chris watton

When I started Surprise, I had a choice to develop her as she was for her very short real career, or more like as per the novels. I decided that the majority, I suspect well over 90% of builders, would like to depict her as per the novels, so this is what I focused on for the main kit. There will be an optional armament for the 32-Pounder carronades and the different figurehead, so there is a choice. I shall reiterate, Surprise is developed with the fictional version well and truly in mind, and most, if not all of that action was post 1801 - this is why, when I was asked by the supplier of the flags, which period would I like to go for, I told them the later version. As these sets are quite expensive, being of very nice quality, I thought it best to go with the version that I strongly suspect most modellers will build her as. I could not get either/or, as the costs are too prohibitive to have one set gathering dust on the shelves for years to come. The only area that I have left alone is the main mast, there will be no 36 gun frigate main mast in the kit. I think this is fine, as that mast wasn't stepped upon Aubrey's command, but later. As for what I am doing now, I am trying hard to complete the plan sets. I suspect now that I will have them done in the next 4 weeks, or just before Christmas. This has taken much longer than I anticipated due to having to stop frequently and focus my attention on production for orders. I have yet to start production for Surprise, but this is normal. I usually start when I am 100% sure the parts I gave Jim are all fine. If I started before this, and Jim came accross a problem, it would be a disaster, as all of that expensive pear wood sheet would have to be scrapped and re done - so production of laser cut parts is usually the final job for me once I am 100% sure all parts fit as intended. We are now actively looking for a unit to rent, as we have well and truly outgrown the space we have here, so hopefully we can find somewhere where we can expand a lot more. Finally, I am looking into purchasing better 3-d printers, (commercial grade rather than consumer grade) and have been looking at FormLabs products. I think these would be better suited for my needs going forward, as the print tolorances are much tighter, although quite a large investment (FormLabs 4L package is quite an investment, plus the resin required).

I learned that word from The Big Bang Theory!

To be clear, my version of Surprise is depicted post 1801, as per the novels. The quarter davits would not be shown if it were much earlier. This does not stop anyone from changing the model to 1796 spec if they so wished - buy another flag set (or leave them off) and leave off the slightly later innovations like the davits. I did think adding a quality flag set for the first time ever as standard for my kits would be a nice little addition - should have known it would cause a ruckus! 😅

I knew I would get this question. Yes, for me, the flag from 1801 is appropriate. This is because I figured the vast majority of builders will want to depict the model as per the novels, the overwhelming majority being post 1801. If I asked for the pre 1801 flag, I am sure I would also get comments about that. On balance, I thought the post 1801 would suit the majority.

Just heard that my Surprise flag sets and optional machined blocks are arriving tomorrow! The flag set will be included as standard in the first and perhaps second batch of Surprise kits. In fact, the only optional extra will be the machined blocks, and that's only because I know some will want to just build the hull and leave off the masts and rig. The quality is very high for these flags, printed on a very fine material, Jim has my first samples..

If the customer is happy, then I am happy! Doing alternatives like this is possible because I produce all my own stuff, rather than sub contracting to some Chinese company. So if I feel I have the time and it can be done, I shall endeavour to do it - like personalised nameplates for pre orders on some past kits.

This is always the issue, I cannot please 100% of the people 100% of the time. However, after reading this, I have done a modified Surprise upper deck with NO cut outs (apart from the required ones for hatches). So if anyone orders a Surprise, let me know if they want a deck with no extra cutouts to show the beams. So for my next kit, at least, the option is there - you will just need to ask.

Oh, just had my HMS Surprise photo etch production sheets rock up on a large pallet!

Funny that you mention that, people have been saying this exact thing for as long as I can remember, well over a 30 year period. I remember feeling the odd one out when I was younger, entering scale model competitions when still in my 20's. I used to think the same and worry, everyone is so much older. Yet, three decades later, same story and people are still out there. Am sure the same will be said another 30 years from now.. The Blackpool show was mainly old tugs, steam vessels and warships, which is no surprise as there were only UK based traders there. (It was great to see and chat with Ron Dean again), I even saw a model of the very first model kit I was involved with, the steam drifter Peggy, which I did way back in 1994 - forgot just how big those hulls are... And with my 60th coming up next year, I too have become one of those old silver haired (well, perhaps a couple of hairs) folk!

