Novgorod Circular Ironclad Building Blocks

Explore one of the most unconventional warship concepts in naval history with the Novgorod Circular Ironclad Building Blocks. Designed and authorized by ModelFunShipyard, this 285-piece model is inspired by the Russian ironclad Novgorod, a vessel famous for its highly unusual circular hull.

Developed during the 19th century, the circular-warship concept was intended to solve several engineering challenges at once. By using a broad, shallow hull, designers hoped to reduce draft, limit the amount of armor required, and create a more stable gun platform for coastal defense operations.

One of Naval History’s Strangest Warships

The defining feature of Novgorod is its nearly circular hull, giving the vessel a silhouette unlike almost any conventional warship of the period.

Designed for Shallow-Water Operations

The broad hull concept was intended to reduce draft, allowing the vessel to operate in relatively shallow coastal waters where larger conventional warships could face limitations.

An Experimental Armored Platform

The circular design also aimed to make efficient use of armor and provide a stable platform for heavy naval guns, reflecting the experimental engineering ideas of the mid-19th century.

Compact Historic Display Model

With 285 pieces, the model offers a relatively quick building experience while preserving the bizarre and instantly recognizable form that made Novgorod famous.

From the Designer

ModelFunShipyard created this model to recreate one of the most unusual ironclad concepts ever built, focusing on the circular hull and the engineering ideas behind its shallow draft, armored protection, and gun-platform stability.

A Conversation Piece for Naval Collections

Its extraordinary shape and experimental history make Novgorod a distinctive display piece for ironclad enthusiasts, naval history collectors, and builders interested in unusual military engineering.