Brenticus

Greetings! Newbie here. After dabbling with a couple of Age of Sail models (one is still ongoing), I finally decided to do the Jolly Roger, by Lindberg (seemed a lot simpler than my Heller 74/ Le Superbe). This kit was also known as the frigate La Flore (originally) and also the Flying Dutchman. But now it’s the Jolly Roger because all square rigged vessels with cannon have to be pirate ships. Sigh… Anyway, it was/is my intention to use this kit to create a sort of generic 18th century Royal Navy frigate, but not any specific frigate from the Royal Navy of that era. Also, I am building this as a gift for my mother (a motivation which helps all the mess pass muster with my wife), Patricia. Thus, I decided to name her the HMS Patrician. No ships of the era are named Patrician, but there is a WWI vessel called Patrician, so there’s that. Anyhow, I am working on a deadline so there are some corners I have cut. She’s a little paint-by numbers, very little nuance in the colors of the deck, fittings, side stripe, etc. And most of the yellow is not the correct ochre-color, but I think she still looks pretty good. I am now done with the hull, excepting a few touch ups. She's a little sloppy, by the standard of so many other builds I have seen, but I'm sure I will improve in time- and I doubt either of my parents will mind. Here’s some pics, early and new: I have opted not to do ropes for the gunports on this build, for the sake of speed. I will be adding the ropes for my Heller 74 however. So far I have to say the fit of this kit leaves a lot to be desired. The boards where the ratlines attach didn't fit at all, and I had to whittle down some of it to fit. Same with the bowsprit, which I have test fitted. The ornamentation near the bow (I forget the word) absolutely did. Not. Fit. So I had to take it apart and bend it into shape...sort of. Hopefully it passes muster for a newbie, and hopefully nobody will mind. There is no place to lash the boats to the deck, so I just glued a few strings around the boats and inserted the whole into place. I think the effect is pretty good, all things considered. I have also opted not to add ropes as gun tackle- hopefully no one will notice. A lot of parts needed trimming, and some didn't fit. But overall, I'm proud of her. There aren't many plastic frigate kits- especially at this scale. And the lindberg kits are very cheap. So while it is a flawed kit, I think it's a good buy. Now, I get to tackle the rigging of a Kings Ship for the first time. I will post updates as I take on this challenge!

Thanks for the info/ link! Much obliged!

I too have just discovered your Superbe/ Praetorian, and I must say it is simply lovely. She seems to very much have a life of her own, something difficult to create in models. I have ordered my own Superbe (always wanted to build a 74, but until recently could not find kit aside from expensive wooden ones), and I am hoping to create a similar display, though perhaps under topgallants- not sure. I was wondering if you might tell me where you were able to find small crewmen for your Le Praetorian? I am (fairly but not entirely) new to the hobby (at least when it comes to Age of Sail models), and seem to have some trouble finding such figures, at least in the proper size. Also, are there any good resources you might be able to point me toward for the sea base? Your explanation was very helpful and is very nearly all one would need, but I'm not very sure on how pronounced the bow wave and wake should be...not very, judging from all paintings and your own excellent model...but if there was some document with further tips, I would love to be pointed in their direction. Congratulations on making such an outstanding model! I have visited the pictures of your ship many times, and spent quite a time admiring it! I wonder why more companies don't make models of (any) 74? Seems strange. Anyway, thanks for posting all of these images and helpful explanations!