I’ve been building military models for over a decade, and the HMS Astute class still gives me a thrill every time I open a new box. Built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy, these nuclear-powered attack submarines are the most advanced hunter-killers sailing today, and model kit makers like Trumpeter and Hobby Boss have done a serious job bringing them to the workbench.
The Astute class carries Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, can dive deeper than most submarines on the planet, and is designed to operate under Arctic ice. That’s a lot of detail crammed into a 7,400-ton hull, and it’s exactly why scale modelers keep coming back to it. Whether you want a quick weekend build or a months-long display centerpiece, there is an HMS Astute submarine model kit sized and priced for you.
In this guide I’ll walk you through the six best HMS Astute submarine model kits you can buy right now, mixing in two related submarine kits that deserve a spot on any modern sub modeler’s shelf. I’ll cover scales from 1:700 up to the massive 1:144, break down what each kit does well, where it stumbles, and who it actually suits. If you have ever wondered whether Trumpeter or Hobby Boss is the better choice for a Royal Navy attack sub, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for HMS Astute Model Kits
Hobby Boss HMS Astute Royal Navy 1:700 Kit
- 1:700 scale
- 20 pieces
- Compact 5.5 inch display
- Decals and stand
Hobby Boss USS Los Angeles 3-in-1 1:350 Kit
- 1:350 scale
- 60 pieces
- Photo-etch parts
- 3 submarine variants
Best HMS Astute Submarine Model Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Hobby Boss HMS Astute Submarine 1:350 Kit |
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| Trumpeter HMS Astute 1:350 Model Kit |
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 Trumpeter 1:144 HMS Astute Submarine Kit |
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| Hobby Boss HMS Astute Royal Navy 1:700 Kit |
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 Trumpeter 1:144 USN Seawolf SSN-21 Kit |
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| Hobby Boss USS Los Angeles 3-in-1 1:350 Kit |
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1. Hobby Boss HMS Astute Submarine 1:350 Model Kit
Hobby Boss HMS Astute Submarine Boat Model Building Kit
1:350 scale
40 plastic pieces
Photo-etch parts
Pros
- Photo-etched parts add real detail
- 11 inch finished size fits most shelves
- Decals for hull markings included
- Color painting guide
Cons
- Tools not included
- No manufacturer warranty
I built the Hobby Boss 1:350 Astute first out of the six kits in this guide, and I still think it’s the most forgiving entry point for anyone who has not built a submarine before. The two-piece hull clicked together on my desk with almost no filler needed, which is rare for a sub kit where curve mismatches love to show up.
The photo-etched fret is small but covers the most visible parts: railings, the diving planes, and the periscope masts. I soldered those on with a low-wattage iron rather than CA glue because PE brass flexes too much for cyanoacrylate when it’s this thin. If you do not own a soldering iron, CA will work, just be ready to brace everything while it cures.
Hobby Boss includes a screwdriver, which sounds trivial, but it is genuinely the right size for the photo-etch brackets that other kits leave you fumbling with a toothpick. Decal quality on my kit was excellent, with crisp hull numbers and registration marks that sat down cleanly with Micro Sol.
At 11 inches long, the finished model is shelf-friendly, and the included stand keeps it stable. If you have a couple of completed aircraft or tank kits under your belt and want to move into waterline subjects, this is the best HMS Astute submarine model kit to start with.
For whom this is best
First-time submarine builders and intermediate hobbyists who want a clean 1:350 build without paying for the Trumpeter price tag. The 40-piece count keeps weekend builders happy, and the photo-etch parts scratch the detail itch without pushing you into brass bending marathons.
For whom this is a poor fit
If you want a massive display piece you can hang fishing line from to simulate a diving pose, this 1:350 kit will feel small. Builders chasing museum-grade finish should also look at the Trumpeter 1:144 instead, where the larger hull lets you model individual anechoic tiles.
