About Us

SD Model Makers is a San Diego California based company, founded in 2008 by myself, Captain Brad Poulos.  Although I started the “professional” side of model making when the company was founded, I’ve been a recreational model builder most of my life.  My first ship model, at age 12, was a 17-inch plastic Revelle USS Arizona. A classic model kit, still sold in hobby stores today. Through the years I progressed to wooden kits, then on to plank-on-frame models, and ultimately into scratch build projects. 

My love of ship models extends to the real world of the sea and ships. I currently own and race a 1989 Catalina 36 sailboat. Over many races and victories, my proudest moment is having won my class in the 2008 Newport to Ensenada race (known as the largest international yacht race in the world), as well as winning the fleet championship in my home port yacht club – twice.  I hold a 50 ton U.S Merchant Marine license, am an American Sailing Association certified instructor, and a PADI Open Water Diver.  

With my love of the sea and model ships, getting into the business seemed like a natural progression.  I’ve assembled a team of over 30 master model makers and craftsmen, some with over 20 years in the business, to produce true museum quality replica ship models.  Whether it is a military ship, a commercial liner, an ocean liner, tall ship or your own pride and joy- be it a sailboat or power yacht, the SD Model Makers craftsmen can make them all, with incredible attention to detail and workmanship. We are working hard to live up to our claim - Quite Simply - Makers of the World's Finest Hand-made Replica Ship Models!

We can build models to virtually any size or scale desired. 
Please contact us to request a quote for your model.

Smooth Sailing,

Captain Brad