Blue Ensign

Well done Chantelle, quite a mammoth  task I would imagine.👏🏻
I hope you are now fully recovered from your leg break and are firing on all four.
I look forward to receiving the fruits of your labours in the very near future.
 
Thank you,
 
B.E.

Well done Chantelle, quite a mammoth  task I would imagine.👏🏻
I hope you are now fully recovered from your leg break and are firing on all four.
I look forward to receiving the fruits of your labours in the very near future.
 
Thank you,
 
B.E.

A large part of that is down to James hatch, who has helped build the final prototypes and taken all pictures for the construction, plus text. This really does help with continuing new developments while that last one is still being worked on.
 
Regarding larger kits in the future, today, this is one giant step closer, as I have ordered a second laser machine. This is not cheap, but I know it is exactly what I want, and I did promise that any money from sales is invested straight back into the business. The laser machine has a larger bed, so I can cut material of 800x600mm, rather than 600x400mm, and it is twice as powerful, being 80w. It is due for delivery in October, after the refurbishment of our garage next month, to make it into more of a proper unit that dilapidated hell hole..
 
On the Sphinx front, my wife, Chantelle and made up the 50 kits (that's a lot of boxes)! and now we wait for the printed manuals, plans and box label to arrive.
 
I would have loved to have a full printed box for all my kits, but the costs are frankly comical, and no way worth it when considering they would add £100 to kit price! What Sphinx does have is a very strong double walled box, which will keep the parts safe during shipping. That, coupled with Chan's careful packing of the parts should ensure the kits arrive in perfect condition (We have learned a lot since our first Alert kit..)

Thanks guys for your support, I do hope I live up to our joint expectations. 🙄
 
@ WestPort – Thank you, glad my Pegasus build has been of use.
 
@ Greg - I will be using your build of Pegasus as an invaluable reference work for my deck plan layout.
 
@ Neill – matrimonial harmony - Good thinking, assists a build no end. 😄
 
@ Mark – I’m looking forward to enhancing the exposed deck beams with carlings, ledges, and knees etc;
 
B.E.

Thanks guys for your support, I do hope I live up to our joint expectations. 🙄
 
@ WestPort – Thank you, glad my Pegasus build has been of use.
 
@ Greg - I will be using your build of Pegasus as an invaluable reference work for my deck plan layout.
 
@ Neill – matrimonial harmony - Good thinking, assists a build no end. 😄
 
@ Mark – I’m looking forward to enhancing the exposed deck beams with carlings, ledges, and knees etc;
 
B.E.

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.
 
This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.
I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18th century square rigged naval ship.
 
However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.
The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.
 
I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)
 
These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.
 
Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)
 
Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.
 
I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.
 
So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.
 
B.E.
11/08/2021
 

I'm in also B.E.   I'm thinking the same build style due to space when I do mine.   Meanwhile, until delivery is chill pill time.

Love the Navy Board style. Looking forward to seeing the end result.

Looking forward to following this.  I will build mine dockyard style as well, again due to display space, and matrimonial harmony.

Looking forward to your take on this model in Navy Board fashion. The Marshall paintings are very inspirational!

I'm ready to sit back and enjoy the show!

Now THIS i definitely want to see! 

Looking forward to seeing this

Was happy to hear that you would be taking on this model and will definitely be following this build.  Like many other members, your Pegasus build has been an invaluable source of information and inspiration for my own build.  I am Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Sphinx.

Looking forward to this build

Definitely following this 🍿

Can’t wait to see your interpretation of Chris’s design B.E. I’m sure it will be something special, so I’ve pulled up a front row seat to follow along.

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.
 
This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.
I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18th century square rigged naval ship.
 
However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.
The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.
 
I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)
 
These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.
 
Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)
 
Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.
 
I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.
 
So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.
 
B.E.
11/08/2021
 

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.
 
This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.
I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18th century square rigged naval ship.
 
However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.
The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.
 
I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)
 
These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.
 
Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)
 
Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.
 
I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.
 
So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.
 
B.E.
11/08/2021
 

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.
 
This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.
I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18th century square rigged naval ship.
 
However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.
The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.
 
I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)
 
These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.
 
Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)
 
Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.
 
I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.
 
So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.
 
B.E.
11/08/2021
 

I cut out the keel and bulkheads, and test fit them together.  Everything slots together perfectly, no ambiguity or slop whatsoever.
 
 


 
The framework is really well conceived and engineered.  For instance, there are these little floor braces (parts #22) which lock into bulkheads #9, 10 and 11 and serve to stabilize the end of the lower deck segments.  
 
 

There are several other build logs on Flirt here on MSW, so I’ll try not to reiterate the same material, and I won’t go exhaustively through the contents of the kit.  But a few introductory notes are worthwhile. 
 
Upon opening the kit, I was struck by how beautifully and carefully packaged it was.  Chris clearly has made an effort to thoughtfully categorize all the components, and carefully protect them for shipping.  Everything is thoroughly labeled, and bagged in plastic with care.
 
As I said, I upgraded to the Master Shipwright pear block set, and this came in a little bespoke box.  Very nice.  All of the individual parts are carefully labeled in little plastic bags.  The quality of the parts looks really good.  The cannon look particularly well molded and detailed.  
 
The nicest surprise was the optional 18’ Cutter which I ordered.  This came in another adorable little box, like its own little doll-sized kit.  I see that Chris is offering several ships tenders in various sizes now on his website, so this kind of modularization make perfect sense.  It’s such a great looking little boat kit, I can’t wait to try building it, if I can get my big, fat ham fingers to function properly enough to build something that tiny.
 
As is the custom with Chris and Vanguard Models, the materials are top-notch, and the laser cutting is fine and precise.  The cutter Chris is using must be pretty great, and it’s clear he has his settings dialed in, because there is very little over-burn on the parts.  
 
 

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.
 
This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.
I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18th century square rigged naval ship.
 
However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.
The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.
 
I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)
 
These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.
 
Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)
 
Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.
 
I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.
 
So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.
 
B.E.
11/08/2021
 

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.
 
This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.
I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18th century square rigged naval ship.
 
However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.
The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.
 
I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)
 
These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.
 
Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)
 
Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.
 
I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.
 
So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.
 
B.E.
11/08/2021
 

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.
 
This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.
I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18th century square rigged naval ship.
 
However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.
The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.
 
I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)
 
These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.
 
Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)
 
Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.
 
I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.
 
So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.
 
B.E.
11/08/2021