by Bob Comet
Categories:
- Build type: [Plank-on-bulkhead][Scratch]
- Material: [Wood]
- Scale: [1:64 (3/16" = 1')]
- Subject Type: [Sloop-of-War]
- Era: [1700-1815]
- Nationality: [England / United Kingdom]
- Propulsion: [Sail]
Model Images
About the Vessel
The model represents an English Revenue cutter of the period 1810 to 1830. These cutters were used in peacetime in the English Channel to protect the King’s revenue against smuggling and contraband. In time of war, the cutters were often used as dispatch or advice boats for the Fleet. The cutters were heavily canvassed with a combination fore and aft rig and square rigged topsail and course. This rig gave the cutters the ability to sail well either close hauled or before the wind.
About the Model
The model is based on 1:64 scale plans purchased from The Marine Model Co., Inc. at Halesite, N.Y., modified to produce a plank-on-bulkhead model rather than a solid block hull.
The model’s hull is finished clear on the starboard side to show construction. The port side is painted in colors consistent with the period and vessel type: white below the water line, black topsides, and a blue wale. The masts and spars are finished clear except for the following areas painted white: the inboard end of the bowsprit, the boom and gaffs in the vicinity of the jaws, and the mast at the doublings. The bulwarks inside are painted red, as are the gun trucks and deck furniture.
No purchased fittings are used other than chain, cordage, and scribed decking. Rigging includes all standing rigging and sheets, halyards, clew lines, down hauls, etc. No sails are set. Gratings are made with scratch half-lapped pieces. The pump handles are working, as are the gun ports and rudder. The rudder is fitted with pintles, gudgeons, and riveted straps.
The model is armed with twelve nine-pound truck guns. The guns are turned from brass and oxidized, and are rigged with breeching and side gun tackles.
The model was entered and displayed in the 1991 Mariners’ Museum Scale Ship Model Competition and was awarded a Letter of Commendation.
Estimated working time to complete model is 250 hours.