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Description
Model Shipways USN Picket Boat No. 1 Model Ship Kit – 1:24 ScaleSome missions are so unlikely they sound fictional. On the night of October 27, 1864, a small steam launch commanded by Union Lieutenant William B. Cushing slipped past Confederate sentries, crossed a river guarded by enemy troops, and attacked the powerful ironclad CSS Albemarle using a spar torpedo mounted on the bow. The attack succeeded. The Albemarle sank. And the small boat that carried out the mission became one of the most famous launches in
Some missions are so unlikely they sound fictional.
On the night of October 27, 1864, a small steam launch commanded by Union Lieutenant William B. Cushing slipped past Confederate sentries, crossed a river guarded by enemy troops, and attacked the powerful ironclad CSS Albemarle using a spar torpedo mounted on the bow.
The attack succeeded. The Albemarle sank.
And the small boat that carried out the mission became one of the most famous launches in American naval history.
Now you can recreate this remarkable vessel with Model Shipways' highly detailed 1:24 scale replica. You'll build your model much the same way as the real boat was built almost 150 years ago, using many of the same materials.
Unlike traditional sailing ship models covered in masts, yards, and miles of rigging, the Picket Boat offers something refreshingly different. Its open layout puts every detail on display—from the steam boiler and engine to the ingenious spar torpedo mechanism that made history.
The result is a fascinating project that combines authentic wooden ship modeling with the mechanical appeal of a steam-powered vessel.
At over 22 inches long, the finished model makes an impressive display piece and a conversation starter for anyone interested in Civil War history, naval engineering, or unique ship models.
Why Builders Love This Kit
⚓ A Real Piece of Naval History
Recreates the famous launch used by Lieutenant William B. Cushing during the successful attack on the CSS Albemarle in 1864.
⚓ Unique Open-Hull Design
Unlike most ship models, the machinery remains visible, allowing you to showcase the engine, boiler, and interior details.
⚓ Large 1:24 Scale
The generous scale makes detailing easier and creates an impressive finished model over 22 inches long.
⚓ No Complex Rigging
An excellent choice for builders who want the satisfaction of wooden ship modeling without tackling an elaborate sailing rig.
⚓ Premium Model Shipways Quality
Features laser-cut basswood parts, precision milled lumber, brass components, and finely cast Britannia metal fittings.
Kit Features
- Authentic plank-on-frame construction
- Laser-cut basswood keel and frames
- Detailed steam boiler and engine assembly
- Scale spar torpedo mechanism
- Britannia metal castings
- Brass fittings and wire
- 5 Full-size plans
- Illustrated instruction manual
Specifications
Scale: 1:24 (1/2" = 1'-0")
Length: 22-1/2"
Beam: 5"
Height: 7-1/2"
Skill Level: Intermediate
Like all Model Shipways kits, the USN Picket Boat No. 1 is manufactured in our Miami, Florida facility and backed by our Lifetime Replacement Parts Guarantee. If a part is damaged or goes missing during construction, we'll replace it free of charge.
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.5 ★★★★★
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 4
Good product. Real wood. Sturdy wall anchor.
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Black
4.5 stars. It's a great product. The pictures made me wonder if this was wood or plastic, but it is definitely wood. It is very attractive and fairly easy to assemble. I feel like the harnesses for the wall don't fit the wood well enough, so you can get different distances from the wall, and one of my shelves is half a centimeter below the others, even though I lined it up the same. But they are sturdy shelves and very pretty.
My only real complaint is the screw anchors for the walls. They are SERIOUS. I doubt these will ever fall out of the wall, for real. The only problem is, they eat the wall as you are putting them in. If I ever decide to move these, I will have to do some serious dry wall repair.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Easy to install
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: White
I bought these for my step daughter for her birthday. I installed them on about 45 minutes. Theyre small and decorative. They're nice to store light weight knick knacks on.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Simple, sturdy, and looks great in the room
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown
I bought this farmhouse shelf for our bedroom because I needed extra storage that would not make the space feel cramped. After using it for a few weeks, I can say it fits the room really well and does exactly what I hoped it would.
The rustic brown color is warm without looking orange or overly dark. It has that farmhouse style but still feels clean and modern. It blends nicely with neutral furniture and does not look cheap or overly distressed.
Assembly took me about thirty minutes. The instructions were easy to follow and all the hardware was included. Once everything was tightened, the shelf felt stable and did not wobble. I made sure to assemble it on a flat surface and tighten the screws evenly, which helped keep it level.
Right now I am using it for books, a small plant, framed photos, and a storage basket. It handles normal household items without any sagging. I would not overload it with very heavy textbooks on every shelf, but for everyday use in a bedroom or living room, it feels solid.
One thing I really like is the size. It gives you good vertical storage without taking up too much floor space. It works especially well in smaller rooms or apartments where you want storage but do not want bulky furniture.
If using it in a bathroom, I would just be mindful of humidity over time since the shelves appear to be engineered wood with a laminate finish. For towels and lightweight storage bins, it should work well.
Overall, this is a practical and good looking shelf. It is not high end furniture, but it does not feel flimsy either. For the price, I would buy it again.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great for the price you pay
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown
Great shelves for the price you pay. They look good and seem to have good stability so far; we’ll see if anything falls on heads. I put a 6 pack of each up in my son’s rooms and they have all kinds of stuff from katanas to books to knick knacks on them. The shelves aren’t finished so they can leave slivers and might be harder to clean with just a cloth. They came with 6 pieces of wood, not pre-drilled or with any marks for holes, a pack of pretty tough brackets, and all mounting hardware. We used a level, hammer, stud finder, tape measure, the provided wall anchors, long and short screws, pencil, 13/64 drill bit, Phillips head bit, and drill. These helped save space and get rid of some of their clutter.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2026
★★★★★ 3
Not the best.
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown
The wood style is burned wood without any sealant. I would have given a better rating but some of the shelving was bowed which makes it not look as appealing. Pretty easy to install. Definitely will need your impact. I can’t imagine trying to do that with a hand held screwdriver.
With the wood being bent the quality isn’t what I would want it to be. It can hold a decent amount of weight. But certainly not made for books. Even with wall anchors.
It gives you the option to hang it as shown in its picture or the other way where the supports are flipped.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2026