by Gene Andes
Categories:
- Build type: [Scratch]
- Material: [Wood]
- Scale: [1:64 (3/16" = 1')]
- Subject Type: [Sloop-of-War]
- Era: [1815-1914]
- Nationality: [United States]
- Propulsion: [Sail]
Model Images
About the Model
The model of the Vandalia was entirely scratch built from plans in the National Archives, using maple for frames, timbering, masts, spars, and deck planking, with red oak for hull planking. The model hull planking was fastened with wooden pegs. The National Archives plans were for the hull only, as was the practice at the time, so the masting and rigging reconstruction was conjectural, based on practices of the time. Because of the “half round” stern and the quarter galleries, supposedly requested during construction by her first commander, certain rigging was done is in older ways than might have been the most current or up to date practice of the time of her launch. I thought that perhaps a commander who was somewhat anachronistic might have a sailing master of similar persuasion.
The cordage is cotton, made up from various thread using a home made rope machine. For the most part, ropes that would be cable laid or rope laid are such on the model. No commercial fittings, other than belaying pins, were used in the model. The model is in a heavy custom made oak case with acrylic glazing and LED lights. External dimensions of the case are: 50.5″ wide x 39″ high x 18.5″ deep.
About the Vessel
Vandalia was an 18-gun sloop-of-war with a varied career in the United States Navy . Her assignments included:
| Assignment | Dates | Notable Events |
| Brazil Squadron | 1828–1831 | Political unrest in South America |
| West Indies Squadron | 1832–189 | Seminole Wars, suppression of piracy and the slave trade |
| Home Squadron | 1842–1845 | Patrol duties from Newfoundland to the Amazon River |
| Pacific Squadron | 1849–1852 | Lengthened by 13 feet. Trips to and from the Hawaiian Islands |
| East Indies Squadron | 1853–1856 | Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s East India Squadron The “opening of Japan” Taiping Rebellion. |
| Pacific Squadron | 1857–1860 | Expedition against natives at Waya, Fiji Islands, following the murder of two American citizens |
| Civil War | 1860–1863 | South Atlantic Blockading Squadron |
| Decommissioning | 1863 | Used after as a receiving and guard ship Broken up between 1870 and 1872 |