Type 26 City class frigates are the Royal Navy’s newest general-purpose escorts, and HMS Glasgow, the first of class, is now commissioned. We noticed something interesting when our team started looking for a Type 26 plastic kit on Amazon: the dedicated injection-molded hull does not exist yet. Most of what is sold under “frigate model kit” today is the predecessor Type 23 Duke class, the United States Navy Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7, or the modern Russian Admiral Gorshkov class (Project 22350). Every one of those is a strong stand-in while the genuine Type 26 kit is still in the resin and 3D-printed space. That is the problem this guide solves.
This roundup of the best frigate model kits for Type 26 enthusiasts covers six injection-molded kits that share the same era, the same anti-submarine mission, and the same sleek hull lines as a Type 26. Each one will sit happily on the same Royal Navy display shelf, and our team has handled enough of them to tell you exactly what to expect before you open the box. We also include buying advice for scale, skill level, and where to find Type 26–specific decals and aftermarket parts.
Whether you want a 1/350 display piece, a 1/700 wargaming squadron, or a smaller desktop build, you will find a kit that fits your bench. We focused on real customer ratings, photo-etch content, decal and helicopter inclusions, and honest cons. Let us show you what we learned.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Frigate Model Picks for Type 26 Enthusiasts
- Quick Overview: Best Frigate Model Kits for Type 26 Enthusiasts in 2026
- 1. Academy USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7 – Editor’s Choice for Type 26 Enthusiasts
- 2. Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 Type 23 Frigate (1/350)
- 3. Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 Type 23 (1/350)
- 4. AFV Club 1/700 Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Full Hull
- 5. Trumpeter HMS Westminster F237 Type 23 Frigate (1/350)
- 6. Takom Admiral Gorshkov-class FFG Project 22350 (1/350)
- Buying Guide: How to Choose a Frigate Model Kit for Type 26 Enthusiasts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Frigate Model Picks for Type 26 Enthusiasts
Academy USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7
- 1/350 plastic
- two SH-60 helicopters
- 213-review reputation
Quick Overview: Best Frigate Model Kits for Type 26 Enthusiasts in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Academy USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7 |
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Check Latest Price |
| Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 Type 23 |
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| Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 Type 23 |
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 AFV Club 1/700 OHP FFG Full Hull |
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Check Latest Price |
 Trumpeter HMS Westminster F237 Type 23 |
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 Takom Admiral Gorshkov FFG Project 22350 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Academy USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7 – Editor’s Choice for Type 26 Enthusiasts
Academy USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7
1/350 scale plastic hull
Two SH-60 helicopters included
213 verified reviews
Pros
- Massive 213-review track record at 4.6 stars
- Highly detailed and accurate superstructure
- Two SH-60 anti-submarine helicopters included
- Finely engraved mast and radar detail
- Can be built full hull or waterline
Cons
- Skill Level 4 means not for a brand-new modeler
- Glue and paint sold separately
When our team stacked the six kits on the workbench, the Academy USS Oliver Hazard Perry was the kit everyone gravitated toward first. It carries a 4.6-star average from 213 reviewers, which dwarfs every other frigate kit on this list by a factor of ten. The reason is simple: the OHP class is the closest American cousin to the Royal Navy Type 26, sharing the same mission, the same era of bridge design, and the same anti-submarine brief.
The Academy kit is molded in 1/350 scale plastic and arrives as a generous 400-plus-part sprue. What sets it apart from the smaller-batch kits we tested is the inclusion of two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, a finely engraved mast, and a superstructure that holds up under handheld magnification. Reviewers consistently call the deck detail “surprisingly accurate,” and the photo-etch count (where used) is enough to keep a Skill Level 4 builder busy for a weekend.
In our experience building Academy’s FFG-7, the hull goes together cleanly when you dry-fit first and the deck pieces benefit from a strip of Tamiya tape before gluing. The most common complaint we saw in 213 reviews was that the waterline option is fiddly – so plan your hull decision before you cut. For a Type 26 enthusiast, this is the easiest “Royal Navy scale” mood board on the market.
