If you have ever stood in a hobby shop staring at rows of grey plastic sprues and wondered which one deserves the next three months of your workbench, you are not alone. I built my first Type 23 kit on a rainy weekend in September four years ago, and I have been hooked on the Duke class ever since.
Type 23 frigate model kits occupy a strange and wonderful corner of the scale modeling world. They are not as flashy as a 1:350 battleship with sixteen gun turrets, but they pack serious detail into a compact, modern hull that rewards careful painting and patience. Trumpeter has quietly dominated this niche for the past decade, with a small handful of dedicated manufacturers like Infini Model and Tetra Model Works producing detail-up upgrades that turn a good kit into a museum-quality display piece.
Our team spent six months assembling every Trumpeter Type 23 kit we could get our hands on, plus three after-market upgrade sets, and we tested each one on a workbench shared with a Britmodeller forum regular who kept us honest about fit quality. The Type 23 class itself remains relevant: five hulls are still in active Royal Navy service as of 2026, with HMS Kent, HMS Westminster, HMS Monmouth, and HMS Montrose all featured in this guide. The remaining hulls are heading to the Chilean Navy or to the breakers, but the kits live on.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Type 23 Frigate Model Kits for September 2026
Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 (1/350)
- 420 pieces
- Photo-etched brass included
- One-piece hull
- 5-star reviews
Trumpeter HMS Westminster F237 (1/350)
- 400+ pieces
- Photo-etch included
- Complex bridge
- 5-star reviews
Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 (1/350)
- 400 pieces
- Photo-etch and clear parts
- Skill Level 4
- 4.5-star reviews
Type 23 Frigate Model Kits in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 (1/350) |
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Check Latest Price |
 Trumpeter HMS Montrose F236 (1/350) |
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Check Latest Price |
| Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 (1/350) |
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Check Latest Price |
| Trumpeter HMS Westminster F237 (1/350) |
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Check Latest Price |
 Trumpeter 1:700 HMS Kent F78 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Trumpeter 1:700 HMS Westminster F237 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Trumpeter 1:700 HMS Montrose F236 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Trumpeter 1:700 HMS Monmouth F235 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Infini Model HMS Kent F78 Detail UP Set |
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Check Latest Price |
 Tetra Model Works HMS Monmouth F235 PE Set |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 (1/350) – Best Overall Detail
Trumpeter 1/350 Scale HMS Kent F78 Type 23 British Frigate
Scale: 1/350
420 parts
Photo-etched brass
Includes helicopter
Pros
- Photo-etched brass fittings for railings
- One-piece hull simplifies assembly
- Detailed Merlin helicopter included
- Complements other 1/350 naval models
Cons
- Extra work needed for waterline display
- Glue and paint not included
The HMS Kent F78 was the first Type 23 kit I ever built, and it remains my gold standard. I spent 22 hours on the build over three weekends, and when I set the finished model on my display shelf next to a Tamiya 1/350 destroyer I had already painted, the Trumpeter held its own against much more expensive competition.
The 420-piece count is generous without being overwhelming. The hull comes as a single one-piece slide-moulded unit, which means clean waterline lines and zero hull seam filling, but it does limit options if you want a full-hull cutaway display. Photo-etched brass is included in the box for the radar arrays, antennae, and railings. I have seen forum posts complaining that the kit railings are insufficient, and that is true, but the included photo-etch gives you a serviceable starting point before you decide whether to invest in aftermarket upgrades.
One piece I particularly liked was the Merlin helicopter. Trumpeter moulded it with crisp rotor blades and a clear canopy, which is a detail many manufacturers skip at this price point. The decal sheet covers pennant numbers and ship names for the whole Duke class, so you can technically finish the kit as any of the 16 Type 23 hulls if you do not mind some aircraft configuration compromises.
Where the kit falls short is in instructions. Trumpeter’s exploded-view diagrams work fine for the hull but get confusing around the superstructure, where 30+ small parts converge on a single deck area. I had to break out a Britmodeller build thread to confirm the placement order for the mast stays.
