chris watton Posted March 7, 2021 Author #1291 Posted March 7, 2021 Don't know about cornering the market, I just want to develop stuff I like, and see how far I can go without the restraints of developing for other manufactures. I do know that having a kit like this so pre-cut (for the hull, only the lime and pearwood planking is used, and only at below main wale level, everything above this is fully pre-cut parts), is time consuming to develop, and material heavy. This will have around 35 individual laser cut sheets, and 5 large PE sheets in 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6mm. However, having so many parts doesn't necessarily mean complex, it just means there's a lot less for the modeller to make themselves. I hope... Glenn-UK, RichardG, Gregory and 11 others 14 Vanguard Models on Facebook
TimC Posted March 7, 2021 #1292 Posted March 7, 2021 10 minutes ago, chris watton said: Don't know about cornering the market, I just want to develop stuff I like, and see how far I can go without the restraints of developing for other manufactures. I do know that having a kit like this so pre-cut (for the hull, only the lime and pearwood planking is used, and only at below main wale level, everything above this is fully pre-cut parts), is time consuming to develop, and material heavy. This will have around 35 individual laser cut sheets, and 5 large PE sheets in 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6mm. However, having so many parts doesn't necessarily mean complex, it just means there's a lot less for the modeller to make themselves. I hope... Do you think there would be any market for letting the builder select which pre cut sheets they’d like, but include the plans with dimensions for the smaller pieces? That way they can scratch the parts they want and it may ease some of the production time/cost for you in some regards. Not sure of the logistics this may require, or if it’s feasible, but it was a thought that crossed my mind can’t wait to see the final product on this one Tim Current Build: Amati HMS Fly, First Time Builder, 2020
Mike_H Posted March 7, 2021 #1293 Posted March 7, 2021 Well, what a beauty. And absolutely worth the wait for the update. I was telling myself that I would wait for the model after Sphinx (since Snake has some time to go). But now I'm not so sure, she is so damned beautiful. I think we should all recognise that detail and quality of the kind you are offering won't be cheap, but I certainly hope there is high demand and decent margins for you, meaning that making this your full-time job becomes realistic. Just imagine what choice we would have then! chris watton, DelF, Rik Thistle and 2 others 5 Current Build: HMS Alert - Vanguard Models Completed: Endeavour's Longboat - Artesania Latina HMS Snake - Caldercraft
Wahka_est Posted March 7, 2021 #1294 Posted March 7, 2021 (edited) Super job Chris! And now, what will you develop for us next until we are building Sphinx? Edit. And i guess James will do the manual? James please prioritizeas people are waiting . Edited March 7, 2021 by Wahka_est
chris watton Posted March 7, 2021 Author #1295 Posted March 7, 2021 51 minutes ago, TimC said: Do you think there would be any market for letting the builder select which pre cut sheets they’d like, but include the plans with dimensions for the smaller pieces? That way they can scratch the parts they want and it may ease some of the production time/cost for you in some regards. Not sure of the logistics this may require, or if it’s feasible, but it was a thought that crossed my mind can’t wait to see the final product on this one Tim Hi Tim, No, I buy enough materials for a certain amount of complete kits. If I started messing around with different options, it would get messy. I still have a full time day job, so I would rather use what time I have developing complete kits. I can sell certain items individually like cannon or boats, but not the actual kit laser cut parts. The only extra for Sphinx will be the pearwood blocks and deadeyes. Other than that, it will be a 'full fat' package with everything to make the model and three ships boats included. 