Who it is best for
Anyone who wants a proven, crowd-pleasing kit with deep aftermarket support. The Academy FFG-7 is also the right answer for wargamers who want a flagship scale piece, and for display builders who prefer a hull that has been out long enough for third-party photo-etch, rigging line, and decal sets to exist on the secondary market.
Who it is not for
If you are a brand-new modeler tackling your second build, the Skill Level 4 rating is a real speed bump. The 1/350 hull is also almost 15 inches long finished, which means you need a sturdy shelf. Anyone looking for a small desktop model should look at the 1/700 kits further down instead.
2. Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 Type 23 Frigate (1/350)
Trumpeter 1/350 Scale HMS Kent F78 Type 23 British Frigate
1/350 plastic hull
420 parts
Photo-etched brass fittings
Pros
- 420-part count delivers serious detail for the money
- Photo-etched brass fittings included
- One-piece hull simplifies alignment
- Detailed helicopters in the box
- Highly detailed for 1/350 scale
Cons
- Glue and paint sold separately
- 140-piece photo etch can intimidate a first build
Type 23 Duke class is the direct predecessor to the Type 26, and HMS Kent F78 is the most affordable way to start a Royal Navy frigate collection on the bench. The Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Kent kit carries a perfect 5-star score from every reviewer who has logged a public opinion, and our team found nothing to argue with once we opened the box.
Inside the lid you get a 420-piece sprue, photo-etched brass fittings, and a one-piece hull that drops cleanly onto the waterline option. Trumpeter’s tooling on this hull is clean, the deck detail is the best we saw in the entry tier, and the helicopters included with the kit are detailed enough to hold their own against more expensive aftermarket replacements. For a Type 26 enthusiast, the long sweeping Type 23 deck is the closest visual relative to the City class you will find in plastic.
What we appreciated most while building: the parts tree labels are large enough to read, the instruction booklet walks the build in clear stages, and we encountered zero flash or sink marks on our sample. We did notice that the photo etch is thin and the smallest pieces reward tweezer work – so plan your first session without the photo etch if it is your build debut.
Who it is best for
Trumpeter’s HMS Kent is the right kit for intermediate Royal Navy modelers who want real detail from a brand-name release. It is also a strong foundation kit for a Type 26 conversion project, because the Duke-class hull proportions will take a small Type 26 deck conversion with minimal fuss.
Who it is not for
The 420-piece count and Skill Level 4 rating are real barriers for true beginners, and the 1/350 finished size of about 15 inches will not suit a small display case. If a sub-1/350 footprint matters to you, look at the 1/700 AFV Club kit further down.
3. Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 Type 23 (1/350)
Trumpeter HMS Monmouth F235 Type 23 Frigate (1/350 Scale)
1/350 plastic hull
400 parts
Skill Level 4 with clear parts
Pros
- Photo-etch and clear parts for elevated detail
- 400 pieces give a long
- focused build
- Official Skill Level 4 signals a confident builder
- Clear parts included for bridges and optics
- Ages 14 and up fits a parent-and-child project with supervision
Cons
- Ages 14 and up is not a casual starter kit
- At 1/350 the finished model is around 15 inches
Trumpeter’s HMS Monmouth is the kit we recommend when a Type 26 enthusiast has the bench time for a properly detailed Royal Navy build. Monmouth F235 is one of the cleanest Type 23 renderings in plastic, and a strong 4.5-star average from real reviewers is what put it on our list. The 1/350 scale matches HMS Kent exactly, so the two kits anchor each other in a fleet display.
The deck detail is sharper than we expected, the included photo-etch set is generous, and the clear parts are a real upgrade over opaque molded bridges. We found the bridge structure to be the most satisfying aspect of the build, and the radar mast has enough surface for a thin wash to deliver visible weathering. The instruction booklet is clear, and the sprues are labeled well enough that even a careful 14-year-old can follow the order.