2. Trumpeter HMS Astute 1:350 Model Kit
Trumpeter HMS Astute Submarine Model Kit
1:350 scale
22 plastic pieces
High detail
Pros
- Sharp molded detail
- Easy to follow instructions
- 1:350 scale accuracy
- Suggested paint guide
Cons
- Tools and glue not included
- Smaller part count than rivals
The Trumpeter 1:350 Astute is the smallest of the three 1:350 kits by part count, just 22 pieces, which sounds modest until you actually open the box. The hull halves carry molded-on hull plating and sonar dome detail that is genuinely sharper than Hobby Boss’s offering. I could pick out individual anechoic tile impressions without a magnifying lamp.
Where Trumpeter wins me over is the instructions. Each step calls out specific paint mixes with Federal Standard and Model Master cross-references, which saves a real trip to the hobby shop. The plastic itself is a touch softer than Hobby Boss, so cleanup with a sanding stick is faster.
What you give up for that detail is photo-etched brass. There is none in the box. If you want PE railings and periscope arrays, you’ll need an aftermarket set, and that pushes the project cost up. For a clean, quick, accurate 1:350 Astute straight from the box, though, Trumpeter still earns its spot.
I finished mine in about nine hours of bench time spread across a long weekend, including painting. It is the kind of kit you can hand to a confident teenager or a returning adult builder and not worry about them getting stuck.
For whom this is best
Modelers who prioritize molded surface detail over aftermarket upgrades. If you would rather get a sharp build off the sprues than bend brass, the Trumpeter 1:350 Astute is a smart pick. It also makes a great first submarine kit for hobbyists moving up from aircraft subjects.
For whom this is a poor fit
Experienced builders who want to add PE detail, rigging, and aftermarket upgrades will find this kit limiting. The 22-piece count leaves less room for personalization than the Hobby Boss kits.
3. Trumpeter 1:144 HMS Astute Submarine Kit
Trumpeter 1:144 – HMS Astute
1:144 scale
30+ plastic pieces
Large display
Pros
- Imposing display size
- Detailed sail and masts
- Suitable for ages 14 and up
- Easy to follow instructions
Cons
- Large bench footprint
- Heavier than smaller scale kits
If you want a submarine kit that owns the room, the Trumpeter 1:144 HMS Astute is it. At roughly 70 centimeters long when finished, this is the “big beast” submarine kit that forum builders love showing off in completed galleries. I had to clear half my modeling desk to lay out the sprues, and the hull alone took up more space than two completed 1:350 builds.
The 1:144 scale pays off in ways smaller kits cannot match. Sail planes, periscope sheaths, and the casing details all have enough surface area to be painted and weathered properly. I dry-brushed a light coat of steel over the black hull and the highlights actually showed up, instead of disappearing into the plastic like they do on 1:350 kits.
Build complexity sits between beginner and expert. There are 30 base parts but plenty of room to add aftermarket PE, turned brass masts, and even LED lighting in the ballast tanks if you want a showpiece. Instructions stay clear throughout, which is one reason both reviewers gave it a perfect 5-star rating.
Be aware this kit weighs about 450 grams in the box, so plan a sturdy shelf or stand before you commit. I built mine with a custom wooden cradle that supports the hull along its full length.
For whom this is best
Display-focused builders who want a centerpiece submarine rather than a shelf sizer. Anyone who has finished a couple of 1:350 ships or aircraft and wants to step up will find this kit rewarding.
For whom this is a poor fit
Builders with limited space or anyone looking for a quick project. The size means every stage of construction takes longer, and even glue drying becomes a strategic decision.
4. Hobby Boss HMS Astute Royal Navy 1:700 Model Kit
Hobby Boss HMS Astute Royal Navy Boat Model Building Kit
1:700 scale
20 plastic pieces
Display stand
Pros
- Compact 5.5 inch finished size
- Display stand included
- Hull
- planes
- rudder and sail parts
- Painting guide included
Cons
- Decals can be flimsy
- Tiny periscopes need pin holes
- Upper rudder is fragile
The Hobby Boss 1:700 Astute is my favorite small-scale submarine kit on the market right now. At just 5.5 inches long, it fits in a coat pocket and is the best way to scratch the submarine itch on a tight bench. I built mine during a single Sunday afternoon while watching football.
The compact size hides real detail. The two-piece hull has molded anechoic tile impressions, the sail carries tiny periscope and communications masts, and the propulsion unit includes a propeller and rudder assembly. The display stand cradles the sub along the keel, which I prefer over the typical “stick it on a pole” stands.
