Model Shipways U.S. Brig Niagara Wood Model Kit 1:64 Scale - Battle of Lake Erie Flagship

The Flagship That Won Lake Erie

September 10th, 1813. 
Smoke drifting across Lake Erie. Cannons roaring through the haze.
American ships battered and struggling.

Then Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry climbed into a small boat under enemy fire, crossed open water, and transferred his famous battle flag bearing the words "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP" from the disabled Lawrence to the brig Niagara.

The counterattack that followed led to a decisive victory at the Battle of Lake Erie ensuring American control of the Great Lakes. And it changed the course of the War of 1812.

Hours later came one of the most famous messages in American naval history:
"We have met the enemy and they are ours."

Model Shipways Niagara is based directly on the reconstruction research and drawings created by legendary naval architect Melbourne Smith for the modern full-size Niagara sailing today in Erie, Pennsylvania.
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Designed From Melbourne Smith's Official Reconstruction

One of the reasons this kit has remained a favorite among serious ship modelers is its pedigree.

When Pennsylvania commissioned the reconstruction of the Niagara in the late 1980s, master naval architect Melbourne Smith was selected to research, redesign, and oversee the creation of the vessel. Model Shipways developed this kit using Smith's reconstruction drawings, research sketches, and specifications, with Smith himself reviewing the plans for historical accuracy.

The result is a model that closely reflects the Niagara that sails the Great Lakes today as Pennsylvania's official flagship and sailing ambassador.
That’s about as close as it gets to building directly from the architect's plans.
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A Serious Ship Modeler's Project

At 43 inches long, this is a full-scale modeling experience.

The hull is built using traditional plank-on-bulkhead construction with laser-cut basswood parts that provide an accurate foundation while eliminating much of the tedious cutting work. The build combines hull planking, deck furniture, artillery, masting, and an extensive rigging package that rewards patience and craftsmanship.

And when you reach the rigging stage, Niagara truly comes alive.
Multiple diameters of rigging line, wooden blocks, deadeyes, brass fittings, and detailed plans allow you to recreate the complex standing and running rigging of an early 19th-century fighting brig.
This is the kind of project that occupies a workbench for months.
Sometimes longer.

And most builders wouldn't have it any other way.
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Why Builders Love Niagara

- One of the most important American warships of the War of 1812

- Based on Melbourne Smith's reconstruction drawings

- Large 43-inch display model with impressive presence

- Traditional plank-on-bulkhead construction

- Hundreds of authentic rigging details

- Made in the USA

- Backed by Model Expo's Lifetime Free Replacement Parts Guarantee

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The Details That Matter

Premium Laser-Cut Construction
High-quality laser-cut basswood bulkheads, keel components, and structural parts deliver precise fit and alignment while preserving the traditional wood ship modeling experience.

Authentic Artillery
Outfit Niagara with finely detailed carronades and long guns representing the armament that helped secure victory during the Battle of Lake Erie.

Museum-Quality Fittings
Includes Britannia metal castings, brass fittings, wooden blocks, deadeyes, belaying pins, anchors, steering components, and more.

Professional Rigging Package
Multiple sizes and colors of rigging line allow accurate representation of both standing and running rigging.

Large-Format Plans
Six detailed blueprint sheets guide every major stage of construction, from hull framing and planking through masting and final rigging.
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What Modelers Say

Model Shipways’ Niagara stands out for its impressive presence, historical significance, and rewarding construction process.

One modeler described it as a project that took nearly three years to complete, while others point to the quality of the kit and the opportunity to learn traditional wooden ship modeling techniques throughout the build.

Definitely not a weekend project. It's the kind of build that becomes part of your workshop for a long time.

And when it's finished, people stop and stare.
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Kit Specifications

Manufacturer: Model Shipways
Kit Number: MS2240
Scale: 1:64 (3/16" = 1')
Finished Length: 43" (109.2 cm)
Finished Height: 32-1/2" (82.6 cm)
Beam: 11-1/2" (29.2 cm)
Construction Method: Plank-on-Bulkhead
Skill Level: Advanced Intermediate to Experienced Ship Modelers
Made in the USA
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What's Included

- Laser-cut basswood structural framework
- Basswood strips for hull and deck planking
- Britannia metal castings
- Brass fittings and hardware
- Over 600 Wooden blocks and deadeyes
- 4 different sizes of rigging line
- 18 cast metal carronades and 2 long guns duplicate the armament of the original vessel
- Six large-format plan sheets
- 40 page, fully illustrated instruction manual by Naval Architect Ben Lankford

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Build One of America's Most Famous Fighting Ships

One of the defining vessels of the War of 1812. 
A ship that helped secure control of the Great Lakes.
A ship that still sails today.

And one of the most impressive brig models ever produced by Model Shipways.

Instructions - English
Parts List