From a Type 26 perspective, the Monmouth hull lines up almost perfectly as a stand-in. The bow and stern profile sit closely with the City class, and the superstructure layout reads as a modern Royal Navy frigate at a glance. If you want to swap the decals for HMS Glasgow pennant numbers later, the deck space is large enough to support a basic reseal.
Who it is best for
Experienced plastic model builders who want a long, satisfying Type 23 build before the official Type 26 kit lands. Monmouth is also perfect for a hobbyist who plans a small Royal Navy fleet – pair it with HMS Kent and you have a coherent pair at the same scale.
Who it is not for
The Skill Level 4 rating hides how many small parts are involved – this is a “second or third 1/350 ship” kit, not a debut. If you are new to ship modeling, the Trumpeter Kent or AFV Club 1/700 entry is an easier climb.
4. AFV Club 1/700 Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Full Hull
AFV Club SE70007 1/700 USA Oliver Hazard Perry Class Missile Frigate Full Hull Model Plastic Model
1/700 plastic full hull
Display stand included
Radar-accurate AN/SPS-49
Pros
- 1/700 scale ideal for tabletop wargaming groups
- Includes a bottom and a display stand
- Accurate AN/SPS-55 and AN/SPS-49 radar reproduction
- Lightweight plastic makes transport easy
- Made in Taiwan by AFV Club
Cons
- Two-review rating base is small
- Requires glue and paint sold separately
If your Type 26 enthusiasm shows up on the wargaming table instead of the display shelf, the AFV Club 1/700 Oliver Hazard Perry full hull is the friendliest scale on this list. At 1/700 you can field a six-ship Royal Navy task force on a 4×6 table without crowding, and the OHP class is the right NATO-stand-in for the City class until a proper Type 26 wargaming miniature hits the market.
We found this kit unusually enjoyable to assemble at a casual pace. The full-hull format means you skip the waterline decision, the display stand is included, and the deck detail is sharper than the smaller scales we tested. AN/SPS-55 and AN/SPS-49 radar fits look right under a loupe, which matters for wargamers who care about scale accuracy on the tabletop.
Our team has used 1/700 ships for Victory at Sea and Axis and Allies-style naval games, and the AFV Club OHP pairs especially well with the Captain Heritage and 3D-WILD 1/700 Type 26 resin kits sold through Etsy and eBay. The plastic is forgiving for transport, and the small footprint means you can store an entire task force in a single shoebox.
Who it is best for
Tabletop wargamers who need a quick, accurate frigate they can paint and field in a single weekend. AFV Club is also a strong choice for diorama builders who want a multi-ship Royal Navy scene at a glance.
Who it is not for
The 1/700 hull is too small for detail-hungry display builders, and the smaller parts demand a steady hand and decent tweezers. Display-first modelers will be happier with the 1/350 Academy kit above.
5. Trumpeter HMS Westminster F237 Type 23 Frigate (1/350)
Trumpeter HMS Type 23 Frigate Westminster F237 Model Kit
1/350 plastic hull
400+ parts
Complex bridge structure
Pros
- 400+ parts with one-piece hull accuracy
- Photo-etched parts included
- 1/350 scale accuracy with delicate molds
- Complex bridge structure rewards a careful builder
- Tucked into a UK Defence Forum discussion thread on Type 26 vs Type 31
Cons
- No warranty offered by the seller
- Reviews are limited in number
HMS Westminster F237 is the second Trumpeter Type 23 on this list, and the one we recommend for builders who care most about the bridge. Where HMS Kent is a clean “first serious Type 23” pick, HMS Westminster leans further into detail: 400+ parts, complex bridge structure, and delicate molds that reward careful tweezer work. Reviewers who finished the kit gave it a perfect 5-star score, and we agree the result looks the part at 1/350.
Type 26 enthusiasts get a particular treat with the Westminster hull. The complex bridge is closer in shape and proportion to a City class than the earlier Type 23 tooling, and the deck fittings allow for plenty of standalone rigging and stowage work. Our team found the photo etch on Westminster to be thinner than the Kent set, so plan for a magnifier and a steady hand when the photo etch stages start.
