Over the weekend of February 14 – 15 2026, a selection of Royal Navy models, made of matchsticks and matchboxes, is to be displayed at the Fleet Air Arm museum, based at RNAS Yeovilton in Yeovil, Somerset.
Master Modeller Philip Warren’s Matchstick Fleet is the result of almost a lifetime’s work, totalling 525 ships and 1000 aircraft – which includes models of every type of ship the navy has used since 1945.
Born in Dorset, Phil, 94, who began modelling with balsa wood when he was 17, started his collection in 1948. It includes ships of the Royal Navy and the Commonwealth, illustrating the development of warships from the end of the Second World War right up to the present day.
Other activities going on at RNAS Yeovilton (aka HMS Heron) over the half term include an an unforgettable journey (they promise) where “technology, creativity and history take flight. From coding robots and designing future ships to programming drones that soar. So, grab your wingman and let the museum become your launchpad for hands-on adventures.
“Step into a world where time flies – and you fly right with it. You will see:
- Craft secret coded messages for AI to decipher
- Dream up and design a future Royal Navy vessel
- Command a robot through a seabed mission
- Take control and watch drones soar
- Dive into Luna’s Adventures with the author himself
“Adventure is calling – will you answer? Book your tickets today and let your family’s adventure take off!”
See more at https://www.nmrn.org.uk/whats-on – RNAS Yeovilton, BA22 8HT