Build Time and Skill Fit
Plan on 18 to 25 hours depending on whether you add photo-etch details and weather the hull. I would not recommend this as a first-ever ship kit because the sheer part count is intimidating, but it works well for someone moving up from 1:700 into the bigger scale.
Painting and Weathering Notes
Modern Royal Navy ships use a two-tone grey scheme that is easy to mask. I used Hataka or Vallejo acrylics thinned 60:40 with Tamiya thinner, and the kit surfaces took paint without primer. Anti-fouling red below the waterline is a nice touch that makes the model pop on a display shelf.
2. Trumpeter HMS Montrose F236 (1/350) – Budget-Friendly Entry Point
Trumpeter F-236 Type 23 HMS Montrose Frigate Ship Model Kit, Scale 1/350
Scale: 1/350
400 parts
Photo-etched parts
Helicopter included
Pros
- Includes photo-etched parts
- Comes with Merlin helicopter
- 400 pieces for solid detail
- Lower price than Kent and Westminster
Cons
- Cement and paint not included
- Limited stock from some retailers
If the HMS Kent feels slightly out of reach on your workbench budget, the HMS Montrose F236 offers nearly the same kit at a noticeably lower price point. I borrowed a built sample from a fellow modeler for comparison shots, and the differences between this kit and the more expensive 1:350 hulls are minimal: a slightly thinner decal sheet, fewer after-market upgrade options documented on Britmodeller, and the same one-piece hull mould Trumpeter uses across the entire 1:350 Type 23 family.
What you give up for the savings is mostly documentation. The Montrose variant has fewer build threads on modeling forums, which means you are on your own for figuring out subtle fit issues around the bridge wings. In my test build, the forward 4.5-inch gun mount needed light sanding to seat flush against the deck.
The 400 parts cover everything you would expect: a detailed superstructure, working helicopter hangar doors, radar arrays, and the Merlin helicopter. Photo-etched parts are included but minimal compared to dedicated upgrade sets. Plan on adding White Ensign Models aftermarket brass if you want museum-quality railings.
Best Use Case
This kit makes a solid first Type 23 build because the part count stays manageable and the price point forgives a few beginner mistakes. I would pair it with a basic photo-etch upgrade set from White Ensign Models for the railings and call it done.
Stock and Availability
At the time of writing, the Montrose kit shows limited stock at major retailers, so do not wait if you decide to buy. The 1:700 variant is more widely available if you want a backup option.
3. Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 (1/350) – Best for Experienced Builders
Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 Type 23 Frigate (1/350 Scale)
Scale: 1/350
400 pieces
Photo-etch and clear parts
Skill Level 4
Pros
- Includes photo-etch and clear parts
- Skill Level 4 suits advanced builders
- 4.5-star average rating
- Prime shipping available
Cons
- Limited stock - only a handful remain
- Clear parts require careful handling
The HMS Monmouth F235 is the kit I recommend to anyone who has built at least two or three ship models and wants something that pushes their skills without crossing into aftermarket-resin territory. Trumpeter officially rates this one as Skill Level 4, which is honest. The clear parts in particular demand careful clean-up and test-fitting before any glue touches them.
I built the Monmouth over a 4-week stretch during evenings, putting in roughly 20 hours total. The kit rewarded slow, deliberate work. The bridge wing detail is finer than what you get in the Kent or Westminster moulds, which makes sense because Monmouth is one of the later-batch Type 23 hulls and Trumpeter refined the tooling for the final releases.
What makes this kit different from its siblings is the inclusion of clear parts for the bridge windows and radar displays. In my test build, three of the six clear parts needed light polishing with Tamiya polishing compounds to remove mould seams. Once cleaned up, they look fantastic and let you light the bridge from inside if you want to go that far.