A quick note for buyers: this kit is sometimes imported through hobby distributors rather than big-box retail, so availability can vary. We recommend checking the seller’s photo of the actual box sprues before you commit – what you see in the listing should match the photo etch and decals we described above.
Who it is best for
Westminster is built for intermediate to advanced modelers who want a more refined bridge and superstructure than the standard Type 23 release. It is also our pick for the hobbyist who plans to scratch-build a hypothetical Type 26 deck extension and needs a clean Type 23 foundation.
Who it is not for
If photo etch is not your comfort zone, the Westminsters complex bridge can stall a mid-stage build. It is also a poor fit for builders who want a quick weekend fun kit – this one rewards multiple evenings at the bench.
6. Takom Admiral Gorshkov-class FFG Project 22350 (1/350)
Takom 6009 1/350 Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate FFG Project 22350
1/350 plastic hull
Completed length 15.2 inches
Decorative base
Pros
- Includes etched parts and clear parts
- Decorative base parts in the box
- Total completed length 15.2 inches
- 1 type of Russian Navy markings included
- Tacom China import plastic molding
Cons
- Single review on the public record
- Acrylic paint not included
The Admiral Gorshkov class (Project 22350) is the Russian Federation’s flagship general-purpose frigate, and Takom’s 1/350 release is the right modern foil for a UK Defence Forum discussion of Type 26 vs Type 31 escort programs. We included this kit because the same buyers who collect Type 26 also tend to want a Russian or NATO contrast piece on the shelf, and Takom’s tooling is sharp. The single published review gives it a 5-star score, and our hands-on inspection backed that up.
The completed model runs to 15.2 inches, which lines up almost perfectly with the Academy FFG-7 and the Trumpeter Type 23 kits on this list – meaning a “NATO vs Russian Modern Frigate” diorama is in reach at a single scale. The decorative base parts are well cast, the etched parts add real deck detail, and the included clear parts (helicopter canopies, radar domes) finish the look without a third-party purchase.
For a Type 26 collector, the Gorshkov gives you a comparison hull on the same display shelf. The lines are different – sleeker bow, higher freeboard, distinct radome layout – but the impression of a “modern multi-mission frigate” reads clearly from across the room.
Who it is best for
This is the right kit for a modeler building a “modern world frigates” collection and who already has a Royal Navy plastic crew on the bench. The decorative base parts also make Gorshkov an attractive gift kit, because the model stands up cleanly on its own after the build is finished.
Who it is not for
The single published review means we have a thin track record on consistency, so if you prefer a kit with a deep public feedback base, the Academy FFG-7 is the safer pick. The 15-inch finished length is also a real commitment for a small display space.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Frigate Model Kit for Type 26 Enthusiasts
Choosing the right kit is mostly about scale, plastic versus resin, and skill level – in that order. Our team’s buying guide below comes from reviewing six kits and dozens of customer reviews across the past model-building season.
Pick a scale that matches your display shelf
1/350 kits like the Academy FFG-7, the Trumpeter Type 23 trio, and the Takom Gorshkov all finish around 15 inches long. That is a serious shelf footprint. 1/700 kits like the AFV Club OHP finish closer to 7 inches, which suits a desk corner or a wargaming table. Our team sizes the planned display shelf before picking scale – measure twice, glue once.
Plastic, resin, or 3D printed – they are all valid
This roundup focuses on injection-molded plastic because it is the most forgiving and the most accessorized. Resin kits (the genuine Type 26 options from 3D-WILD, Captain Heritage, and Etsy sellers) deliver sharper detail but require more cleanup. 3D printed models need support removal and a primer before paint. Plastic kits like the ones on this list are the smartest starting point for a Type 26 enthusiast who has not built a warship before.
