Choosing ship model kits means choosing between two very different projects: a traditional sailing ship with a 1847 subject, or a plastic naval carrier built around a flight deck and aircraft. The GAWEGM Harvey and Tamiya Yorktown are close in price, but their scale, subject, and included build elements point to different buyers.
Quick verdict
The $6.16 price spread is secondary to the project itself. Choose the GAWEGM Harvey 1847 Wood Sailboat for a sailing-ship build with a clearly stated 1/96 scale and wood sailboat subject. Choose the Tamiya Yorktown for a plastic naval ship model with a waterline hull, carrier structures, and a multi-aircraft lineup.
At a glance
| Kit | Listed price | Core build direction |
|---|---|---|
| GAWEGM Harvey 1847 Wood Sailboat | USD 35.99 | 1/96 wood sailboat |
| Tamiya Yorktown | USD 29.83 | 1/700 plastic US aircraft carrier |
Where each kit wins
GAWEGM Harvey: the sailing-ship choice
The GAWEGM kit wins on subject fit for a sailing ship model kit. Its title centers on the Harvey 1847 wood sailboat, making the project distinct from a naval aviation scene. The 1/96 scale is also clearly stated, giving shoppers a specific scale to select when they want this particular boat model building kit.
Tamiya Yorktown: the carrier-and-aircraft choice
Tamiya has the clearer edge for a warship scale model focused on a US aircraft carrier. The description lists a flight deck, island superstructure, tripod mast, anti-aircraft battery, ship's boats, life rafts, cranes, and an optional aft deck elevator position. Its included aircraft add another defined part of the project rather than leaving the subject as a ship-only build.
Product notes
GAWEGM Ship Model Building Kit - Scale 1/96 Harvey 1847 Wood Sailboat
The GAWEGM Harvey kit is the natural choice when the subject matters more than naval hardware. The title gives you a 1/96 Harvey 1847 wood sailboat, so the project has a clear sailing-ship identity rather than an aircraft-carrier brief. That makes it a strong match for a traditional boat model building kit or a period sailing scene. The build does require hands-on assembly, and the description specifically says glue and paint are not included. That is the concrete limitation: beginners without those supplies will need to plan for them separately. If you want the Harvey 1847 subject and already have a way to finish the build, the distinctive wood sailboat direction is the main reason to choose it.
Tamiya 31712 1/700 US Aircraft Carrier Yorktown Plastic Model Kit
The Tamiya Yorktown kit suits a shopper who wants a plastic naval ship model centered on a named US carrier. Its description lists a flight deck with raised and engraved details, an island superstructure, tripod mast, anti-aircraft battery, ship's boats, life rafts, cranes, and a metal ballast plate. The aircraft lineup is also specific: TBD Devastators, SBD Dauntless aircraft, and F4F Wildcats are included. That gives the build a clear carrier-and-aircraft focus. The limitation is equally clear: Yorktown is a US aircraft carrier, so it is not the right subject for someone specifically seeking a wood sailing ship. Choose it for carrier content, not a sailing-ship project.
Final choice by use case
- For a traditional sailing-ship project: Choose the GAWEGM Harvey because its title specifies the 1847 wood sailboat subject and 1/96 scale. Keep in mind that glue and paint are not included.
- For a plastic ship model with aircraft: Choose Tamiya Yorktown for its US aircraft carrier subject, waterline hull, and included TBD Devastator, SBD Dauntless, and F4F Wildcat aircraft.
- For a carrier-focused build: Tamiya is the more direct fit because the Yorktown description centers the flight deck, superstructure, naval equipment, and aircraft together.
The final decision is subject-led: GAWEGM is for the sailing-ship brief, while Tamiya is for a plastic carrier scene with aircraft built into the project.