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With passion for ship models: 25 years of tradition
On October 11, 2025, Schwerin celebrated the 25th anniversary of the ship model building interest group with 21 exhibitors and 96 models.
With passion for ship models: 25 years of tradition
On October 11, 2025, the Mecklenburg Ship Model Building Interest Group celebrated a very special anniversary: the 25th anniversary of its founding. Model building fans came together in the Alt Meteln community center to explore their fascination with ship models. 21 exhibitors showed 96 different models, ranging from the luxurious cruise ship Aida to traditional Zeesen boats and robust launches. Wolfgang Best, one of the organizers of the event, emphasized that every model is ready to drive - a real eye-catcher for all visitors!
An outstanding example was the model of the passenger ship “Lenin”, which Harald Mathews, an experienced shipbuilder from the GDR, presented. After a long break, Mathews rediscovered the joy of model making in 2019 and makes his models entirely according to his own designs, using materials from the hardware store. Building a model usually takes a winter to a year. Wolfgang Best himself has even made around 50 models that are operated by small electric motors via radio. Model ship building is not just a hobby, but a true passion!
A look into the history of the People's Navy
The event also focused on the history of the People's Navy, which is reflected not only in real life but also in model building. A total of 24 models of the GDR naval force are available, which represent the development and diversity of the navy. These include, for example, torpedo speed boats and various mine clearing boats. The Labo landing craft, which have been delivered to the Volksmarine since 1962 by the Peenewerft Wolgast, are particularly interesting. These boats were crucial to the formation of the landing brigades and took part in national maneuvers and parades. However, they were gradually decommissioned from 1976 onwards.
The technical equipment of these model boats is quite impressive: The Labo (Project 46) is 41.1 m long, 6.9 m wide and can reach a speed of up to 10 knots. The armament includes, among other things, on-board anti-aircraft aircraft, which were equipped with an all-round radar from 1970 onwards. Those interested can get an idea of the seafaring times of that time through a variety of models and technical data from the People's Navy, which Helmut Warda, an active model maker, reports on in his presentations.
A call to young people
The ship model builders are very open to new interested parties and invite everyone to become active. With around 15 events per year, including the traditional “Ansailing” scheduled for May 10, 2026 in Boizenburg, there are plenty of opportunities for newcomers to discover the world of model building. And the idea of organizing an event in Schwerin is also being discussed - the members hope for approval soon. Model building in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is therefore on a good course, and it turns out that the enthusiasm for ship models, whether old or new, remains unbroken.
The combination of traditional crafts and modern technology makes ship model building an exciting hobby that not only tells old stories, but also inspires new generations. You can find more information about the models on display and the background information about the Volksmarine under the following links: Northern Courier, Paper Crusher and Model maker forum.