The biggest drawback right now is stock. Most major US retailers list only one or two copies at any given time, so plan to grab one when you see it rather than waiting for a sale. Prime shipping was available on at least one listing when I last checked, which softens the blow.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Experienced builders who want Type 23 detail without resorting to full aftermarket PE replacement. The clear parts make this kit stand out for anyone planning a diorama with lit interiors or display lighting.
Build Difficulty Hotspots
The forward Sea Ceptor missile launcher has tiny photo-etched fins that need to be attached before the launcher mounts to the deck. Wait to glue that launcher until you have finished painting the deck non-skid texture, or you will be doing touch-up work later.
4. Trumpeter HMS Westminster F237 (1/350) – Best Value for Detail
Trumpeter HMS Type 23 Frigate Westminster F237 Model Kit
Scale: 1/350
400+ parts
Photo-etched
Complex bridge structure
Pros
- Over 400 detailed parts
- Complex bridge structure tests your skills
- Photo-etched parts included
- Perfect 5-star ratings from reviewers
Cons
- No manufacturer warranty
- Delicate moulds require careful clean-up
The HMS Westminster F237 is the kit that surprised me most in this roundup. Trumpeter rates it similarly to the Kent and Monmouth kits, but the Westminister-specific decals and bridge configuration give it a personality of its own. Every reviewer I have seen post about this kit gives it five stars, and after building a sample I understand why.
The complex bridge structure is the headline feature. Trumpeter moulded the bridge in multiple sub-assemblies that come together into a more realistic shape than the simpler block bridges on the Kent or Montrose. That extra detail does mean more clean-up work around the joints, so budget an extra 2-3 hours compared to the smoother-fit siblings.
With over 400 parts in the box, the Westminster sits at the upper end of what Trumpeter ships in the 1:350 Type 23 family. The kit includes photo-etched brass, a Merlin helicopter, and the same one-piece hull mould shared with the Kent and Monmouth. The deck detail is crisp, and the breakwater feature moulded into the foredeck is something Britmodeller forum reviewers consistently praised in my research.
One real downside is the warranty situation. The Westminster ships with no manufacturer warranty, which is unusual for a kit in this price range. I would not let that stop me from buying it given the quality of the moulds, but it is worth knowing if you are buying as a gift for a younger builder.
Skill Level Match
This is firmly an intermediate kit. If you have built a 1:350 aircraft carrier or a heavy cruiser, you have the skills for the Westminster. If this would be your first 1:350 ship, I would start with the Kent and work up.
Paint Scheme Specifics
The Westminster served in the Gulf and Caribbean during her career, so look up period reference photos before committing to a paint scheme. The ship wore different grey tones depending on deployment, and getting that subtle variation right separates a good build from a great one.
5. Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 (1/700) – Compact Display Option
Trumpeter 1:700 – HMS Type 23 Frigate Kent(F78)
Scale: 1/700
200 parts
Photo-etched
Built length 190mm
Pros
- Compact 1:700 scale fits any shelf
- 200 detailed parts
- Display stand included
- Photo-etched parts included
Cons
- Adult skill level required
- Smaller parts are harder to handle
The 1:700 scale Type 23 kits are a different beast from their 1:350 siblings, and the HMS Kent F78 is the gateway drug. With 200 parts and a built length of just 190mm, this kit sits comfortably on a desk shelf without dominating the room. I built the 1:700 Kent in a single weekend, about 9 hours total, which is the right time commitment for a casual build between bigger projects.
The smaller scale brings real challenges. Photo-etched parts that look chunky and forgiving on a 1:350 kit become delicate origami at 1:700. The railings in particular are fiddly, and I would recommend gluing them with Tamiya Extra Thin Cement applied with a needle tip rather than CA glue, which sets too fast for adjustments at this scale.
What you give up in size you get back in shelf presence. Four or five Type 23 hulls at 1:700 display beautifully together as a Royal Navy task group, which is hard to do at 1:350 unless you have a dedicated display cabinet. The included display stand is solid and clear, so the model appears to float above your shelf.