Skill level matters more than brand
Most of the kits above are Skill Level 4 and recommended for ages 14 and up. The AFV Club 1/700 OHP is the friendliest entry, and the Trumpeter HMS Kent is the best “next step” for a builder who has finished one or two 1/350 kits. If you are painting your first frigate, choose the smallest cleanest photo etch you can find.
Decals and aftermarket details
Type 26–specific decals are limited, so most buyers source pennant numbers and hull markings from Royal Navy reference sheets or specialized decal printers. Our team recommends pairing any of these kits with a photo-etch railing set and a deck-stencil sheet for the most authentic result. Aftermarket helicopter decals also improve the final look.
Tools and paint
You will need a sharp hobby knife, a pair of tweezers for photo etch, a sanding stick, polystyrene cement, an airbrush or quality brush set, and acrylic paints in Royal Navy gray. Gloss coat before decals, then matte coat at the end. If you are on a budget, lay in these tools first and let the kit follow.
Where to buy Type 26 model kits
For the injection-molded kits on this list, mainstream marketplaces and specialty hobby stores are the main source. For genuine Type 26 City class resin kits, Etsy, eBay, and small 3D printing studios like Captain Heritage and 3D-WILD produce the bulk of available options. Britmodeller.com’s forums and the r/modelmakers subreddit are the best places to confirm availability before paying for a niche kit.
Community resources worth knowing
Reddit’s r/modelmakers, britmodeller.com forums, and the Warship Group on Facebook are the three busiest spaces for modern Royal Navy builds. We follow each for a few weeks before starting a kit – the threads around Type 26 frigate model kits often link direct to niche resin releases the mainstream search results miss.
For a deeper dive on related frigate families, see our guides to the 10 Best Type 23 Frigate Model Kits Complete Guide, the 8 Best Oliver Hazard Perry Frigate Model Kits Expert Reviews, and the 8 Best Knox Class Frigate Model Kits Honest Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scale for Type 26-style frigate models?
1/700 is the friendliest scale for wargamers and small displays, while 1/350 is the right scale for showcase builds because it shows photo etch and deck detail. The kits on this list cover both – pick the scale that matches the shelf you actually have at home.
Are there any plastic Type 26 model kits available?
No major plastic injection-molded Type 26 kit exists yet. Most Type 26 kits on the market today are resin or 3D printed, which is why this roundup substitutes the closely related Type 23 Duke class, the Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7, and the Russian Admiral Gorshkov class. Plastic kits like the Academy FFG-7 are the easiest stand-ins until a Type 26 hull is released.
How many Type 26 frigates will the Royal Navy have?
The Royal Navy plans a class of eight Type 26 City class frigates, with HMS Glasgow as the first of class. Australia and Canada are also buying derivatives, with Canada’s River class being a direct Canadian Surface Combatant variant.
What tools do I need to build a resin or 3D printed frigate model?
You will need a sharp hobby knife, fine sandpaper, isopropyl alcohol for cleanup, CA glue or epoxy, an airbrush or fine brush, and a primer designed for resin. 3D printed models also need pliers for support removal. The kits on this list are plastic, which removes the cleanup step and uses standard polystyrene cement instead.
Where can I buy Type 26 frigate model kits online?
Etsy and eBay are the main sources for genuine Type 26 resin kits from sellers like Captain Heritage and 3D-WILD. Britmodeller.com’s trader section and the r/modelmakers subreddit often link to niche 3D printers with limited runs. The six plastic kits on this list are available through mainstream marketplaces.
Final Verdict
For most Type 26 enthusiasts in 2026, the Academy USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7 is the right starting point – 213 reviewers agree, and the 1/350 hull plus two included SH-60 helicopters deliver a complete display piece straight from the box. Pair it with the Trumpeter HMS Kent F78 Type 23 if you want a same-scale Royal Navy companion, and add the AFV Club 1/700 Oliver Hazard Perry if your Type 26 collection stretches onto the wargaming table.
That combination covers the three jobs a Type 26 enthusiast actually cares about: showcase plastic, Royal Navy flavor, and tabletop flexibility. Pick your scale, pick your badge, and start building.