1:144 minis

loyalist was kind enough to mention a supplier that might be just what some of us are looking for - 1/144 miniature ship models. Check out strikemodels.com - these folks make an amazing range of vessals and parts for the RC battling ship hobby. Of particular interest to me was the various turrets (espically from "George M.") and Bling My Boat = ship flags (1" x 3/4"). Also of interest are the various plans available on how to make your own ship - needless to say you don't have to use their expensive fiberglass hulls (which look great btw). I also noted that they have plans for 1/96 scale for all those ships as well - that's only a tiny bit off our 1/92 scale figures (18mm). What a great way to create a styrofoam or balsa wood hull and layout the guns and other items. As an added bonus, this is a USA firm. I really liked the casting from George M. which include lots of additional stuff like searchlights, rafts, and smaller guns (37, 20mm etc). The Grey Wolf Squadron have turrets in material called Termite that is a rubbery like compound in black as opposed to the usual white of the other listings. I suggest buying some inexpensive wood dowels of the proper diameters to make your guns out of. This will be painted a metallic color and glued into the turrets. If you use the ship plans to carve a basic ship out, you'll have a nice looking ship with proper guns and accessories. There are other possible alternatives like Shapeways, adding these turrets, etc to the mix. Just saying.
PS: with Conqueror offering ironclad parts, you have just about anything you'd need to make these complete in the 1/96 scale 1:1 ratio.
Enjoy!