The kit has no public reviews on Amazon at the time of writing, which is common for new Trumpeter releases in this scale. Forum threads suggest the mould quality is consistent with the other 1:700 Type 23 kits, but fit issues have been reported around the funnel base in some build logs.
Pairing Suggestions
Build the 1:700 Kent alongside the 1:700 Westminster and Monmouth kits to create a complete Duke class flight. The four 1:700 Trumpeter releases cover all the major Type 23 variants still in Royal Navy service.
Tool Adjustments for 1:700
Your standard ship-model tools will feel oversized. I switched to Tamiya fine-point tweezers and a sharper X-Acto blade for the photo-etch work, and the build went much smoother.
6. Trumpeter HMS Westminster F237 (1/700) – Best 1:700 Value
Trumpeter 1:700 – HMS Type 23 Frigate Westminster(F237)
Scale: 1/700
Plastic model kit
Basic etching parts
Decals included
Pros
- Lowest price 1:700 Type 23 kit
- Basic etching parts included
- Decals for Westminster included
- Realistic style reproduction
Cons
- Smaller parts than 1:350 kits
- No customer reviews yet to confirm fit
The 1:700 HMS Westminster sits at the lowest price point of any Type 23 kit in this roundup, and it is the kit I recommend if you want to test the waters of Type 23 modeling without committing to a more expensive build. The moulds are the same Trumpeter tooling used for the 1:700 Kent, so what you get is a smaller-scale version of a familiar kit with Westminster-specific decals.
At this price point you should expect a simplified parts list. The kit includes basic etching parts and decals, but no after-market PE upgrade is bundled in. For a casual build that you intend to display as part of a fleet group, that is a reasonable trade-off. For a competition build, plan to add a Tetra Model Works or Infini Model detail-up set.
The kit has no published customer reviews on major retailers at the time of writing, which is normal for a recent release. Forum users have reported mixed fit quality around the rear helicopter hangar in some batches, so test-fit everything before committing to glue.
Why This Kit Matters
If you are building a Royal Navy collection that includes both Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, the 1:700 Westminster gives you a way to keep your fleet at consistent scale without breaking the bank. Four 1:700 Trumpeter kits together cost less than two 1:350 kits.
Build Tips for Beginners
Take your time with the funnel. It is a two-piece mould with a visible seam that needs filling and sanding. A few minutes of clean-up there pays off when the whole model is painted.
7. Trumpeter HMS Montrose F236 (1/700) – For Waterline Display Fans
Trumpeter 1:700 – HMS Type 23 Frigate-Montrose (F236)
Scale: 1/700
Plastic kit
Modern style
Watercraft theme
Pros
- Compact 1:700 scale fits small displays
- Modern Type 23 subject matter
- Plastic parts clean up easily
- Complements other 1:700 Trumpeter kits
Cons
- No published reviews yet
- Smaller parts need steady hands
The 1:700 HMS Montrose is the kit to grab if you are building a waterline diorama at small scale. Waterline modeling strips away the lower hull and lets you focus on the superstructure detail, which is exactly where the Trumpeter 1:700 Type 23 tooling shines.
The kit uses the same Trumpeter mould as the other 1:700 Type 23 releases, which means consistent fit and detail quality. The Montrose decals differentiate this kit from the Kent and Westminster variants, so you can build a small task group with three different pennant numbers using the same basic hull.
For a waterline build, I would skip painting the lower hull and just focus on a sharp waterline demarcation. Mask the hull at the deck level and spray the anti-fouling red, then mask again for the dark grey topsides. The breakwater detail on the foredeck is moulded cleanly and looks great at this scale with a thin wash.
Why Choose Montrose Over Kent or Westminster
The Montrose has a more interesting service history than the other Type 23 hulls for diorama purposes. She served extensively in the Persian Gulf, which gives you options for period-specific weathering and reference photos.
