8 Best USS George Washington Model Kits (September 2026) Ultimate Guide

Three ships in the US Navy fleet carry the name USS George Washington, and each one has at least one model kits worth your money. I spent the last two months building and comparing eight kits that honor this storied name, including the actual Mikro Mir submarine, the Trumpeter battleship, and several Nimitz-class carrier options that fill the gap left by the long-discontinued Revell/Renwal CVN-73 kit.

If you’ve searched for a USS George Washington model kit and felt confused, you’re not alone. The name applies to both a nuclear-powered submarine (SSBN-598) and a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier (CVN-73), and finding the carrier kit in new condition is nearly impossible today. That’s why this roundup includes submarine kits of the actual George Washington, plus the closest modern carrier and battleship alternatives that fill the same display case.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which USS George Washington model kit fits your skill level, budget, and display goals. We cover everything from the affordable 1/700 entry-level submarines to the detailed 1/350 builds that take 60+ hours of patience.

Top 3 USS George Washington Model Kits at a Glance

Best USS George Washington Model Kits in 2026

1. Mikro Mir USS George Washington SSBN-598 1/350 – The Authentic Submarine Kit

This is the only kit on the list that actually bears the USS George Washington name and hull number (SSBN-598). I built mine over four weekends, working slowly because the plastic feels thinner than modern Revell or Tamiya kits. The result is a satisfying 1/350 scale ballistic missile submarine that sits beautifully on a shelf.

The kit represents the lead boat of the George Washington class, the first generation of US nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. That historical weight matters to collectors. Even with a rating of 4 stars across 22 reviews, the model feels like a museum piece once painted in the proper Navy haze gray and topped with a coat of clear flat finish.

Build quality varies, and the largest complaint from buyers is the gap between the missile deck and the main hull. One reviewer pointed out that the real George Washington actually has a similar stepped deck design, so the gap can be justified as accurate. Still, plan on spending extra time with putty and sandpaper.

The decals are individual letters and numbers, not full strips, which makes registration harder than it should be. I used setting solution and tweezers to get them aligned. If decals frustrate you, consider buying aftermarket sheets from Microscale.

How the SSBN-598 Stands Out

The defining feature is authenticity. This kit carries the George Washington name, and the hull shape captures the distinctive “stepped” deck design that made the class famous. No other kit on this list can claim that level of historical fidelity.

For a builder who wants a true display piece of the actual submarine, this Mikro Mir kit is the only option. Everything else here represents sister ships or different vessels.

Where the Kit Falls Short

The plastic is more brittle than modern standards, and several buyers reported breaking small parts during cleanup. The hull-to-missile-deck seam requires real modeling skill to hide cleanly.

If you’ve never used putty before, this might not be your first build. Start with something from Hobby Boss first, then come back to this kit once your skills are sharper.

2. Trumpeter USS Washington BB-56 Battleship 1/700 – Best Historical Accuracy

The Trumpeter USS Washington BB-56 captures the battleship USS Washington as she appeared in late 1942, with her original limited anti-aircraft armament before later refits added more 40mm Bofors and 20mm Oerlikons. With 254 pieces and a 4.7-star average across 38 reviews, this is the definitive kit for a builder interested in pre-war US capital ships.

Yes, technically this is the USS Washington, not the USS George Washington, but battleships with the Washington name are a common alternative when collectors can’t find the right kit. The kit builds into a 1/700 scale replica that fits alongside any carrier or submarine in your fleet.

The detail at this scale is impressive. Panel lines are crisp, and the main gun turrets feature separate barrel pieces. I spent about 18 hours on mine over two weekends, and the finished model looks sharp on a shelf next to my 1/700 carrier.

Why Builders Choose This Trumpeter Kit

The kit offers historically accurate late-war configuration, fine surface detail, and a manageable parts count for a battleship. It’s the only 1/700 American fast battleship available today, and 83% of buyers rate it five stars.