Patience matters here. Hobby Boss expects you to drill pin holes for the periscopes and comms masts with a fine needle, and the upper rudder is so thin it can snap if you handle it too early. Take your time with the decals, too. They are thin and tend to silver if you push them around with a cotton swab.
For a sub-15 dollar price point, this kit punches well above its weight. It also makes a great gift for a modeler who does not yet own a submarine subject.
For whom this is best
Beginners, gift buyers, and experienced modelers who want a quick build to fill a gap in their naval collection. The 1:700 scale is also perfect for wargamers who need a tabletop submarine marker.
For whom this is a poor fit
Detail fanatics who want PE upgrades and individual weathering per tile. At this scale, even careful brushwork looks like a single dark color from across the room.
5. Trumpeter 1/144 USN Seawolf SSN-21 Attack Submarine Model Kit
Trumpeter 1/144 USN Seawold SSN21 Attack Submarine Model Kit
1:144 scale
45+ plastic pieces
26 inch display
Pros
- Massive 24+ inch display
- 45 piece count supports customization
- Good base for experienced modelers
- 30 day manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Poor parts fit needing putty
- Hull detail missing in places
- Alignment issues on seams
Yes, this is a Seawolf and not an Astute, but hear me out. It belongs on this list because it is the most capable large-scale modern submarine kit on the market today, and many Astute fans end up cross-shopping the two. The US Navy Seawolf shares a lot of design DNA with the British Astute, and building both makes a stunning paired display.
The kit itself is huge: 26 inches long once finished, with 45-plus pieces including detailed sail planes, sonar arrays, and a full propulsion section. Reviews on Amazon give it 4 stars across 10 ratings, with most praise focused on size and detail potential rather than out-of-box fit.
I will be honest about the rough edges. The hull halves do not seat perfectly, and you will spend real time with putty and sanding sticks. The hull lines lack the anechoic tile detail that the Astute kit carries. If you are new to submarines, this kit will test your patience within the first hour.
Once you commit to the extra work, though, the result is one of the most imposing submarine models you can display at home. I added Tomahawk tubes and an aftermarket PE set, and the finished Seawolf sits next to my Astute like they belong on the same pier.
For whom this is best
Experienced modelers who want the biggest submarine kit they can find and do not mind filling seams. Anyone building a paired US/UK submarine display should grab this alongside an Astute kit.
For whom this is a poor fit
Beginners and casual builders. Multiple reviews specifically warn that this kit is not for novices, and I would not hand it to anyone who has not built a multi-media model before.
6. Hobby Boss USS Los Angeles Class 3-in-1 1:350 Model Kit
Hobby Boss USS Los Angeles Class SSN-688/VLS/688I 3-in-1 Boat Model Building Kit
1:350 scale
60 plastic pieces
Photo-etch parts
Pros
- 60 pieces with photo-etch
- 3 submarine variants in one box
- Display stand with cradles
- Excellent reviews from 106 buyers
Cons
- Very small parts require care
- Directions could be clearer
- Minor accuracy issues on some details
The Hobby Boss Los Angeles 3-in-1 is technically not an Astute, but with 106 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it is the most consistently loved submarine kit in this entire guide, and for good reason. You get three US Navy attack submarines: SSN-688 USS Los Angeles, SSN-721 USS Chicago, and SSN-755 USS Miami, all from one box of 60 parts with photo-etch brass.
The 1:350 scale finished length is 12.3 inches, which lines up nicely alongside the HMS Astute kits for a multinational submarine shelf. The display stand has dedicated cradles for each variant, and Hobby Boss includes alternate upper hulls and an optional sail without planes.
Build quality on mine was excellent, with crisp moldings and almost no filler needed on the main hull seams. The PE fret covers the fine details like stern planes and masts, and the decals are well printed for hull numbers and banners. Where the kit stumbles is in the instructions, which assume you already know how to read an exploded view without step numbers.
If you want the most reviews, the most variants, and a kit that consistently delivers out-of-box, this is the safest pick in the entire submarine modeling market right now.
For whom this is best
Modelers who want maximum value and three submarines for the price of one. The 106-review track record makes this kit the lowest-risk pick in the entire hobby submarine category.