24 minutes ago, Mike_H said: Well, what a beauty. And absolutely worth the wait for the update. I was telling myself that I would wait for the model after Sphinx (since Snake has some time to go). But now I'm not so sure, she is so damned beautiful. I think we should all recognise that detail and quality of the kind you are offering won't be cheap, but I certainly hope there is high demand and decent margins for you, meaning that making this your full-time job becomes realistic. Just imagine what choice we would have then! Thank you! I think for the even larger kits, I will revert back to 'standard' designs, due to costs. But I don't mean other manufacturers 'standard', I mean something like my Victory designs 'standard'. This means I will probably have planking strips for deck planking and most of the hull will be conventionally planked, rather than pre-cut/engraved. The designs for Sphinx have been an evolution from the fishing boats to Duchess to Sphinx. I fear the costs for a 64th scale heavy frigate and larger models still would be too prohibitive, and Sphinx is the absolute limit I dare push to. Even then, I will probably lose some sales due to the cost, as people will still ask why the high price, but I believe the right people will buy, those who enjoy making the models and like adding even more, stamping their own mark on the kit. 6 minutes ago, Wahka_est said: Super job Chris! And now, what will you develop for us next until we are building Sphinx? Edit. And i guess James will do the manual? James please prioritizeas people are waiting . Cheers I will be developing an 18 gun brig after Sphinx, before starting on a much larger development (that I cannot wait to get my teeth into) And yes, James will build the prototype, once I have cut all of the parts... DelF, Wahka_est, jpalmer1970 and 9 others 12 Vanguard Models on Facebook
BobG Posted March 7, 2021 #1296 Posted March 7, 2021 6 minutes ago, chris watton said: This means I will probably have planking strips for deck planking and most of the hull will be conventionally planked, rather than pre-cut/engraved. Does this mean the Sphinx will have hull planks that are already spiled to fit correctly? Bob Garcia "Measure once, cuss twice!" Current Builds: Hms Brig-Sloop Flirt 1782 - Vanguard Models Pen Duick - Artesania Latina 1:28 Completed: Medway Longboat 1742 - Syren Ship Model Co. Member of the Nautical Research Guild
chris watton Posted March 7, 2021 Author #1297 Posted March 7, 2021 2 minutes ago, BobG said: Does this mean the Sphinx will have hull planks that are already spiled to fit correctly? No, the hull planking starts at the lower edges of the main wale position. Here it is double planked using 1x5mm limewood and 0.8x4mm pearwood. This is the only planking you need to do. Glenn-UK, GuntherMT, Kevin and 2 others 5 Vanguard Models on Facebook
JeffT Posted March 7, 2021 #1298 Posted March 7, 2021 I'm all in! chris watton 1 Jeff In progress: Medway Longboat 1742 - Syren Ship Model Company -1/2" scale USS Constitution - Model Shipways - Scale 1:76 HMS Granado - CAF Model - 1:48 HMS Sphinx - Vanguard
TimC Posted March 8, 2021 #1299 Posted March 8, 2021 4 hours ago, chris watton said: I buy enough materials for a certain amount of complete kits. If I started messing around with different options, it would get messy Makes perfect sense. One thing I know is that I’ll be in line once this ship is on the market. Excellent work so far DelF, Canute, chris watton and 1 other 4 Current Build: Amati HMS Fly, First Time Builder, 2020