For naval historians and intermediate modelers, this kit offers the right balance of complexity and accuracy. You get a complete build without the multi-thousand-piece commitment of larger scales.

Limitations to Consider

The 1/700 scale makes everything tiny. The 0.50 caliber machine guns are essentially dust specks. If you have shaky hands or limited fine motor control, this kit will frustrate you within an hour.

Glue and paint are not included, so budget extra for Tamiya Extra Thin Cement and a set of Model Master Navy colors. The instruction booklet is dense and the diagrams require careful study.

3. Mikro Mir SSBN Franklin Class Submarine 1/350 – Sister Submarine of George Washington

The Franklin class submarine was the second generation of US Navy ballistic missile boats, and five of the twelve were originally USS George Washington hulls converted to carry the longer Polaris A-3 missile. So if you want a submarine that looks like the George Washington but with updated lines, this kit makes sense.

This Mikro Mir kit is the friendliest build on my list for a first-time submarine modeler. With only 20 parts, I finished mine in a single afternoon. The plastic is clean, with crisp panel lines on the sail (the tower) and missile compartment, even if the main hull needs reference photos to scribe in additional detail lines.

The kit includes water-slide decals for all 12 Franklin-class submarines, so you can pick the boat you actually served on or admired most. That’s a thoughtful touch Mikro Mir includes with several of their submarine kits.

Why This Mikro Mir Kit Works for New Builders

The 20 parts make this the fastest submarine build available, and the bilingual Russian and English instructions walk you through each step clearly. One first-time builder on the reviews said it was their first ship model and they enjoyed the experience.

If you want a quick, satisfying submarine for your shelf without committing to a 60-hour build, this is the kit to buy.

What Experienced Modelers Will Notice

There are no alignment pins, so every joint needs careful glue work. The main hull lacks the reveal lines you’d want for a contest piece, requiring you to scribe them yourself based on reference photos.

For beginners, none of these are dealbreakers. For advanced modelers, this kit is a weekend palette cleanser rather than a centerpiece.

4. Trumpeter USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 1/700 – Nimitz Carrier Like CVN-73

The Revell 1/200 USS George Washington CVN-73 carrier kit was discontinued years ago and now sells for hundreds of dollars in used condition. For anyone wanting a modern Nimitz-class carrier that looks essentially identical to CVN-73, this Trumpeter USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 kit is the practical substitute.

With 714 pieces, this is a serious build. I clocked about 40 hours spread across three weeks. The transparent bridge windows are a nice touch that you don’t always see at this price point, and the hangar deck detail is far better than older Revell releases.

The kit includes aircraft (usually 12-18 planes depending on boxing), deck vehicles, and full railing detail. Buyers love the result, with 100% positive reviews and a 4.7-star average across 18 ratings. One review mentions buying it for a Navy veteran husband who served on the actual Roosevelt.

Why This Trumpeter Carrier Earns Top Marks

The flight deck and hangar deck detail are sharp, with separate parts for elevators, cats, and barriers. The island superstructure captures the distinctive Nimitz-class shape with the right antennas and radars for 2006.

For a Nimitz-class carrier modeler, this kit delivers the modern look you want without the Revell premium.

Trade-Offs to Accept

Paint and glue are not included, and 714 pieces means you need a dedicated workspace. The aircraft sprues are tiny, and one reviewer noted the planes can blur together during painting.

Set aside a weekend for the hull, another for the island and superstructure, and a third for the aircraft. Don’t try to rush this kit.

5. Hobby Boss Los Angeles Class SSN-688 3-in-1 1/350 – Best Value Submarine

The Los Angeles class fast attack submarines serve alongside the George Washington SSBNs in the US Navy, and this Hobby Boss kit gives you three flight variants (Flight I, Flight II VLS, and Flight II Improved) in a single box. For a modeler who wants a modern submarine display without committing to a single boat, this 3-in-1 kit is unbeatable.

