It has been decades since I built models, but I'm feeling that urge again. Take a look at the beautiful job done on this Type VIIc model:
http://www.steelnavy.com/RevellTypeVIIcRM.htm. There are more models to be found in the root directory of this site.
Does anyone know where I can find miniature ship and u-boats? Die cast would be ideal, but I suppose plastic would suffice.