James H Posted March 13, 2021 #1300 Posted March 13, 2021 Remember, the 15% off sale expires this weekend. All proceeds to future kit development 😁 mtaylor, Canute, Guyuti and 1 other 4 SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! On the bench: Zip, nada! On Hold: HMS Winchelsea Double Capstan - Syren Ship Models - 1:48 Finished US Baltimore Armed Privateer Schooner Grecian 1812 (prototype) - Vanguard Models - 1:64 'Zulu' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 Fifie' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Flirt 1782, Vanguard Models - 1:64. Duchess of Kingston c.1780 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Sphinx 1775, Vanguard Models - 1:64 ERYCINA - Plymouth Ketch-Rigged Trawler 1882, Vanguard Models - 1:64. 'Nisha' - The Brixham 'Mumble-Bee' - Vanguard Models 1:64 'Saucy Jack' fishing boat - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Ranger 'Barking Fish Carrier' - 1864 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Indefatigable - 1794 (production prototype), Vanguard Models - 1:64. HMS Harpy - 1796 (production prototype) - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Indeterminate: Tender Avos - Master Korabel - 1:72. H.M.S. Victory (production prototype) - Amati - 1:64. HMS Granado 1742 (cross section) - CAFModel - 1:48
glbarlow Posted March 14, 2021 #1301 Posted March 14, 2021 How about for a pre-buy of Sphinx 🤣😂 KentM, mtaylor, Chuck Seiler and 1 other 4 Regards, Glenn Current Build: Royal Barge, Medway Long Boat Completed Builds: HMS Winchelsea HM Flirt (paused) HM Cutter Cheerful, Lady Nelson, Amati HMS Vanguard, HMS Pegasus, Fair American, HM Granado, HM Pickle, AVS, Pride of Baltimore, Bluenose
allanyed Posted March 15, 2021 #1302 Posted March 15, 2021 Chris, the model is stunning!! Question,,,, the gratings on the forecastle appear to have square holes as normal with the battens and ledges, but those in the waist look like round holes. Is this correct or is it just that the image is not clear and they are square holes? Thanks Allan Canute, mtaylor and chris watton 3 PLEASE take 30 SECONDS and sign up for the epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series. Click on http://trafalgar.tv There is no cost other than the 30 seconds of your time. THANK YOU
chris watton Posted March 15, 2021 Author #1303 Posted March 15, 2021 3 minutes ago, allanyed said: Chris, the model is stunning!! Question,,,, the gratings on the forecastle appear to have square holes as normal with the battens and ledges, but those in the waist look like round holes. Is this correct or is it just that the image is not clear and they are square holes? Thanks Allan They are most definitely square holes in ALL gratings, not round. I am sending James Hatch the full suite of laser cut parts today, so I am sure he will take photos with more clarity. Also, why the heck would I use round holes? lol KentM, Canute, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Vanguard Models on Facebook
allanyed Posted March 15, 2021 #1304 Posted March 15, 2021 That's what I thought, but in the photos they looked round. Thanks for all your hard work Chris Allan Canute, mtaylor and chris watton 3 PLEASE take 30 SECONDS and sign up for the epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series. Click on http://trafalgar.tv There is no cost other than the 30 seconds of your time. THANK YOU
Gregory Posted March 30, 2021 #1305 Posted March 30, 2021 Chris, I was just looking in on the Sphinx build and the stove caught my attention. That looks like a great mini kit to offer in your store. Any plans to offer things like this or your other kits like capstans, pumps & etc. ? James H, Ryland Craze, Canute and 5 others 8 “Indecision may or may not be my problem.” ― Jimmy Buffett Current builds: Rattlesnake On Hold: HMS Resolution ( AKA Ferrett ) In the Gallery: Yacht Mary, Gretel, French Cannon
chris watton Posted March 30, 2021 Author #1306 Posted March 30, 2021 Hello Gregory. I do plan to once I have a few sizes done. As the photo etch parts cost quite a lot of money, and I prefer to wait until I have at least three versions to fit on a single production sheet. Ideally, I need another a size below the one shown, and two or three larger, for frigates and line of battle ships. Same applies to hand pumps, but I do currently offer some capstans and other fittings. mtaylor, hollowneck, jpalmer1970 and 6 others 9 Vanguard Models on Facebook
