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chris watton

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  1. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from MrNabo73 in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  2. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Martes in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    OK, I have now completed what I need to for the designs. The 'mule' is finished, no need to garner any more info from it - and here she is. No varnish, paint and much abused, Jim's model will have much more finesse (and colour).
    I knew I was close to the finishing line (designs) for this, so I was up most of the night, and then all of today to complete it - now I can relax a little before starting the CAD drawings for plans..
     

















  3. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Archi in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    OK, I have now completed what I need to for the designs. The 'mule' is finished, no need to garner any more info from it - and here she is. No varnish, paint and much abused, Jim's model will have much more finesse (and colour).
    I knew I was close to the finishing line (designs) for this, so I was up most of the night, and then all of today to complete it - now I can relax a little before starting the CAD drawings for plans..
     

















  4. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from DonSangria in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  5. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from François de Saint Nazaire in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.
    I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 
     
    Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.
     
    I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
     
  6. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Oboship in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    The chimney is posable as it is a push fit, you can rotate it however you wish
  7. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from cotrecerf in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    OK, I have now completed what I need to for the designs. The 'mule' is finished, no need to garner any more info from it - and here she is. No varnish, paint and much abused, Jim's model will have much more finesse (and colour).
    I knew I was close to the finishing line (designs) for this, so I was up most of the night, and then all of today to complete it - now I can relax a little before starting the CAD drawings for plans..
     

















  8. Like
    chris watton reacted to Kevin in Bounty by Kevin - Artesania Latina - 1:48 - started August 2025   
    Good Morning Lyle
    im actually been looking at yr build as it is the most advanced one i have seen and has given me quite a few ideas, thank you, link to yr build is here
    HMS Bounty by LyleK1 - Artesania Latina - 1:48 scale 
     
    my build will be renamed as she will bear little resemblance to the original build and adapted from the kit, the wife wanted me to build her, so she will possibly be renamed "Ruth"
     
    i very quickly realised why so many of this kit go unfinished
    Internally the kit although bears very little resemblance to the vessel, and the kit contents to make something out of it is sparse and not very well thought out is pants to say the least, for example the cargo hold is to short as the lower foredeck is far to long, and the very high centre line, gives you a W shaped space lol.
    But i have found the biggest issue with adapting her, is keeping the frames in the correct position, other than the keel and the one side of the middle deck there is nothing to keep them lined up, the very least AL could have done was put some indications on the top deck 
    if this is classed as a entry level build then double planking should have been included, i will be doing that with mine, 
     this could be a fantastic kit, had they spent a few more Friday afternoons thinking about builders making and completing her
     
  9. Like
    chris watton reacted to dunnock in HMS Harpy 1796 by dunnock - Vanguard Models - 1:64   
    Thanks for the likes and generous comments: they're much appreciated
     
    Planking Completed
    Port side planking went a little easier with fewer awkward cuts. The result is port and starboard are slightly different but most will be covered by the carronades.
    Sanding with 120 grit and a final scraping smoothed the decking which has been finished with a couple of coats of very dilute matt varnish. Past experience has shown that too much varnish or shellac reduces adhesion of pva.
     
    Some shots before sanding and finishing


     

    ... and after




     
    David
     
  10. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Esap in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  11. Wow!
    chris watton got a reaction from egkb in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    OK, I have now completed what I need to for the designs. The 'mule' is finished, no need to garner any more info from it - and here she is. No varnish, paint and much abused, Jim's model will have much more finesse (and colour).
    I knew I was close to the finishing line (designs) for this, so I was up most of the night, and then all of today to complete it - now I can relax a little before starting the CAD drawings for plans..
     

















  12. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Pitan in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  13. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Beef Wellington in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    OK, I have now completed what I need to for the designs. The 'mule' is finished, no need to garner any more info from it - and here she is. No varnish, paint and much abused, Jim's model will have much more finesse (and colour).
    I knew I was close to the finishing line (designs) for this, so I was up most of the night, and then all of today to complete it - now I can relax a little before starting the CAD drawings for plans..
     

















  14. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from gjdale in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.
    I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 
     
    Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.
     
    I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
     
  15. Wow!
    chris watton got a reaction from AJohnson in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  16. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Pitan in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.
    I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 
     
    Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.
     
    I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
     
  17. Wow!
    chris watton got a reaction from Max Blackwood in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.
    I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 
     
    Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.
     
    I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
     
  18. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from egkb in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  19. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Oboship in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  20. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Oboship in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.
    I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 
     
    Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.
     
    I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
     
  21. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Alexander Bulimov in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.
    I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 
     
    Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.
     
    I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
     
  22. Like
    chris watton reacted to Desertanimal in 18th Century Longboat by Desertanimal - Model Shipways - 1:48   
    Now it’s time to remove the bulkheads and thin the frames down.
    I used one of the course files you get in various tool “kits” from model expo. It made quick work of the attachment points without causing any trouble. I did snap off a couple of frame tips that were not attached to the top planks very well. Those were easily glued back on and it’s essentially invisible. I tended to use lesser than more glue because cleanup was hard to get to during planking and it’s not going to be easy cleaning up a lot of excess glue between the frames.
     

     

     

     
    Then sanding them down was tedious. I didn’t want to use power like a dremel for fear of taking too much off. So various grits of sandpaper and I went at it.  Made a little Thor’s hammer to help. It was OK but wasn’t used everywhere. I saw this on @BobF’s build of this boat. I actually need to give him more credit than just that as I’ve studied his build log immensely.
     

     
    Got them down to where I liked them and then it was time for the cap rail. I held a 1/16 sheet of boxwood against the wale and traced it. 
    Here’s a question for you guys, while I was cutting out the boxwood it seems really brittle has that been other’s experience? Now I was using a bandsaw with a fairly rough cutting blade so it could have been that. Also cutting out small pieces with a sharp exacto will have it split sometimes also.
    Anyway I cut out the piece way oversized. I cut out the part for the stem and glued it on.
     
    I didn't have any curved exacto blades to use for glue cleanup. I ordered some but while waiting continued working on the cap rails. The plan was to NOT glue them on until I cleaned up the inside. Ooops, I missed that memo. So now it’s a little bit harder to get to! HaHaHa. 
     

     

     
    I then sanded them down to a 1/64 overhang. It still looks a little heavy where the breasthook goes, so I’ll probably take that down a little more.
     
    Here’s where we stand so far. 
     
    I’m trying to decide if I can get away without painting the wales since it will be a shame to paint over that woodgrain.
     

     
    Thanks for checking out my build!

    Chris
  23. Wow!
    chris watton got a reaction from JonVonWeston in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    I wasn't going to do it just yet, it was way further down the list, but Mary Montagu-Scott, the  Trustee of Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, convinced me, so I will have their logo on the kit box too. They are currently excavating the building slip where the Agamemnon was built, and she has big plans for the future of this historical site.
  24. Like
    chris watton got a reaction from Ryland Craze in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.
    I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 
     
    Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.
     
    I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
     
  25. Like
    chris watton reacted to Morgan in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2   
    Chris,
     
    I have the ordnance records for Agamemnon in 1804, given they are a mix of George 3 and George 2 cypher there were several pre 1760 guns, and hence an earlier pattern than Frederick-Armstrong they are probably the original as issued when launched. I believe she took these to her watery grave.
     
    I’ll dig these out later and send them to you if you don’t have them.
     
    Gary
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