1. Construction

All models are handmade from beginning by skillful and experienced craftsmen. They are built according to scale of the original ships through original plans or pictures using the plank on frame construction method. The hull is built with strips of wood just like the way to build the real boat.  

Inside the hull, there are epoxy helps to keep the strips to bond close to one another and not spilt, crack or twist even in variable climatic conditions.

Most of the customers are very curious about how the boats are built? Just click this link for photos describe how the boat is made from the beginning to the end.

Another most concern of the customers is that can you custom make as our design? YES, we can, just provide us the plan and pictures with all the angles of the boat.

2. Materials

We only use the highest quality hard woods such as rose wood, black wood, mahogany, teak to build the models. Some models are mixed with light wood as cherry or jack wood. Most of our models are built with natural wood use. Some are painted as the original boat. There is no plastic. Our models are built from wood.

Canons, ornaments, figurehead are metal.

3. Measurements

The model is measured with the hull length (not overall length), the widest point of hull width (not overall width of the mast), and the overall height of the model included the base. Below is a photo illustrate of the dimension we mention of each model on or website;

4. Timing of work

It takes hundreds of man-hours to build one tall ship model like Wasa, Sovereign of the Seas, H.M.S Victory, Friesland, Soleil Royal, San Felipse, Fairfax, etc. and also the same time to build a model speed boat as there are 9 coats in total to finish one boat. The finishing of the speed boat will be high gloss polished by wet and dry sanding and look like the mirror. You can follow this link as an example http://www.gianhien.net/retail/all/ferrari_set2.htm  

5. Custom make models

Q. Can you custom make my model?

A. Yes, we can custom make any model with the size upon request. We just need you to provide us the plan/ drawings and photos of the real boat. In case you do not have the plan, please let us know and our department will do research and manage the ship data for you. You can follow this link for more information http://www.gianhien.net/retail/all/custom_models.htm

6. Prices

We quote FOB or C&F from Hochiminh City. Please provide us your nearest airport or sea port so that we can quote you for prices about transportation costs.

7. Placing an order

We accept orders through the internet, or you can contact us by phone, fax or email.

8. Delivery time

Within 7 days after receipt of the total payment.

9. How are the ships packed?

Each ship is individual packed in a carton box with solid styrofoam, or a wooden frame is used to protect the ship from breakage when the box is accidentally tipped up side down, dropped or even has heavy objects placed on it.

Some models are packed with wooden crate outside the carton for maximum protection.

10. How are the models shipped?

The models can be shipped by air or sea freight. For large order, we suggest that you use sea freight due to expense of air-freight costs. However, we can ship your model by air if you desire fast delivery.

11. Display case

We have the display cases available which you can see at our gallery page (or click here) to preserve the model from dust. These boats are as a part of world history, we suggest to put the model in the display case to have the model more valuable.

12. Terms of payment: (T/T or L/C)

Payment can be made by bank-transfer if your order is placed from oversea. You will be instructed clearly on how to transfer money into our bank account when placing an order.

For large order, US$1,000 or more, we need 40% down payment at the time signing of the contract or after confirming internet-orders (email order). The balance, 60% is paid against to the copy bill of lading if the shipment is sent by sea or paid prior to shipment of goods if the shipment is sent by air.

For order less than US$1,000 or less, you need to pay one time within 7 days prior to shipment of goods.

We can only agree an L/C at sight for orders over US$10,000.

Due to the banks limit in Vietnam, we can not accept the payment by credit card online.  If you would like to place a sample order, you can pay by Paypal/ Western Union through this secure website www.westernunion.com. 

13. Problems

Q. What can I do if I receive a different model or my model is broken when I unpack?

A. Please notify us by fax or email immediately within 7 days of shipment arrival. Please provide us with photos of any damage.

14. Catalogue request?

Q. Can I have the hard printed catalogue mail to my address?

A. Yes, we do have a hard printed catalogue including 44 pages available that can be sent to you by courier (taking 2 - 3 working days), however, we request a payment of $30 by Western Union transfer for the courier fee to send to your address. Please click here to write us your request.

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