Model Ships

Model Ships are a new collectible feature in Mass Effect 2 which has no impact on story or gameplay. There are a total of eleven models to collect; the first model, the Normandy SR-2, is already on display in the Captain's Cabin on the Normandy. The remaining models can be purchased from various locations, except for the Flotilla Vessel, which is found during Tali's loyalty mission and the Shadow Broker Base which is found during Lair of the Shadow Broker. Once a model is purchased, it will be placed on the model rack. It is possible to obtain discounted prices of the models by speaking to the shopkeeper or completing minor tasks.

Trivia

 * The model you get on the rack after purchasing it isn't actually a UT-47. It matches the concept of a "human heavy cruiser" from the Art of Mass Effect book, but it is unclear what it is used as in the game itself. The design can be seen at the beginning of Kasumi's loyalty mission, and appears similar to the vessel that brings in Gatatog Uvenk near the end of Grunt's loyalty mission; but neither of them is explicitly identified.
 * The set of model space ships somewhat resembles a similar display in the Enterprise-D's Observation Lounge/Briefing room in Star Trek: The Next Generation. A similar display is also visible in the same location on the Enterprise-E in the three Star Trek movies that feature the Sovereign-Class vessel.
 * The Shadow Broker Base model is placed on the desk, rather than the model rack.