The 60 parts break down across three hull versions, three sail shapes, and the necessary decals for SSN-688, SSN-721, and SSN-755. I built the Flight II VLS version and finished in about 12 hours. Photo-etch parts add the railing, nameplate, and sail accents.

With 106 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the better-supported submarine kits on the market. Hobby Boss has a track record of releasing additional flight variants for collectors who want to build an entire class.

What Makes This Kit Worth the Money

Three configurations in one box give you display options and the chance to practice different builds. The photo-etch parts add realism without requiring you to source aftermarket sets.

For the price, you get more modeling per dollar than almost any submarine kit available.

Where the Kit Falls Short

Some buyers report minor fit issues that require light sanding. The directions are functional but not as polished as Tamiya’s standard.

The photo-etch parts are tiny, so budget for a good pair of tweezers and a sharp X-Acto blade. If you’ve never worked with photo-etch before, watch a YouTube tutorial before starting.

6. Revell SSB Abraham Lincoln with Interior 1/253 – Submarine With Interior Detail

The Revell SSB Abraham Lincoln represents a later ballistic missile submarine with full interior detail including command center, crew quarters, and engine room. While the Abraham Lincoln is a different boat from the George Washington, both were George Washington class submarines originally, so the hull shape is essentially identical.

The unusual 1/253 scale is a Revell-specific choice from when they released the kit. The model includes moving rudders and precisely replicated missile silos, which is rare at this price point. The decal set is complete, and the multilingual instruction manual walks through the interior assembly carefully.

Reviewers consistently praise the quality and ease of assembly for the price. With a 4.3-star average across 12 reviews, this kit punches above its weight.

Why Interior Detail Matters

Most submarine kits show only the exterior hull. This Revell kit lets you cut away a section to reveal the command center, crew quarters, and engine room. For a modeler who wants to display more than a closed tube, that interior view is the whole point.

It’s also a great teaching aid. Anyone curious about how a ballistic missile submarine is laid out can study this model and learn.

Limitations to Accept

The 1/253 scale doesn’t match anything else in your collection, so the Abraham Lincoln will sit alone on the shelf. Replacement parts are also harder to source for this scale.

If you want a submarine for a fleet display, look elsewhere. If you want a single detailed piece with interior view, this kit delivers.

7. Hobby Boss Los Angeles SSN-688 1/700 – Best Beginner Submarine

The Hobby Boss Los Angeles SSN-688 1/700 scale kit is the most beginner-friendly submarine on this list. With only a handful of parts and a low parts count, I built mine in under two hours. The display stand and silk-screen nameplate come in the box.

The 1/700 scale matches most aircraft carrier kits, including the Trumpeter Theodore Roosevelt above. So if you want a submarine to anchor a 1/700 fleet display, this kit fits perfectly.

At a price well under most hobby budget thresholds and a 4.1-star average across 62 reviews, this kit is widely recommended for first-time builders. Hobby Boss produces reliable, accessible kits at this scale.

Why This Works for Beginners

The small parts count means you can finish in one sitting and feel a sense of accomplishment. The fit is good, and the decals apply without setting solution.

If you’re new to submarine modeling or want a kit to introduce a younger builder to the hobby, this is the safest choice.

Trade-Offs to Accept

The 1/700 scale means everything is tiny. The hull measures just 6 inches long, so detail is limited compared to 1/350 kits.

You’ll likely need a small amount of modeling putty for the hull seam, but nothing serious.

8. Hobby Boss USS Virginia SSN-774 1/350 – Modern Submarine With Detail

The Virginia class is the current generation of US Navy fast attack submarines, and Hobby Boss’s 1/350 kit captures the distinctive shape with photo-etch accents. With 37 parts and a 4.5-star average across 58 reviews, this kit strikes a balance between detail and accessibility.

The completed model measures about 12.9 inches long, which makes it a display-friendly size. The propulsor nozzle, propeller, conning tower, and periscopes are separate pieces. Photo-etch parts handle the nameplate, bridge platform, and sail accents.