chris watton Posted April 24, 2021 Author #1307 Posted April 24, 2021 (edited) Just a little update. I ordered a few books that, for the most part, I have read and inspired some of the previous (and many future) model kit choices: Books – VANGUARD MODELS It was suggested to me from a MSW member that perhaps the brand new (just published) book on the life of the Duchess of Kingston may be a nice option for when purchasing the Duchess kit, so I ordered some of these too. The first book to inspire me was Frigates, Sloops and Brigs, although I had the original separate books, Sloops and Brigs and The frigates, but the new book combines both. It was this book (that I read and re-read) during my lunch hours at work that first introduced me to the Speedy. Still working on Sphinx, but I have also started laser cutting some sheets that are final. There are so many sheets that I felt I need to get started as soon as I knew the sheets are OK and final.. Oh, forgot to say, I have had my Master-Korabel kits order delivered, so they are all back in stock, with blocks and deadeyes arriving in a week or so, I hope... Edited April 24, 2021 by chris watton Wahka_est, Glenn-UK, glbarlow and 12 others 15 Vanguard Models on Facebook
glbarlow Posted April 24, 2021 #1308 Posted April 24, 2021 I ordered two of them for my Kindle. Canute and mtaylor 2 Regards, Glenn Current Build: Royal Barge, Medway Long Boat Completed Builds: HMS Winchelsea HM Flirt (paused) HM Cutter Cheerful, Lady Nelson, Amati HMS Vanguard, HMS Pegasus, Fair American, HM Granado, HM Pickle, AVS, Pride of Baltimore, Bluenose
chris watton Posted May 4, 2021 Author #1309 Posted May 4, 2021 Just a very tiny update, I now have the complete selection of machined pear wood blocks back in stock. Also, the kit packer and wife managed to break her leg last Monday, so I am having to help put orders together, so apologies in advance... Rik Thistle, thibaultron, Glenn-UK and 11 others 1 13 Vanguard Models on Facebook
mtaylor Posted May 4, 2021 #1310 Posted May 4, 2021 Sorry to hear about her breaking her leg, Chris. I hope recovery and healing go well with no complications. VTHokiEE, egkb, Canute and 4 others 7 Mark "The shipwright is slow, but the wood is patient." - me Current Build: Past Builds: La Belle Poule 1765 - French Frigate from ANCRE plans - ON HOLD Triton Cross-Section NRG Hallf Hull Planking Kit HMS Sphinx 1775 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Non-Ship Model: On hold, maybe forever: CH-53 Sikorsky - 1:48 - Revell - Completed Licorne - 1755 from Hahn Plans (Scratch) Version 2.0 (Abandoned)
druxey Posted May 4, 2021 #1311 Posted May 4, 2021 Oy. That's not good. I wish her a rapid and uneventful recovery, Chris. Canute, chris watton, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv
chris watton Posted May 4, 2021 Author #1312 Posted May 4, 2021 5 minutes ago, mtaylor said: Sorry to hear about her breaking her leg, Chris. I hope recovery and healing go well with no complications. Thank you She had an X-Ray and CT scan, so surgery required, just a brace for the next six weeks. It is actually her knee she broke, carrying the dog down the stairs and slipping, but managing to protect the dog.. So, I shall be helping with all orders.. thibaultron, AJohnson, coxswain and 4 others 6 1 Vanguard Models on Facebook
bruce d Posted May 4, 2021 #1313 Posted May 4, 2021 Take care of her and yourself, Chris. Sorry to hear about the accident, glad it wasn't worse. Bruce thibaultron, Canute, mtaylor and 2 others 5 🌻 STAY SAFE A model shipwright and an amateur historian are heads & tails of the same coin current builds: HMS Berwick 1775, 1/192 scratchbuild; a Slade 74 in the Navy Board style Mediator sloop, 1/48 - an 18th century transport scratchbuild French longboat - CAF - 1/48, on hold
