H.M.S. Badger Kit by Caldercraft

[AndyXO]

I am considering purchasing this kit and wanted to know whether those who have built this model would recommend it-- or other models by this vendor.  Thanks for any comments on this model. 

[Beef Wellington]

If you do a quick search on Badger you will find many build logs of this kit to get more information and answer your question.  Similarly there are many many build logs of other Caldercraft kits to read through.

[Landlubber Mike]

This was the first model I built (you can see my log linked below).  I highly recommend it - very well done, great instruction manual, great Caldercraft quality, etc.  The only quibble I had is that some of the thin walnut sheets were kinda crumbly in places, maybe that's been fixed, but nothing that filler and paint can't fix.  When I was looking at possible first models, I wanted to build something interesting that was more complicated than a weekend-type model, yet not too complicated.  The Badger and the Armed Virginia Sloop were great candidates at the time.  There are a lot of new kits on the market with improved instructions, building methods, etc., so hopefully folks with knowledge of them can send you additional recommendations.

 

Other than that, if you buy the kit, I would consider building in a different order.  For me, I think adding the cannons so early on ended up causing me a lot of grief because I kept busting them off when trying to add the rails and other external hull details.  That could just be my building style as I typically build in my lap more than I should.

[Gregory]

Here is a quick link for you..    Look down the list for Badger builds...

 

 

Build Log Index For Wooden ships..

Edited October 1, 2019 by Gregory

[GrandpaPhil]

I haven’t built any Caldercraft kits but I’ve heard good things about them.

 

A brig is a good starting point if you are new to the hobby.

[ccoyle]

Caldercraft kits are well-regarded for quality. I built their Sherbourne kit and thoroughly enjoyed it. The issue with crumbly plywood mentioned above is not unique to Caldercraft. I had the same issue with some plywood parts from Amati, but was able to work around them. It's a not readily visible problem that is easy for the QC people to miss.

[shane762]

I'll second the positive comments about the Badger.  It was my second wooden build and took me about 18 months (I am a SLOOOOOOWW builder) and I love the way it looks.  It gives a great impression of complexity once it's finished and rigged but it's a straightforward build.  Mike's comments about leaving the cannons off until later are a good idea.  I only knocked two loose during the build but it was still aggravating. 

As far as material quality went my walnut and plywood were ok but the decking material, tanganyika I think, looked like it had been ripped down by beavers with dull teeth.  Still I managed to use it and it ended up looking fine.  Just involved more prep work and careful attention to which side I was going to use.  

All in all a great kit that has gotten a lot of compliments over the years.

[ccoyle]

55 minutes ago, shane762 said:

the decking material, tanganyika I think, looked like it had been ripped down by beavers with dull teeth

😝

[AndyXO]

I have been working on building the HM Brig Badger by Caldercraft for sometime now and was looking back at the helpful a number of you made last year prior to my purchase of the kit.

 

One comment was to delay putting in the cannons until "later."   I would greatly appreciate any specific thoughts folks have on when "later" should be.  Thanks  much   

[WalrusGuy]

I have not built the Badger but looking at the US Brig Syren's instructions (can be found on the ModelExpo website) I would think that the cannons can be installed after detailing the hull and the inboard bulwarks. 

[glbarlow]

14 hours ago, AndyXO said:

cannons until "later."

Not sure what later is either - I'd put them in sooner by my work process.  Most deck furniture runs down the center, to me, other than hatches, its easier to put the cannons in and then the deck furniture - but either way they should go in before you start on the masts  The hull should be completely finished before masting and rigging begins.

 

It also might depend on how far you plan to go with the rigging of the cannons. Fully rigged could wait until balance of deck work is done, only the breaching rope can be done at any point t once the deck and hatches are in.

 

I've built Granado, part of the Badger family. Caldercraft, because they were designed by @Chris Watten , used to be my favorite brand along with Amati, many also Chris Watten designs.  Now Chris has his own company, Vanguard Models. Speedy and Alert are already out and more are coming. I'd highly recommend you go there for your next model. His designs, materials (all pear wood) and instructions are second to none.

[AndyXO]

Thanks much for your helpful thoughts on this question.