OK, we're back from Blackpool, our first real show, and we have learnt a lot! Here are some pics. Jim was brilliant, building up a Sphinx hull whilst there, which created much interest. We were the only exhibitors with period ship kits, the rest were mainly tug boats, fishing vessels, lifeboats and warships - but I guess we are only one of two companies in the UK that produce this type of model, so not too surprising. We plan to do Telford next year.

We will be at the Blackpool Model Show this weekend (Saturday and Sunday), so anyone near in the UK, we shall be there! ETA - Jim (Hatch) will be there, too!

As Kenchington says, it depends. Some were given just the basics, capstan and positions changed, top hamper, boat stowage and armament (?) Some were changed almost beyond recognition with stern and side galleries changed to have a more British navy aesthetic, even the figurehead, deck hatch changes, upper bulwarks usually berthed up (if we’re talking late 18th/early 19th Century) and upper deck armament changed to carronades. There are many plans showing the vessel ‘as built’ in the French yards and as rebuilt by British yards.

Sorry, have been so busy, I have only just seen this. Duchess should be fine after Adder. Again, regarding Speedy, you do not have to add the sheets, clews, tacks, bowlines and buntlines. You can leave them off by omitting the blocks for them. You can make the rig the same as Adder if you so wish and it really will not detract so much from the overall finished of the completed model. And great job, by the way! ETA - Oh, I did reply! I am going mad....

Would the pump handles even be fitted when not in use? I would imagine not.

Yes, they are the Manger. described as such in the parts list

Problem is that I would need tens of thousands, like blocks and deadeyes.

I did in fact order 10's of 1000's of the smallest commercial belaying pins I could buy, thinking I would use them for my Surprise kit. However, when they arrived, I realised they still looked too thick when in place with the rest of the 'in-scale' surroundings, even though they are the smallest size. So, I had to revert back to PE versions. I know some do not like them, but I much prefer the more in-scale appearance, as over scale stuff just stick out way too much, always drawing your eye to that area. The lesser of two weavils! Am sure I shall use them for something one day, but certainly not for a 64th scale Surprise...

Thank you! I too love showing progress for new developments, I think I get just as excited as some of you! I have said many times, I really don't care what others are doing, I never even look or follow anyone else (except Chuck), so because I am not made that way, I am sometimes taken aback when I see certain things from others which appear to be so blatant. Designing these is a very personal thing and each developemnt takes a very long time, you know the exact times you thought of something new, or realised a solution to a particular problem and it works out well. I had assumed other 'designers' must share the same thoughts - so you know instinctively when and what some have used from your own designs for their own product. It is, this part of the development is hell for me! The worst is yet to come, masts and rigging, just hours upon days upon weeks of CAD work... But, it's gotta be done! OK, here is another drawing (still in progess, doing the cutaway view today), showing the gun deck and upper deck beams, and the main cutaway profile showing lower, main and upper decks.

I am currently working on the CAD drawings for Surprise, these take an absolute age to do - but profiles are almost complete (need to do all these before even starting on masts, yards and rig) But these three views should give a good impression of the hull and detail

Sorry to read this, Glenn, you have our thoughts and prayers.

The differences seem to be mainly on the upper deck arrangements, with hatches in different positions, and the upper bulwarks slightly different, too. For future developments, I shall not be so quick to plaster it all on here. Once a development is near completion, ony then shall I announce it. I would rather not do this as I too get excited telling you guys, but it seems I have little choice.

Igor's very first job for me was the Surprise lower drop, the rest of Surprise 3-d printed parts was done by another company (figureheads and the Aubrey/Maturin music scene) and a nice fellow from Canada (Lantern, boats, done previously, and stove), and a few things I did myself (like the new pump bodies, rudder fittings and carronade wheels) Igor's first big job for me will be the figurehead, decoration and a few other aspects for the new development of HMS Agamamnon. I suspect this will not be his last job for me.. Today I ordered and paid for the production photo etched brass sheets for Surprise, which are being done in Italy and will be ready well before kit release. In fact, all of the Surprise PE copper sheets will be with me this week (ordered those extra early in case there was any issues with supply).

OK, we now have Sherbourne's back in stock (keep running out...) Also, I have made up 5 Flirt Master Shipwright kits (boxwood), which are also in stock.

I will have other scales available at some point, but not for a while, as we are very snowed under right now.

And here is the full scene, Aubrey, Maturin, table with candles and music note stand - standard in all Surprise kits.