Today I picked up Artesania Latina's 1/48 scale English Frigate H.M.S. Surprise as portrayed in the movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World".
This model is big, weighing in at about 30lbs, length is about 4,1/2 feet, 37,1/2 high and about 19" wide.
Building the hull I suspect is going to be a bit of a challenge as it is a single plank on hull format. In other words very little room for error.
The rest of the kit appears to be straight forward.
One thing I do notice about this kit is the incredible amount of laser cut parts which of coarse is a bit of a God send as it negates the need for large scale plans and it reduces the need for measuring to a great degree, however a disc in PDF format is supplied in case one may feel the need to print off full size plans. I may just do that.
The quality of the woods as always when it comes to Artesania Latina kits is first class. However I seem to notice which seems to be running problem with AT kits is they always seem to supply less rigging then is usually required. One can always of coarse pick up some proper thickness croquet thread. It is cheap enough. You can write the company for more rigging of which AT is quite cooperative in the matter (experience). However it does take time.
From the box top"
The French Frigate Unite built in 1794, was taken with no resistance from the neutral harbour of Bona in the Mediterranean on the 20th of April 1796 by the British Frigate Inconstant. She was purchased for the Royal Navy, renamed Surprise, and armed with 24X32 pounder carronades on the upper deck.
In October 1799, 100 of Surprises crew recaptured H.M.S. Hermione 1782 who's crew had mutinied against her officers in 1797, by boarding from the ships boats, led by Captain Hamilton (sorry no Jack Aubrey).
Surprise was sold in 1802 at the time of the Peace of Amiens, reflecting the decision to reduce the size of the Royal Navy after peace had been signed with France.
P.S: During the time in which I will building this model I will be posting building updates during its construction, however during this time my post may not be as regular as they usually are. I am sure you can understand why.
14 comments:
Are You going to post a "step by step"? It can be eternal. Ah! good kit
That looks like a lot of work, but an incredible ammount of fun. Keep us up to date of the building process, that would be very interesting. Cheers!
I won't be posting a step by step but I will be posting Surprise building updates as I move along.
An absolutely fascinating challenge. Hope you enjoy a lot doing it. Incidentally, I had never seen the inside of one of these boxes.
Gracias Diego - Estoy seguro de que son conscientes de que estos juegos se realizan en Barcalona. España cuenta con las mejores maderas para la construcción de modelos de barcos.
Yes, I have often seen in the woods .... but for now is not my thing ... although I do not lack desire
I will look forward to new reviews for construction
Thanks RIHARD - It should be a challenging build.
I think this is gonna be a hard project! good luck!
Thanks Pat.
Looks like a great subject and a lot of work. Good idea posting the progress. I can't wait to see the finished piece.
Dave
It going to a while.
Warren, so glad to have found your blog -- my A/L HMS Surprise kit has just left San Francisco on course for Melbourne Australia -- and your pics have got me so excited I can hardly contain myself.
Tell me, did you use a scroll saw to cut out the bulkheads?
Great site!
Slashusr
They are all pre laser cut so there is no need for a scroll saw though you will have to sand the bulkhead edges to conform to the curvature of the hull.
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