HMS Macedonian 1810 - a working model in 1:35

Last edited by GeraldTodd on Thu Feb 18, 2010 3:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

This thread is now the build log for this project, supported by my web site which is linked to my signature below.

The plan is to build a 1:35 scale working model of the 38 gun, 18 pounder, frigate Macedonian built at Woolwich in 1810.

Macedonian was a one of 16 Lively class frigates designed by Sir William Rule which also included: Lively, Resistance, Apollo, Hussar, Statira, Horatio, Spartan, Undaunted, Menelaus, Nisus, Crescent, Bacchante, Nymphe, Sirius, and Laurel

Considered to be one of the most successful British frigate design of the period, after the prototype was launched in 1804 with three more ordered to the same design - a dozen more were ordered, which was slightly modified (in 1805) to have the gangways between forecastle and quarterdeck more integrated into the upperworks, a step towards the final enclosure of the waist.

My project will show Macedonian as she appeared in 1812 when she engaged and was captured by the American frigate United States. She was teken in to American service as the USS Macedonian and served until she was broken up 1828.

Macedonian vs United States by Derek Gardner

Macedonian is a very interesting subject that represents not only the ubiquitous British frigate, but a vessel that served in two navies.

PS: I have no intention of producing the United States in 1:35th. Smile

Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:44 pm • Post subject:

According to Lyon, 'Macedonian' was one of the 'Lively' class of 1799. No plans of 'Macedonian' herself are listed, but plans for the class are held by the NMM, Greenwich. Listed are:

lines/profile/orlop/gun deck/upper deck/quarter deck & forecastle/framing/specification

In addition there is a delightful watercolour 'presentation' style draught of 'Lively', showing her in profile (with lower masts and staffs in place and figure), as well as a longitudinal section, her stern decoration and body plan.

As there would be very little difference between ships of the same class, you could build 'Macedonian' from the above.

Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:47 pm • Post subject:

Where do they hide this stuff? I couldn't find a catalog or listing anywhere.

Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:23 pm • Post subject:

You would need to own a copy of the late David Lyon's 'The Sailing Navy List 1688-1860'. It's very hard to find a used copy any more.

If you write to the Plans Department at the National Maritime Museum, they should be able to help. Be aware that plans purchased from them are expensive.

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:57 am • Post subject:

The easiest thing to do is to email them on plansandphotos@nmm.ac.uk , they normally respond relatively quickly with a list of everything they got which is a match.

If you are using them for personal research use only with no sharing with others are public display then you usually look at around £100. When I last ordered their pricing structure was at £16.50 per plan plus an £11.50 research fee and then add p&p.

On a plus side you do get a photocopy of the original plans at full size (not to say that the originals wont have shrunk though)

Joss.

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:39 am • Post subject:

100 quid? That's like $250 US right now isn't it? Good lord they are expensive. I think I'll drive down and see what the US National Archives has on her, and maybe the Smithsonian, I think Chapelle drew her too.

Thanks gents.

Macedonian's a very interesting bit of history and a very neglected subject in modeling. Besides serving in the Royal Navy AND the US Navy, she was a good example of a fairly typical British 38 of the Napoleonic wars - you'd think there would be kits all over the place of her.

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:36 pm • Post subject:

100 quid is $165 as of today. Still expensive though

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 1:57 pm • Post subject:

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:59 pm • Post subject:

I doubt National Archives has anything on her. If there is a plan in the US it will be at the Smithsonian if Chapelle redrew her from the original Admiralty draught.

Russ

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 4:19 pm • Post subject:

Not positive, but I think that Chapelle redrew MACEDONIAN and it would be in the HASN. I will check my copy tonight - also, I will look in my Smithsonian Inst. catalog and see if the plan is available.