-scale maritime scenes. Leading figures in the field give talks and workshops on topics such as how wooden ship hulls are constructed, how models are given realistic signs of wear and tear, and how 3D technology is used in model-making. Museum tours and the two ship navigation simulators round off the programme.

​Date and admission

International Model Shipbuilding Days: 10 and 11 October 2026, 10.00–18.00 on both days. International Maritime Museum Hamburg, on Decks 1 to 5. Admission to the Model Shipbuilding Days is included in the standard museum entry fee. Anyone who downloads the ‘James Caird’ model-building kit from our museum website, builds the model and brings it along to the event will receive free admission on both days.