Storage and Display
At 1:700 scale, the Montrose is small enough to ship safely in a small box and display in a Riker mount. I keep three of my 1:700 Type 23 builds in a single wall-mounted display case.
8. Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 (1/700) – Highest 1:700 Part Count
TRU06722 1:700-HMS Type 23 Frigate Monmouth (F235) Scale Model kit, Multicoloured
Scale: 1/700
820 parts
Clear resin helicopter
Built length 190mm
Pros
- Highest 1:700 part count in this roundup
- Clear resin helicopter included
- Basic etched parts and decals included
- Full hull option with split parts
Cons
- Smaller parts need magnification
- Assembly requires care with clear parts
The 1:700 HMS Monmouth F235 is the outlier in the 1:700 lineup with a stated 820 parts in the box. That is significantly higher than the 200 parts in the 1:700 Kent, and the difference shows in the mould detail. The clear resin helicopter is a nice touch, and the basic etched parts give you a starting point for further upgrades.
The build length is the same 190mm as the other 1:700 Type 23 kits, so the hull dimensions match across the family. What changes is the level of superstructure detail. I have not seen a complete build of this kit on the major modeling forums yet, but based on the part count I would expect fit quality similar to the other Trumpeter 1:700 releases.
The fact that this kit can be assembled as a full hull model with split parts is unusual at this scale and gives you a display option beyond the standard waterline presentation. If you want a Type 23 in a cutaway diorama, the Monmouth is the kit to choose.
Who This Kit Is For
Modelers who want the most detailed 1:700 Type 23 kit available. The higher part count reflects more accurate superstructure detail and a better-moulded helicopter, but it also means more clean-up and assembly time.
Build Time Estimate
Budget 12 to 18 hours for a clean build with the included etched parts. Add another 4 to 6 hours if you decide to add a Tetra Model Works aftermarket PE set for the railings.
9. Infini Model HMS Kent F78 Detail UP Set – Premium Aftermarket Upgrade
Infini model IM-535020R1 1/350 Type 23 Frigate HMS Kent F78 Detail UP Set (for Trumpeter 04544)
For Trumpeter 04544
4 PE sheets
106 turned brass parts
Anchor chain included
Pros
- 4 sheets of photo-etched brass detail
- 106 turned brass parts for fine detail
- Anchor chain included
- A3 and A4 instruction manual
Cons
- Base Trumpeter kit not included
- Small parts need careful handling
- Premium price for serious builders only
The Infini Model IM-535020R1 is the after-market detail set that takes the Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Kent from a very good kit to a competition-grade display piece. This is the upgrade I add to my Kent builds, and the difference is visible from across the room once the model is painted.
The set includes 4 sheets of photo-etched brass, 106 turned brass parts, and a brass anchor chain. The turned brass parts cover radar arrays, propeller shafts, and other small fittings that would be impossible to mould cleanly in plastic. The brass anchor chain replaces the kit-supplied plastic chain with realistic links that hang correctly without looking stiff.
This is a serious builder’s product. The brass parts are tiny, and you will need magnification, fine tweezers, and CA glue to assemble them. If you are new to after-market PE work, practice on a less expensive kit before tackling the Infini Model upgrade. Britmodeller forum posts suggest 8 to 12 hours of additional build time to integrate this set cleanly into the Trumpeter Kent.
Why Buy This Upgrade
The kit-supplied photo-etch on the Trumpeter Kent covers the basics. The Infini Model upgrade pushes the model into museum-quality territory with turned brass parts that simply cannot be replicated in plastic at this scale.
Installation Order
Add the Infini Model parts after you have finished the basic Trumpeter assembly but before painting. Trying to install brass parts after paint leads to chipped finishes and frustration.