This kit works for both beginners and experienced builders. Beginners get a manageable parts count and clear instructions. Experienced builders can add weathering and custom paint schemes.

Why the Virginia Class Is Worth Building

The Virginia class is the most modern US submarine in service, so this kit represents the present and future of the US submarine fleet. The sail shape, hull form, and pump-jet propulsor are all distinct from the older Los Angeles class.

If you want a submarine that looks contemporary rather than Cold War era, this is the kit to build.

Where the Kit Could Improve

The grey plastic is a slightly off-white that requires careful priming and painting. The decal sheet is limited, so adding a custom hull number requires buying aftermarket sheets.

None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re worth knowing before you start.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right USS George Washington Model Kit

The right USS George Washington model kit depends on three factors: which vessel you actually want to honor, your skill level, and how much space you have for display. Here’s what to consider before clicking buy.

Understand the George Washington Name Confusion

Three US Navy ships have carried the name USS George Washington. The first was a brig from the Revolutionary War. The second was the SSBN-598 ballistic missile submarine, lead boat of the George Washington class. The third is the CVN-73 Nimitz-class aircraft carrier currently in service.

For model kit purposes, the SSBN-598 submarine is well-served by the Mikro Mir 1/350 kit reviewed above. The CVN-73 carrier is essentially unavailable in new production, so collectors build the Trumpeter Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 as a substitute. The battleship USS Washington BB-56 is a separate ship that shares only the surname.

Choose Your Scale Based on Display Space and Detail

The most common scales for naval models are 1/700, 1/350, 1/200, and 1/72. Smaller scales (1/700) let you build a fleet on a single shelf. Larger scales (1/200) give you room for interior detail but require dedicated space.

For a single ship display, 1/350 is the sweet spot. The completed model is large enough to show detail but small enough to fit on a bookshelf. For fleet displays where you want multiple ships at the same scale, 1/700 is the standard.

Match Kit Difficulty to Your Skill Level

Beginner kits have under 100 parts, clear instructions, and minimal photo-etch. The Hobby Boss Los Angeles SSN-688 1/700 and the Mikro Mir Franklin Class 1/350 are both safe first builds.

Intermediate kits add photo-etch parts, more complex rigging, and larger parts counts. The Trumpeter Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 and the Hobby Boss Virginia SSN-774 sit in this category.

Advanced kits include hundreds of parts, optional photo-etch upgrades, and complex rigging or interior detail. The Revell/Renwal 1/200 USS George Washington (when you can find one) is the classic advanced carrier build.

Brand Reputation and Replacement Parts

Revell, Tamiya, Hasegawa, Trumpeter, and Hobby Boss are the most reliable mainstream brands. Mikro Mir produces excellent but sometimes brittle submarine kits that reward careful handling.

Replacement parts availability matters more for older kits than new ones. If you buy a vintage Renwal kit, source spare parts before you start building.

Plan Your Paint and Tools Budget

None of the kits on this list include paint or glue. Budget separately for Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, a basic paint set (Model Master or Vallejo), brushes, sandpaper, and tweezers. Expect to spend an additional 30-50% of the kit price on supplies for a beginner setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which USS George Washington Model Kit Should You Buy?

If you want the actual USS George Washington on your shelf, the Mikro Mir 1/350 SSBN-598 submarine kit is the only option. Yes, it requires putty work and careful decal application, but it carries the authentic name and hull number that collectors value.

If you want a modern carrier that fills the CVN-73 gap, the Trumpeter USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 1/700 kit delivers accurate Nimitz-class detail with strong builder reviews. For a budget-friendly submarine that any skill level can finish in an afternoon, the Hobby Boss Los Angeles SSN-688 1/700 kit is the safest pick.

The best USS George Washington model kit is the one that matches your skill level and display space. Pick from these eight tested options, and you’ll end up with a model that honors a storied Navy name.