Supplies of the Ship Modeler's Handbook are running out. Get your copy NOW before they are gone! Click on photo to order.
×
alde
-
Posts
1,024 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Reputation Activity
-
alde got a reaction from Oboship in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
First, this model is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to have one.
After reading through several Vangaurd kit build logs and reading some of the instructions available on the website and following this thread, Surprise looks like although a challenge would not be out of reach for someone with a couple of kits built. I currently have HMS Sphinx on my shelf. I'll take that on after I finish Syren and before Surprise. It's amazing how taking on new challenges builds the confidence to take on more difficult kits.
-
alde got a reaction from Ryland Craze in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
First, this model is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to have one.
After reading through several Vangaurd kit build logs and reading some of the instructions available on the website and following this thread, Surprise looks like although a challenge would not be out of reach for someone with a couple of kits built. I currently have HMS Sphinx on my shelf. I'll take that on after I finish Syren and before Surprise. It's amazing how taking on new challenges builds the confidence to take on more difficult kits.
-
.jpg.d84ec4dad1d7791e855dca06210ab6f3.thumb.jpg.f45209242e851d4409eca1a09293165b.jpg)
alde got a reaction from hollowneck in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
First, this model is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to have one.
After reading through several Vangaurd kit build logs and reading some of the instructions available on the website and following this thread, Surprise looks like although a challenge would not be out of reach for someone with a couple of kits built. I currently have HMS Sphinx on my shelf. I'll take that on after I finish Syren and before Surprise. It's amazing how taking on new challenges builds the confidence to take on more difficult kits.
-
alde got a reaction from Canute in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
First, this model is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to have one.
After reading through several Vangaurd kit build logs and reading some of the instructions available on the website and following this thread, Surprise looks like although a challenge would not be out of reach for someone with a couple of kits built. I currently have HMS Sphinx on my shelf. I'll take that on after I finish Syren and before Surprise. It's amazing how taking on new challenges builds the confidence to take on more difficult kits.
-
alde got a reaction from Kevin in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
First, this model is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to have one.
After reading through several Vangaurd kit build logs and reading some of the instructions available on the website and following this thread, Surprise looks like although a challenge would not be out of reach for someone with a couple of kits built. I currently have HMS Sphinx on my shelf. I'll take that on after I finish Syren and before Surprise. It's amazing how taking on new challenges builds the confidence to take on more difficult kits.
-
alde got a reaction from chris watton in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
First, this model is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to have one.
After reading through several Vangaurd kit build logs and reading some of the instructions available on the website and following this thread, Surprise looks like although a challenge would not be out of reach for someone with a couple of kits built. I currently have HMS Sphinx on my shelf. I'll take that on after I finish Syren and before Surprise. It's amazing how taking on new challenges builds the confidence to take on more difficult kits.
-
alde reacted to Jared in Flying Fish by Jared - Model Shipways - 1:96
Here is a higher resolution photo of my completed Flying Fish (not focus stacked).
-
alde reacted to brunnels in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
I watched the new 4K release of Master and Commander last night, now these images..... The wait for release is getting tough to bear lol.
-
alde reacted to Blue Ensign in HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale
Thankyou so much for your generous comments, and also to those who have shown interest and ‘liked’ my stuff.
It is very satisfying to know that my ramblings and musings have been of some help to my fellow modellers.
Only one question remains….
8199
Where am I going to put this fine addition to my Vanguard collection.
5504a
For the present she will remain in my office beneath her protective cover.
Thank you Chris for providing the makings.
B.E.
22/08/2025
-
alde got a reaction from hollowneck in HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale
You have built a beautiful model. Thank you for putting the build log together.
-
alde got a reaction from Mr Whippy in HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale
You have built a beautiful model. Thank you for putting the build log together.
-
alde got a reaction from Blue Ensign in HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale
You have built a beautiful model. Thank you for putting the build log together.
-
alde reacted to Blue Ensign in HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale
Post 107
Completion photos part 2
Close-up shots.
5471a
5464a
5466a
5439a
5467a
5469b
5470b
5444a
5457a
5442a
5437a
5434a
B.E.