BobG Posted May 5, 2021 #1314 Posted May 5, 2021 Geez...what a bummer. I hope she heals well and quickly. Oh the things we'll do for our furry, best friends! My wife and I were hiking recently in the mountains outside of Tucson, Arizona, with my brother-in-law and his wife. My sister-in-law slipped on a rock crossing a stream and broke her fibula down by her ankle. We had to call for a rescue since she could not bear weight on her leg and it was too painful for her when we tried to assist her to hop along on one leg. The Tucson Volunteer Mountain Rescue Group were fantastic in getting her out. Fortunately, she didn't require surgery, just a boot for 8 weeks. thibaultron, mtaylor and chris watton 1 2 Bob Garcia "Measure once, cuss twice!" Current Builds: Hms Brig-Sloop Flirt 1782 - Vanguard Models Pen Duick - Artesania Latina 1:28 Completed: Medway Longboat 1742 - Syren Ship Model Co. Member of the Nautical Research Guild
glbarlow Posted May 5, 2021 #1315 Posted May 5, 2021 Sorry to hear Chris, sounds like a long recovery. Hope it all goes well from here. thibaultron, chris watton and mtaylor 3 Regards, Glenn Current Build: Royal Barge, Medway Long Boat Completed Builds: HMS Winchelsea HM Flirt (paused) HM Cutter Cheerful, Lady Nelson, Amati HMS Vanguard, HMS Pegasus, Fair American, HM Granado, HM Pickle, AVS, Pride of Baltimore, Bluenose
Kevin Posted May 5, 2021 #1316 Posted May 5, 2021 hope wife is better soon, my boi is asking why i dont carry him down the stairs chris watton and mtaylor 2 Its all part of Kev's journey, bit like going to the dark side, but with the lights on All the best Kevin SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On the build table HMS Indefatigable 1794 by Kevin - Vanguard Models - 1:64 - Feb 2023 Belle Poule 1834 by Kevin - OcCre - 1/90 - French frigate - started June 2024 - - On hold MHS Britannic by Kevin SD 14 - Marcle Models - 1/70 - March 2022 - Bluebell - Flower Class - Revel - 1/72 U552 German U Boat - Trumpeter - 1/48 Amerigo Vespucci 1/84 - Panart- HMS Enterprise -CAF - 1/48 Finished Hercules by Kevin - OcCre - 1/50 - Tugboat - Finished - May 2024 Nectan-Mountfleet-models-steam-trawler-1/32 - Completed June 2020 HMS Victory - Caldercraft/Jotika - 1/72 - Finished Dorade renamed Dora by Kevin - Amati - 1/20 - Completed March 2021 Stage Coach 1848 - Artesania Latina - 1/10 -Finished Lady Eleanor by Kevin - FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1/64 - Fifie fishing boat
DelF Posted May 5, 2021 #1317 Posted May 5, 2021 Best wishes to your wife Chris. I’m just glad we live in a bungalow (and have a small dog!) 🐾 chris watton, thibaultron and mtaylor 3 Cheers, Derek Current build: Duchess of Kingston On hold: HMS Winchelsea Previous builds: HMS Speedy, English Pinnace, Royal Yacht Caroline (gallery), Victory Cross-section (gallery), US Clipper Albatros, Red Dragon (years ago!) On the stocks: 18th Century Longboat
Glenn-UK Posted May 5, 2021 #1318 Posted May 5, 2021 Wishing your wife a speedy recovery. mtaylor, chris watton and thibaultron 3 Glenn (UK)
chris watton Posted May 5, 2021 Author #1319 Posted May 5, 2021 Thank you for all the kind comments! I made a mistake in one of my posts, it should have read 'No surgery required', I omitted the No! It is the top of the 'Tibial Plateau', and wasn't so misaligned that surgery would be required DelF, BobG, Edwardkenway and 6 others 8 1 Vanguard Models on Facebook
Blue Ensign Posted May 5, 2021 #1320 Posted May 5, 2021 That's a relief Chris, fingers crossed for a speedy recovery. B.E. mtaylor, Canute and chris watton 3 Current Build: Medway-longboat-1742-by-blue-ensign-½”-scale Completed builds: HMS Indefatigable-1794-by-blue-ensign-vanguard-models-1:64-scale HMS Sphinx 1775 by Blue Ensign. 1:64 scale - Vanguard Models Queen-Anne-Royal-Barge-circa-1700-by-Blue-Ensign Fifie fishing boat Lady Eleanor Muirneag-1903-–-a-scottish-zulu-fishing-boat-164-scale-based-on-the-vanguard-models-zulu-kit/ HM Cutter Alert 1777 HM Cutter Cheerful 1806 18th-century-English-longboat-by-Blue-Ensign-ms-148-scale/ 18thc English Pinnace by Blue Ensign-Model-Shipways-1:24 scale/ HMS-Pegasus-by-Blue-Ensign-finished-Victory-Models-1:64-scale/ Heller Seventy-four 1:150 scale - modified Le Superbe/Le Glorieux kit after Boudriot, waterline setting with sails. The schooner Pickle, Jotika pob kit 1:64 scale, my interpretation.
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