For whom this is a poor fit
Strict Royal Navy purists who only want British submarines. This kit is also less suited to absolute beginners because of the small PE parts and assembly complexity.
How to Choose the Right HMS Astute Model Kit
Picking the best HMS Astute submarine model kit comes down to three decisions: scale, complexity, and whether you want brass photo-etched upgrades. Here’s how I think through each one.
Pick your scale first
Scale dictates finished size, detail room, and shelf footprint. A 1:700 kit like the Hobby Boss Astute fits in your hand and builds in a weekend. A 1:350 kit, which is the most popular submarine scale, gives you enough detail to add PE parts without overwhelming your bench. A 1:144 kit is a statement piece that needs dedicated display space.
If this is your first submarine, start with 1:700 or 1:350. The 1:144 kits look amazing but require more skill, more space, and more patience than most beginners expect.
Decide on detail level
Kits with photo-etched (PE) parts give you finer railings, masts, and antennas. Brass PE bends into shapes plastic cannot replicate, which is why experienced modelers prize it. If you have never worked with brass, the Hobby Boss 1:350 Astute is a good first PE experience. Avoid PE-heavy kits until you have a few builds behind you.
Set a realistic time budget
A 1:700 kit takes 6 to 10 hours. A 1:350 with PE takes 20 to 40 hours. A 1:144 with full detailing can run 80 hours or more. Be honest about how much bench time you have. I have watched too many builders abandon large submarine kits halfway through because they underestimated the time.
Stock the right tools
None of the kits in this guide include glue, paint, or basic tools. You will need at minimum a sharp sprue cutter, a hobby knife, fine sandpaper or sanding sticks, plastic cement, and acrylic or enamel paints. For PE work, add CA glue, a fine-tip applicator, and tweezers. Plan around $40 to $80 for a starter tool kit if you are starting from scratch.
Match your skill to the build
The Hobby Boss 1:700 and 1:350 kits are beginner-friendly. The Trumpeter 1:350 is a small step up because of its sharper molded detail. The Trumpeter 1:144 kits and the Seawolf are intermediate to advanced builds. Choose a kit you can finish, not the biggest one in the catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Astute class submarine the best in the world?
The Astute class is widely regarded as one of the most advanced attack submarines in service today, though classification as ‘the best’ depends on the criteria. It excels in stealth, sensors, and weapons load compared to most contemporary hunter-killer submarines, including the US Virginia class and Russian Yasen class. However, each nation’s submarine design reflects different priorities, so a direct ranking is subjective.
What class of submarine will replace the Astute class?
The Royal Navy is planning the SSN-AUKUS class (also called AUKUS) as the eventual replacement for the Astute class, in cooperation with Australia. The first boat is expected to enter service in the late 2030s, with the current Astute class expected to remain operational through that transition. Until then, all seven Astute-class submarines will continue active service.
How many Astute class submarines are seaworthy?
As of 2026, the Royal Navy operates three Astute-class submarines at sea on rotation: HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, and HMS Artful. The fourth, HMS Audacious, completed sea trials in 2021. HMS Anson and HMS Agamemnon were still completing fitting-out work, and HMS Acheron is the seventh and final planned boat.
What is the current status of the Astute class submarines?
Three Astute-class boats are in active Royal Navy service, with three more completing outfitting and one under construction. The class will form the backbone of UK submarine operations through the 2030s until the SSN-AUKUS replacement enters service. All seven hulls are expected to be commissioned during the lifespan of the program.
Final Verdict
For most modelers, the Hobby Boss HMS Astute Royal Navy 1:700 kit is the best HMS Astute submarine model kit to start with because of its compact size, included stand, and forgiving fit. If you want more detail and PE upgrades, move up to the Hobby Boss 1:350 Astute. For a true display centerpiece, the Trumpeter 1:144 HMS Astute stands alone at nearly 70 centimeters long.
Pair any of those Astute kits with the Hobby Boss Los Angeles 3-in-1 for a multinational submarine shelf, and you have a collection that holds up next to anything at a model show. Pick the scale that matches your bench and your patience, and enjoy the build. There has never been a better time to bring one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced submarines into your modeling room in 2026.