20/08/2025
-
alde reacted to chris watton in Vanguard models without simplified rigging
All of the range have proper rigging. The term 'Simplified' only refers to the omission of most of the sail related running rigging, like sheets, tacks, clews and bowlines. Rigging directly associated with the spars is always included (lifts, braces, jeers etc.) - and always full standing rigging (shrouds, ratlines, stays etc.).
The kits that have 'full rig' (including at least sheets, tacks and clews) are Alert, Speedy, Flirt, the 6 fishing vessels, but have very simple rig anyway, and sail options, Trial, Sphinx, Harpy and of course, Indy. The remainder omits most of the sail related rig (Duchess of Kingston, Grecian, Sherbourne and Adder). However, the extra rig is very easy to add if you wish.
-
alde got a reaction from Argaen Lok in US Brig Syren by Argaen Lok (aka Scott Larkins) - Model Shipways - Scale 1:64
Same here, I've never done copper. I've been reading up on it and it doesn't look too bad. Right now, I'll be happy to finish the planking and having it look decent.
-
-
alde reacted to chris watton in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
Today I received this render of a work in progress for my Aubrey/Maturin scene for my Surprise kit. Here is Maturin, I was asked if this is OK...
Also today marks the end of heavy designing for Surprise, with the finalising of the bow area, designs are now more or less complete! Thought I'd never finish them!
-
alde reacted to chris watton in Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2
I have a kind of addiction, and it is buying these plans, at times for no other reason than to stare and admire the lines of them for hours on end. I find them fascinating.
This is one of my latest, it is a particularly beautiful 48th scale plan of the San Josef of 112 guns (reputed to once belong to Emma Hamilton) – and damn do those headrails look nice and simple to transfer into a kit version!
In the same tube, I also had an even bigger plan of Caledonia (120 – but rounded upper bow, so probably never do that one), and 2 for the old Roebuck Class 44 gun 2-deckers. Not sure if I shall ever use them, but I would like display all of them one day, if I can ever sell my house and move to somewhere that has the room in my workshop…
-
alde reacted to Argaen Lok in US Brig Syren by Argaen Lok (aka Scott Larkins) - Model Shipways - Scale 1:64
I'm enjoying this kit as well. Doing a few things I've never done on other kits. Guess I'm building my skill level. I don't know about you, but I'll be entering unchartered territory when I start putting the copper on. Never did that before.
-
alde reacted to iMustBeCrazy in Jig for planing planks?
I would continue as you are but glue some 400 grit sandpaper to the back of the ruler and use several light cuts.
-
alde reacted to grsjax in Jig for planing planks?
I think this has been mentioned here before but I will go ahead and mention it again. At least a few companies sell a fixture to hold a model by the keel to make it easier to work on.
This one is sold by Mantua. They work really well for trimming planks.
-
alde reacted to Argaen Lok in US Brig Syren by Argaen Lok (aka Scott Larkins) - Model Shipways - Scale 1:64
I keep moving forward. Thought I'd add this one post while working on the planking. Not sure if others to this, but I have found that as the ribs start angling down to the keel, right where that angling starts, that if I bevel the top inside of the plank, that it fits better against the previous wood plank. But that's just me. Thought I'd share.
-
alde reacted to glbarlow in HMS Surprise 1796 (prototype) by James H - Vanguard Models - 1:64
Glad to hear, PE is so “kit-like…”
-
alde reacted to chris watton in HMS Surprise 1796 (prototype) by James H - Vanguard Models - 1:64
You do realise the pictures taken were with a macro lens, and these names are just a few mm long?
We do have a US distributor, AgesofSail.
-
alde reacted to knightyo in HMS Surprise 1796 (prototype) by James H - Vanguard Models - 1:64
Actually, maybe thin, laser-cut plastic templates that a modeler could use to "sponge" paint through onto the carriages. That might yield the most realistic look of all.
Edit: I think there needs to be a North American distribution center for these kits. I'm assuming that if I purchase this kit, I might as well book a flight to the U.K. to pick it up in person as that would probably be cheaper than the shipping cost to the states. Maybe I'll schedule a vacation for the wife and I to visit the U.K. "just a sec honey, I need to go pick something up real quick".
Our Emblem ®