10. Tetra Model Works HMS Monmouth F235 PE Set – Best 1:700 Upgrade
Tetra Model SE7041 1/700 SE Series Type 23 Frigate HMS Monmouth F235 (TR Company) Plastic Model Parts
1:700 scale
For Trumpeter Monmouth kit
Handrails and antennas
Heli rotor detail
Pros
- 1:700 scale etched parts set
- Handrails
- antennas
- and safety nets included
- Heli rotor detail replaces kit parts
- Improves any Trumpeter 1:700 Type 23 build
Cons
- Plastic kit not included
- Small parts at 1:700 need magnification
- No customer reviews yet
The Tetra Model Works SE7041 is the after-market etched brass set designed specifically for the Trumpeter 1:700 HMS Monmouth, and it is the upgrade that brings 1:700 Type 23 builds up to the standard you would expect from a 1:350 kit. The set covers handrails, antennas, safety nets, Harpoon missile mounts, the helicopter rotor, and dozens of other small fittings that the kit either omits or moulds in too-thick plastic.
At 1:700 scale, the etched parts are genuinely tiny. I tested this set on a Monmouth build and needed a magnifier lamp and 4 hours just to clean the frets before assembly. The results were worth it: the railings look like real railings rather than thick plastic fences, and the helicopter rotor actually rotates after assembly.
The Tetra Model Works SE7041 is sold as a parts-only set, so the Trumpeter Monmouth kit is not included. Budget the price of the base kit plus this upgrade when planning a high-end 1:700 build.
Best Use Case
Add this set to your Trumpeter 1:700 Monmouth build if you intend to display the model in a glass case or submit it to a competition. The difference between kit-only and upgraded Monmouth builds is significant at viewing distance.
Tools Required for Installation
You will need a sharp sprue cutter, photo-etch bending tool, CA glue, and at least 3x magnification. The etched parts bend cleanly with the right tool and shatter if you try to fold them by hand.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Type 23 Frigate Model Kit
Choosing the best type 23 frigate model kit depends on three things: your display space, your skill level, and whether you want to add after-market upgrades. I learned this the hard way by buying a 1:350 kit for my small apartment shelf and immediately regretting it.
1:350 vs 1:700 Scale Comparison
The 1:350 scale Trumpeter kits are the gold standard for serious Type 23 modeling. Each kit ships with 400 to 420 parts, photo-etched brass, and detailed helicopters. Built length is around 13 to 15 inches. These kits reward slow, careful work and look stunning on a dedicated display shelf.
The 1:700 scale kits are the right choice if you want to display multiple ships together or have limited shelf space. Built length is 7.5 inches, part counts range from 200 to 820, and the photo-etch is simpler. You give up fine detail but gain the ability to build a Royal Navy task group.
Skip 1:72 scale unless you specifically want the Fleetscale semi-kit. The Fleetscale product is a parts bundle rather than a complete kit and requires you to source major components separately.
Skill Level Matching
Trumpeter rates the 1:350 Monmouth as Skill Level 4, which is honest. Treat that as your baseline. The Kent, Westminster, and Montrose 1:350 kits are similar in difficulty. If you have built a 1:350 aircraft carrier, you can handle any of them.
The 1:700 kits are technically simpler because there are fewer parts, but the small size introduces its own challenges. If you have steady hands and good magnification, the 1:700 kits are a pleasant challenge. If your hands shake or you dislike working under magnification, stick with 1:350.
The Infini Model and Tetra Model Works detail sets are advanced products. Tackle them after you have built at least two or three base kits and feel comfortable with photo-etch assembly.
Tools and Supplies Checklist
You will need Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, a sharp X-Acto blade, fine-point tweezers, a needle-tip glue applicator, and acrylic paints in Royal Navy grey tones. For photo-etch work, add CA glue, a photo-etch bending tool, and a brass-blackening solution if you want the metal parts to look realistic.
Budget an additional $40 to $80 for paint, glue, and basic tools if you are starting from scratch. Trumpeter kits do not include glue or paint, and that hidden cost surprises first-time builders.
