Exploration ships

Exploration ship models: Epic journeys in miniature

Our selection includes models of expedition ships that commemorate some of the boldest and most daring voyages in history. From the HMS Erebus, known for its tragic search for the Northwest Passage, to the HMS Endurance, which ventured into Antarctica’s frozen waters. This was the ship used by Ernest Shackleton during the 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, whose goal was ambitious: to cross Antarctica from coast to coast via the South Pole, an attempt never made before. The motivations were both scientific and patriotic. Although the Endurance never completed the journey (it became trapped in ice and sank in 1915), Shackleton’s extraordinary leadership and survival skills, saving his entire 27-man crew, became one of the most legendary survival stories in history.

Once the ship was trapped, the crew moved to the floating ice with supplies they managed to salvage. Shackleton set up camps on the ice floes, where they endured extreme cold while hunting seals and penguins for food. He organized their provisions carefully to prolong their survival. When the ice began to melt in April 1916, Shackleton decided they must leave and head to Elephant Island, a more stable but still inhospitable place, in three lifeboats. Upon reaching the island, Shackleton embarked on a desperate mission to seek help. He selected five men and sailed the lifeboat James Caird across the treacherous 1,300-kilometer stretch of ocean to South Georgia. Shackleton and two companions then crossed the island’s mountains and glaciers on foot to reach the whaling station at Stromness. From there, and after several failed missions, the rescue of the remaining crew waiting on Elephant Island was successfully completed.

Exploration ship models: A collection for sea lovers

This collection of exploration ship models is perfect for those passionate about the sea and history. It features the famous HMS Beagle, known for the voyage on which Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution, and the HMS Endeavour, which took Captain James Cook on his Pacific explorations. You’ll also find various versions of the Santa María, the ship that carried Columbus on his discovery of America, available in both larger, more complex versions and the Santa María Starter Pack, ideal for beginners in ship modeling looking to bring this iconic expedition ship to life.

These ships were designed with unique features tailored to withstand the challenges of long and dangerous voyages. Some of these characteristics included enhanced durability (with metal reinforcements to withstand ice, for example), spacious holds for storing water, food, and supplies, as well as advanced navigational tools of the time, such as sextants, chronometers, and maps. Exploration ships also provided ample space for studying the flora, fauna, and minerals of the lands they encountered. In addition, they were highly maneuverable, enabling them to navigate shallow waters, reefs, and uncharted coastlines, making it possible to perform swift maneuvers under unpredictable conditions.

The Most Famous Expedition Ships

At Occre, we offer a wide selection of famous ships, but one of the most iconic exploration ships in our collection is the HMS Essex, a historic whaling ship whose dramatic encounter with a sperm whale inspired Herman Melville’s timeless novel, Moby Dick. These detailed models pay tribute to the iconic ships that left a lasting impact on the oceans, our society, and world history. Don’t wait any longer to dive into this fascinating and rewarding world. Challenge yourself to bring one of these replicas to life and fully embrace the art of ship modeling. Each model represents a unique moment in maritime exploration.