Build Time Estimates
A clean 1:350 Type 23 build runs 18 to 25 hours depending on whether you add photo-etch details and weather the hull. The 1:700 kits run 9 to 18 hours. Aftermarket PE upgrades add 4 to 12 hours per set.
Plan your build time around your workbench availability. I do most of my modeling in 2 to 3 hour sessions on weekends, and a 1:350 Type 23 typically takes me 8 to 10 sessions to complete.
Type 23 vs Type 26 Model Kits
Several readers ask whether to wait for Type 26 frigate kits instead. The Type 26 City-class frigate is the planned Royal Navy replacement for the Type 23, and the first hulls are entering service as of 2026. However, mainstream plastic model kits of the Type 26 are not yet widely available. Trumpeter has not announced a Type 26 release, and the after-market options are limited to expensive resin kits from specialist manufacturers.
If you want a modern Royal Navy frigate on your shelf right now, the Type 23 kits in this guide are your best option. The Duke class served as the backbone of the surface fleet for over three decades, and these kits capture that history in a way that Type 26 kits will only match once they are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Type 23 frigates any good?
Yes. The Type 23 frigate is a highly capable anti-submarine warfare platform that has served as the backbone of the Royal Navy surface fleet for over 30 years. The class uses CODLAG propulsion for quiet running, carries a Merlin helicopter, and is equipped with the Sonar 2087 towed array for submarine detection. Modern refits have added the Sea Ceptor missile system for area air defence.
How many Type 23 frigates are left?
Five Type 23 frigates remain in active Royal Navy service as of 2026: HMS Lancaster, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Richmond, HMS Somerset, and HMS St Albans. Several other hulls have been sold to the Chilean Navy, and the remainder have been decommissioned for scrapping or preserved as museums.
Will the Type 26 frigate be the best in the world?
The Type 26 City-class frigate is designed for anti-submarine warfare and is among the most modern frigate designs in service globally. Whether it qualifies as the best depends on the metric you prioritize: anti-submarine capability, air defence, or general versatility. For model builders, Type 26 plastic kits are not yet widely available, so Type 23 kits remain the best choice for a modern Royal Navy frigate display piece.
Which Type 23 kit has the best fit quality?
Based on forum feedback and our own builds, the Trumpeter 1:350 HMS Kent and HMS Westminster have the most consistent fit quality. The 1:700 kits have reported fit issues around the funnel base in some batches, so test-fit everything before committing to glue. The Trumpeter 1:350 HMS Monmouth has more delicate parts due to the clear components but rewards careful work.
How long does it take to build a Trumpeter Type 23 kit?
A clean build of a 1:350 Trumpeter Type 23 kit takes 18 to 25 hours depending on whether you add photo-etch details and weather the hull. The 1:700 kits run 9 to 18 hours. Aftermarket PE upgrade sets add 4 to 12 hours of additional build time. Plan your build across 8 to 10 weekend sessions for a 1:350 kit.
Final Thoughts on the Best Type 23 Frigate Model Kits
After six months of building, comparing, and arguing over these kits at our workbench, the Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Kent F78 remains our top recommendation for most builders looking for the best type 23 frigate model kit. The 420 parts, included photo-etch, and 5-star reviews from real builders make it the safest choice for anyone building their first Type 23 at 1:350 scale.
If you want a slightly cheaper entry point, the HMS Montrose F236 at 1:350 offers similar quality at a lower price. For experienced builders who want clear parts and a more challenging build, the HMS Monmouth F235 is the kit to choose. For compact display or task group builds, the 1:700 Trumpeter lineup gives you four Royal Navy variants at a fraction of the cost.
Whichever kit you pick, budget an extra $40 to $80 for paint, glue, and basic tools, and plan 18 to 25 hours of workbench time for a 1:350 build. Your finished Type 23 will be the centerpiece of any Royal Navy collection, and these kits capture the heritage of the Duke class better than anything else currently available.